| Questions and Answers

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The Parramatta District Cricket Club has had many accomplished sportsmen pass through its ranks over the course of time, but the multitalented Charlie Leabeater – elder sibling of former State batsman Len Leabeater – takes a bit of beating.

He was adept at a wide range of sports as illustrated:

· As a cricketer he played for Central Cumberland from 1918/19 to 1944/45, this included three years in retirement, but as a veteran he answered call to overcome player shortages during World War II.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/406/parramatta-district-cricket-club/blog/2649/parramatta-dcc-ndash-charlie-leabeater-an-all-round-sportsman

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last year

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The greatest father-son combination in the history of the old Randwick club was Stan and Rhys Banwell. And while they played in different eras and never played together, the contribution each made to Randwick over an extended period, emphasised their ability as highly talented and at times, brilliant cricketers.

Stanley Joseph Banwell was born at Broken Hill on 3 December 1932. That was also the day Australia’s Stanley Joseph McCabe made 187* against Harold Larwood and England at the SCG. It was therefore no co-incidence baby Banwell should bear the name, Stanley Joseph. There had always been cricket blood in the Banwell family with Stan’s father, Jesse James Banwell, a 2nd Grade cricketer with St George.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/258/randwick-petersham-cricket-club/blog/2648/like-father-like-son-stan-and-rhys-banwell

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last year

Paul Ryan

Founder

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513 Followers

Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy once shared an intriguing perspective: at any given time, there could be around 11 wicketkeepers in Australia capable of stepping into the Australian Test team.

He explained that the Australian incumbent Test wicketkeeper is, of course, one. Then there are the six Sheffield Shield wicketkeepers representing their states and four wicketkeepers playing grade cricket who could also perform at the Test level if given the opportunity.

It’s worth noting that Ian himself was playing first-grade cricket in Brisbane when he got his chance to represent Queensland after Peter Anderson was injured. Remarkably, Ian played just six first-class matches for Queensland before earning selection for the Australian Test team. Healy went on to play 119 Test matches and was ultimately named the wicketkeeper in Australia’s Test Team of the Century.

In my opinion, Healy is Australia's greatest pure gloveman, yet his journey highlights how he rose from grade cricket to the Test arena after only six first-class games.

This raises an intriguing thought: if we consider Ian’s perspective on wicketkeepers, could we apply similar reasoning to other skill sets within a balanced cricket team? For example, could Australia potentially have the following number of players capable of performing at the test level across these roles?

55 batters
11 all-rounders
11 wicketkeepers
22 spinners
33 fast bowlers.

It’s a fascinating concept. With the right combination of hard work and opportunity, who knows what might be possible?

How do we make the Sheffield Shield competition stronger? How do we empower a greater emphasis on the competition to future-proof the breeding ground and ultimate success of the Australian test team?

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2645/increase-the-prize-money-for-winning-the-sheffield-shield-to-2000000

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last year

Parramatta District Cricket Club

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Randwick Petersham Legends Society member and former Randwick cricketer, Todd Greenberg, has been appointed CEO of Cricket Australia. Todd brings a wealth of sports experience and administration talent to the role. A former CEO of Canterbury Bulldogs and the NRL, he is currently CEO of the Australian Cricketer’s Association. It is a fantastic appointment by Cricket Australia and one welcomed by everyone who knows him. He will replace Nick Hockley who will vacate the role at the end of March 2025.

Todd joined Randwick as a 16-year-old in 1987-88 as a 5th Grade right-arm medium pacer. Two seasons later, he had switched his focus to his left-hand batting, bringing up his maiden century with 129* in 4ths.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/258/randwick-petersham-cricket-club/blog/2647/todd-greenberg-randwick-petersham-legend-the-new-cricket-australia-ceo

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last year

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Throughout its long history the Parramatta District Cricket Club has had a multitude of intriguing tales to tell, and the story of Tom Vernon Garrett certainly fits that classification.

Between 1904 and 1911 Tom, a busy all-rounder (right-hand middle order batsman and medium-pace bowler), took the field for the Parramatta club (then known as Central Cumberland), in both First and Second grade – some of his playing contemporaries were club legends like Les Pye, ‘Mudgee Cranney’, E.L. ‘Gar’ Waddy, and internationals W.P. Howell and G. Hazlitt.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/406/parramatta-district-cricket-club/blog/2646/the-tom-vernon-garrett-story

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last year

Paul Ryan

Founder

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513 Followers

How do we make the Sheffield Shield competition stronger? How do we empower a greater emphasis on the competition to future-proof the breeding ground and ultimate success of the Australian test team?

Let’s make it about money and make the prize money for winning the Sheffield Shield competition $2,000,000 every season. Make the prize money for making the Sheffield Shield final but not winning the competition $300,000.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2645/increase-the-prize-money-for-winning-the-sheffield-shield-to-2000000

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last year

Matt Ellis

Cricket Coach

Dubbo, NSW, Australia

59 Likes
7 Followers

This week, we’re thrilled to bring you the inspiring story of James Knight—a master storyteller, literacy advocate, cricket tragic and bestselling author.

In this heartfelt conversation, James reflects on his journey from bush cricket fields to discovering the rich tapestry of cultures through cricket. He opens up about his battles with depression and shares how his experiences have shaped a life dedicated to making a positive difference.

We also dive into his latest book, The Spirit of the Warriors, and explore how he uses storytelling to inspire others and foster a love of literacy.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/182/matt-ellis/blog/2644/james-knight-the-gift-of-stories

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last year

St George Cricket Club

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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54 Followers

Clive Kable, in participating in the first season of first grade cricket for the St George District Cricket Club, continued a family tradition of firsts. His great-great grandfather, Henry Kable married Susannah Holmes on 10 February 1788. Their wedding was one of five to take place on the same day, marking the first marriages in the new British colony of New South Wales. Of the five marriages, only the Kable family bore children that lived into adulthood meaning that the Kable family can boast the longest continuing European family line in Australia.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/275/st-george-cricket-club/blog/2643/clive-kable-first-grade-player-no15

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last year

Ken Piesse

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0 Followers

Ian Redpath was a champion on and off the field; genial, laconic , self-effacing. It was 60 summers back when he made 97 on his unforgettable Test debut having shared a 219 run opening stand with fellow Victorian Bill Lawry.

I still remember the hush and the groans of disappointment at the MCG when he was bowled by the South African swing specialist Joe Partridge. It was my first ever Test. Years later he told me it didn't bother him at the time, but rarely would a day go by when he didn't regret not making three figures.

Bobby Davis wanted Red to play VFL footy at Geelong after his outstanding exploits in the amateurs. But he didn't play so as not to endanger his amateur status.

Once he muscled administrator Alan Barnes against a dressing room wall after Barnes infamously said there were 500,000 others out there willing to play for Australia if the current ones didn't want to pay.

'Of course there are,' he said. 'But they wouldn't be any bloody good.'

Visit
www.www.cricketbooks.com.au

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last year

Sutherland District Cricket Club

Sylvania, Australia

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22 Followers

Sutherland won the Poidevin-Gray Shield in 2014-15

Back row: Matthew Bradley (coach), Jamie Brown, Riley Ayre, Trent Smith, Tom Pinson, Shayne Smith.

Front row: Daniel Fallins, Tom Doyle, Lachlan Maddinson, Jack Leaning (captain), Adam Whatley, Ben Dwarshuis, Jonathan Rose.

Extract from Matthew Bradley’s team report in Annual Report:

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/294/sutherland-district-cricket-club/blog/2641/sutherland-won-the-poidevin-gray-shield-in-2014-15

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last year

UTS North Sydney District Cricket Club

UTS North Sydney District Cricket Club

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19 Followers

2013 was the last time UTS North Sydney tasted success in Sydney's top flight. Here is a HOTSHOT of legendary off spinner Glenn Aitken in action during the victory over Northern District at Bankstown Oval.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/380/uts-north-sydney-district-cricket-club/blog/2642/hotshot-glenn-aitken-2013-one-day-premiership

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last year

Manly Warringah District Cricket Club

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19 Followers

UTS North Sydney made the trip out to Benson’s Lane across both Saturday and Sunday in early November.

It started off strong with skipper Mac Jenkins winning the toss and choosing to bat on a wicket that was thought to deteriorate as the game progressed.

After the 20 over mark both openers were s till at the crease, but departed shortly after the first drinks break. This brought to the crease both Addison Sherriff and Tim Reynolds, their partnership continued to grow and put the bears in a strong position just after lunch.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/380/uts-north-sydney-district-cricket-club/blog/2640/norths-fall-short-against-hawkesbury-at-bensons-lane

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last year

Western Suburbs District Cricket Club Sydney

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22 Followers

Manly Warringah DCC 1st Grade Premiers 1949-50

After 44 years of 1st Grade cricket, Manly won the premiership for the first time on Saturday, 5th April 1950, finishing on top of the competition ladder with 81 points, there being no finals or semi-finals at that time

Pictures: Keith Miller, Dudley Frazer, Doug Dives, Jim Burke

Back Row: Taylor, George Lowe (President), Jim Kennedy

Middle Row: Ewart Smith, Geoff Morrow, Eddie Robinson, Bruce Adrian

Seated: Col Graham, John Gwynne, Bruce Cook (Captain), Tom Brooks, Vic Brown

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/338/manly-warringah-district-cricket-club/blog/2639/manly-warringah-dcc-1st-grade-premiers-1949-50

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last year

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93 Followers

Keshav Krishnan is a promising all-rounder in the making who joined Western Suburbs District Cricket Club at the beginning of the 2024-25 season.

Keshav has already made a name for himself at Western Suburbs, through his consistency, patience and relentless effort.

This season so far, Keshav has already taken 17 wickets in 7 games at an average of 9.88, including taking 5 for 11 off 10 overs against Randwick Petersham in Round 4 and, more recently, taking 6 for 23 off 17 overs against Mosman in Round 6.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/161/western-suburbs-district-cricket-club-sydney/blog/2638/pocket-profile-keshav-krishnan-western-suburbs-district-cricket-club

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last year

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The Oxenham Shield annual cricket matches between neighbouring boroughs, Randwick and Waverley, were first played in 1883. Some 12 years later in 1895, Humphrey Oxenham, a 41-year-old bookmaker and gambler, presented a handsome trophy for competition between the boroughs. A colourful character, as a youth, Oxenham won a bet of £100 to one shilling that he could ride the two miles (3.2 km) between Bathurst and Kelso within a certain time—with a pumpkin on his head.

The trophy was presented at a public meeting on 14 December 1895 presided over by the Waverley mayor. The arrangements for the competition were established for the first match scheduled for Boxing Day and New Year’s Day at Waverley Oval.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/258/randwick-petersham-cricket-club/blog/2637/the-oxenham-shield

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last year

CricConnect Stories

Sutherland District Cricket Club

191 Likes
257 Followers

A heads-up about something a little different. Cricconnect member, James Knight, has written a fictitiou kids' story that aims to promote relationships between Australia and India through the beauty of cricket.

The story is told through the eyes of a drought- affected farm boy, Jack, and an Indian boy, Ajeet, who has just arrived to live with his family in an Aussie bush town. They don't always see eye-to eye, but in the end, this is a beautiful story about the strength of human spirit.

Although it is aimed at upper primary school and early secondary school readers, there are messages in it for all of us. As part of the book, the boys write their own diaries. Here's a sample Chapter.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/56/cricconnect-fans/blog/2636/spirit-of-the-warriors-by-james-knight

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last year

Sylvania, Australia

29 Likes
22 Followers

Sutherland DCC 3rd Grade Premiers 2011-12

Insets: Liam Casey, Scott Dawes, Michael Kelly, Nick Sharman, Dylan Smith

Back row: Shane Duff (Coach), Josh Zywietz, Adam Whatley, Aaron Phillips (Captain), Grant Davies, Jarrad Roy, Nathan Whittingham.

Front row: Mark Rice, Kurt Brown, Matt Manton, Sam Newman, Nathan Loder.

Extract from Aaron Phillips’ 3rd Grade report in 2011-12 Annual Report:

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/294/sutherland-district-cricket-club/blog/2634/sutherland-dcc-3rd-grade-premiers-2011-12

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last year

Corrowong, NSW, Australia

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44 Followers

Billy Ellison joined Randwick as an 18 year old in 1931-32. A left-arm over-the-wrist spinner and hard hitting batsman, he was to become Randwick’s most successful bowler with more than 1,000 wickets as well as one of the greatest of his type, ever to play Sydney Grade cricket.

Bill’s ability was apparent from his first season when he was the star of the “A” Shires team which won the competition, taking 38 wickets at 9.50 runs each. But for an appendicitis operation which cut short his season, he would have taken many more. In a remarkable transition, the very next summer of 1932-33, Ellison was in 1st Grade where he won the bowling average with 19 wickets at 13.05. He was to play the majority of his cricket in that team over the next 30 seasons.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/258/randwick-petersham-cricket-club/blog/2633/bill-ellison-1913-87

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last year

Brad Bannister

Teacher

32 Likes
3 Followers

After Greg's heroics of his 272 not out. We then travelled to the beautiful Newcastle Number 1 Sportsground for our next fixture versus University of Newcastle.

However, the week before in a mid-week fixture versus the Touring Indian team, Greg represented Norther NSW from memory and made a stella 100 in this tour fixture. We batted first in the NDCA fixture against Uni, and unlike the round before their were no quick wickets, no toilet issues and a much more settled start to our innings. As we sat in the grandstand, all of us young fellas hung off every word as Greg regaled his innings against the Indian test attack.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/209/brad-bannister/blog/2632/greg-geise-golden-1991-92-part-two-and-three

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last year

Paul Ryan

Founder