Stories

last year

St George Cricket Club

Sydney, Australia

53 Likes
54 Followers

The legendary cricket exploits of W. J. “Tiger” O’Reilly are very well known. Club records show, that Bill took an amazing 766 wickets at an average of 8.7 runs in his years playing first grade cricket for St George.

Those same records show that another O’Reilly - John William (St George Player No 186) and no relation to Tiger Bill – played 9 successful seasons with St. George. At the end of his time with St George in 1965-66, this “Other O’Reilly” ranked among the club’s top wicket-takers after Bill, having taken 304 wickets at an average of 18.4.

In 7 of his 9 seasons at St George, John took out the club’s aggregate and/or average bowling honours. John was among the leading Sydney First Grade wicket takers in many of these years being the top wicket taker in 1958-59 and 1962-63.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/275/st-george-cricket-club/blog/270/the-st-george-cricket-story-of-john-william-orsquoreilly-the-ldquoother-orsquoreillyrdquo

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last year

Bankstown District Cricket Club

Sydney, Australia

10 Likes
30 Followers

Grahame Thomas had the honour of being the first Bankstown player to represent Australia in Test cricket. He was a magnificent hooker of the ball, loved the straight drive and was very speedy between the wickets.

Grahame formed a dynamic opening partnership with Bankstown Legend Dion Bourne and together they tore opposing bowlers apart. The scourge of fast bowlers and an absolute delight for spectators. Grahame also teamed with Alan Kelly for a record 246 run stand vs Paddington. Kelly sensibly turned the strike over to the rampaging Thomas who took full advantage.

One fine day at Memorial Oval Dion and Grahame hammered the Cumberland attack which contained a youthful Richie Benaud. Grahame pounded 143 that day and the leggie must have been impressed as years later he said that Thomas had played some of the most brilliant innings he had ever seen.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/356/bankstown-district-cricket-club/blog/1452/grahame-thomas-a-history-of-bankstown-players

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last year

Jason Swift

Cricket Coach

Hove, England, United Kingdom

2 Likes
0 Followers

My best grade team – Jason Swift 1989 to 2004

I made by first grade debut for Hawkesbury Cricket Club during the 1989-90 season and played with the club for 8 seasons before I moved to Canberra and played for Queanbeyan Cricket Club for 4 seasons. I moved back to Sydney for the 2001-02 and played for Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club until I moved to the U.K after the 2003-04 season.

I was very lucky to play with a lot of good players and selecting my best grade team wasn’t easy but it brought back a lot of great memories.

Here’s my team.

1. James Marshall (Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club)

Played Test cricket for New Zealand. Well organised, paced his innings beautifully. Top quality opener.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/1310/jason-swift/blog/1920/my-best-grade-team-jason-swift-1989-to-2004

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last year

Peter Langston

Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia

36 Likes
4 Followers

The Veterans

I watched some old men run today

I saw them chase the ball

Send one down at their best speed and

shout and laugh and call

“Yes” then “no” then

“shit, sorry mate,

the spirit is willing but

the legs aren’t great … and

if I go too fast I’ll fall.”

Not one tried to pretend at youth

(a lost cause at this stage)

but gee it was great to see them play

and not concede to age

Those with lids of thinning grey

might once have had thick mops

but a carpark with some empty space

is better than vacant lots

and it’s better to comb than shave.

The batsmen aimed some lusty blows

one bowler was seen to sweat

A steady pursuit of a well struck ball

is as fast as a bloke can get

The Captain stode to the crease

to set a good example

A mighty swing … but they caught the thing

and he left, without a sample

and his bird is quacking yet.

Some moved with surprising stealth

as they ran up to the wickets

or timed the ball with life-long ease

‘till it rattled on the pickets

Others took a lesser role

just content to play their part

only there with the love of the game

written on sleave and heart.

Thank God the rain stayed in away

so these blokes to could have their head

and prove old mates companionship

doesn’t always need a shed

It matters not if they laugh or hurt

It’s not their youth they try to capture

It’s mates … the game … oh I can’t explain

being lost among the rapture

not confined upon a bed.

The ump calls time and stumps are drawn

Last runs have been recorded

A few beers later … the strangest thing

Their worries have been reordered

Not from deeds achieved on the field

Not even from a few cold wet ones

But from holding each other up …

There’s honour among these Veterans

and another day has been rewarded.

(pictured) Hunter Lord Taveners & Mid North Coast

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last year

Patrick Skene

Marketing Director

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

7 Likes
0 Followers

Where there's a will there's a way! When double arm amputee Amir Hussain Lone was 8, he lost both his arms in an accident at his father's sawmill. Incredibly, Amir now captains the Jammu & Kashmir para cricket team, batting using his neck and shoulder and bowling with his foot.

The 34 year old cricketer has had an extraordinary journey from the small village of Waghama to the international stage and has developed an incredible cricket genius based on determination, grit, passion and dedication.

He has taken his unique talents to Nepal, Dubai, and more recently he played in Sharjah in the UAE para league.

Sachin Tendulkar is his hero and upon hearing Amir's story on social media, Tendulkar posted a heartwarming message of celebration:

"Amir has made the impossible possible and shows how much love and dedication he has for the game - I hope I get to meet him one day and get a jersey with his name."

"Well done for inspiring millions who are passionate about playing the sport." Tendulkar added.

In reply, a proud Amir told news agency ANI. "I never thought that great people would tweet for me,"

"I am very happy, and I think I am being rewarded for my struggle,"

"I can't express my happiness. My dreams are getting fulfilled."

Thanks to Amir Hussain Lone for the perspective reset and providing a truly inspirational reminder of what the human spirit can achieve!

Credit: ANI Media

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last year

Greg Briggs

Gosford, NSW, Australia

31 Likes
1 Followers

Gosford Cricket Club is having a 40-year reunion for its 1983-84 First Grade Premiership winning team at the Elanora Hotel on the 16 March 2024.

We’re excited to confirm, as at today, all the eleven players will be in attendance.

Being a Gosford junior, I was lucky to be part of the previous year’s win as well in 1982/83 so to go back-to-back was a great thing for someone like me who started playing with the club at a young age as many of us did.

For myself, it happened only by chance.

In the 1982-83 season I was playing for Bankstown and a midweek training mishap during the season put me out with injury for 6 to 8 weeks. My spot in the first-grade team was taken by a young 17-year-old by the name of S.R. Waugh.

On returning from injury Bankstown couldn’t guarantee my spot in 1st Grade as the side was doing well so Gosford approached me to finish the season with them.

Whether that was right or wrong I don’t know but I got a clearance from the Bankstown and finished the season with Gosford where we beat Wyong in the Final of the Central Coast Competition.

In the winter of 1983, I was planning to play the 1983-84 season in Sydney when I received a phone call from a Gosford Life Member and well-known businessman offering what at that time was quite a large monetary offer to stay and play for Gosford.

After the shock and a week of thinking about it I accepted the offer, and we were fortunate to win the Central Coast Competition again that season.

As a kid growing up and as I said ‘a Club Junior’ so to play for Gosford on the hallowed turf of Grahame Park and win a couple of first grade premierships brings back some great memories.

For the club to have to merge after 108-year history is very sad but the memories will never fade.

Cheers
Greg Briggs.

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last year

Joe Maiorana

Sydney, Australia

40 Likes
2 Followers

Trevor Barsby nicknamed "Tank" is a former Australian first-class cricketer who played for Queensland.

Trevor was an aggressive batsman, usually opening and often with Matthew Hayden

He is one of a select group of players to have appeared in 100 Sheffield Shield games for Queensland.

This milestone was reached in his last game, the 1996/97 Shield Final. Queensland won the game and their second Sheffield Shield trophy.

Barsby had played a large part in their inaugural championship win two seasons prior with an innings of 151 in the final against South Australia.

Trevor has been recognised for his contribution to QLD cricket with the Trevor Barsby Oval located at Deagon, Brisbane named in his honour.

He was the QLD Bulls coach from 2008 until 2010. His daughter Jemma Barsby plays for Queensland Fire and Brisbane Heat.

Trevor John Barsby was born on this day in 1964.

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last year

Ken Piesse

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

8 Likes
0 Followers

Their fame was fleeting and their stories compelling. Seventy of Australia’s Test cricketers appeared only once. Their journeys will entertain, enlighten and delight – and have been beautifully told by Australian cricket’s master storyteller Ken Piesse.

One of the debutants hitch-hiked to the ground, another broke down on match-eve.. but still played...

So gripped by nerves was one that he could hardly feel the ball in his hand. Another was plucked from Twenty-two of Ballarat into an MCG Test the very same week. Ken Meuleman’s sole Test ended in eight hours. Dr Bert Hartkopf was a luckier. His Test went for seven days. He made 80, yet still was dropped.

Fifteen Minutes of Fame, Australia’s 70- One Test Wonders, a 284 page hardback, is available now, for $60 including post or $10 as an e-book.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/572/ken-piesse/blog/1044/fifteen-minutes-of-fame-australias-70-one-test-wonders-by-ken-piesse

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last year

Brad Haddin

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

0 Likes
0 Followers

In July of 1999, Phil Emery announced his retirement from first-class cricket. His were big shoes to fill; he was second on the all-time list of most games played for the Blues, and held the record for most dismissals, with 332 catches and 46 stumpings. I wanted more than anything to have a chance to make that kind of contribution, but I wasn’t the only keeper in contention. Craig Glassock was still part of the squad and the name of another Second XI player, Nigel Taylor was also bandied about. Coach Steve Small was keeping his options open until the start of the season got closer. There was only one thing for me to do, and it wasn’t sitting and fretting, it was working even harder than ever. I knew the selectors would be scrutinising every aspect of my game and of my attitude and I was going to make sure they knew that I was up for the challenge.

The hard work paid off: when the team was announced at the start of the season I was named as keeper for both one-dayers and the Sheffield Shield. It was an incredibly proud moment for me and my whole family. But it was an opening, an opportunity, not a crowning achievement. I was in the hot seat and I wouldn’t stay there long if I didn’t perform

Click to buy -
https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781460752494/my-familys-keeper
/

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last year

Brad Bannister

Teacher

Corrowong, NSW, Australia

32 Likes
3 Followers

My best grade team - Brad Bannister 1989 to 2011

This was a tough task and actually got tougher the longer I thought about it. I had the pleasure of playing with some wonderful players in grade teams over many years.

I played for Lambton New Lambton, Wallsend and Belmont in Newcastle First Grade and Gold Coast Dolphins in Queensland Premier Cricket

I would have loved to have played in this team - My Best Grade Team from 1989 – 2011

1. Glen Grimmond - Lambton New Lambton, now West Newcastle

Got better the older he got. Amazing off the back foot and took on the short ball with vigour and power. Quiet and unassuming but had a very good game.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/209/brad-bannister/blog/496/my-best-grade-team-brad-bannister-1989-to-2011

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last year

Manly Warringah Cricket Association

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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0 Followers

Please enjoy Part 3 of a look back at the 100 years of the Manly Warringah Cricket Association with a sneak peek from the yet to be titled book by Stephen Shepherd.

SEASON 61: 1980/81

THE MWCA WINS ITS MAIDEN TELEGRAPH SHIELD AS MANLY LEAGUES PRODUCE WINDIES STYLE BOWLING ATTACK

[ALSO KNOWN AS FATTY VAUTIN AND JOHNNY GIBBS PLAY FOR BALGOWLAH BEAVERS]

After several near misses over the decades the MWCA finally broken through for its first ever premiership in the Daily Telegraph Shield (U23) competition:

“It was a great team effort under the management of Fred Rosa and captaincy of Chris McCelleland”

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/1159/manly-warringah-cricket-association/blog/1915/celebrating-the-centenary-of-the-mwca-part-3-season-198081

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last year

Cricket NSW

71 Likes
102 Followers

NSW Under 17 Cricket team 1993-94

Back Row – Paul Sutherland, Adam Elbourne, Mark Bailey, David Langford-Smith, Jamie Heath, Nathan Bracken, Noel Spencer, Nathan Pilon, Graeme Rummans

Front Row – Allen Turrell (Assistant Manager), Matthew Bradley, David Carson (Vice-Captain), Todd Campbell (Captain), Graham Errington (Coach), Kurt Thessman, Rocky Harris (Manager)

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last year

St George Cricket Club

Sydney, Australia

53 Likes
54 Followers

As a 19 year-old already pinpointed as a future rugby league great, Reg Gasnier made his first grade cricket debut in October 1958 batting No 5 and scoring 59 against Waverley.

An outstanding junior cricketer as well as rugby league player, Gasnier debuted as one of the replacements for NSW players O’Neill, Booth, Watson and Saunders. He played only one other match.

Within a year of his cricket debut, Reg’s football career had gone from second grade at the St George Dragons all the way to the Test side and a starting role in the 1959 tour of Great Britain.

“Puff and Magic Dragon”, as he was known, was forced to abandon his very promising cricket career, but is remembered with fondness at the St George club

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last year

Tony Goodfellow

Ballina, New South Wales, Australia

5 Likes
0 Followers

The 1930-31, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Cricket Association final in Canberra was a match of epic proportions, far greater than any timeless Test match.

The scenario appeared simple. To find a winner, the match had to be played to a finish, meaning the completion of four innings by the two combatants, Ainslie and Northbourne.

The first days play was scheduled to commence on Saturday, March 21, 1931, however, due to heavy rain late in the week, the match did not start till the following Saturday, March 28.

In what was described as excellent conditions, Ainslie on winning the toss and batting first, through some very cautious play, had reached four for 155 when around 5-30pm an appeal against the light was upheld by the umpires and stumps were drawn.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/212/tony-goodfellow/blog/1914/is-this-the-most-bizarre-premiership-decider-in-history

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last year

Manly Warringah Cricket Association

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

0 Likes
0 Followers

Please enjoy Part 2 of a look back at the 100 years of the Manly Warringah Cricket Association with a sneak peek from the yet to be titled book by Stephen Shepherd. A fascinating look back in our history that we hope to continue over the the next few weeks. Enjoy!

SEASON 15: 1935/36

THAT'S QUEENSCLIFF. QUEENSCLIFF WITHOUT AN “E”

Clifton Leake had provided stability as President since 1930/31 but had to welcome his fourth Secretary in five years when H.Moulton retired in favour of R.A Baker on March 4, 1936.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/1159/manly-warringah-cricket-association/blog/1913/celebrating-the-centenary-of-the-mwca-part-2-season-193536

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last year

Mark Patterson

Sydney, Australia

14 Likes
3 Followers

My best Grade team - Mark Patterson 1984 -2004

Someone mentioned to me this would be fun, it was.

I was fortunate to play with some great players and people during my time at Waverley now known as Easts Cricket Club in Sydney.

Here’s my best combined team I played with at the peak of their powers from the Waverley/Easts Cricket Club era from 1984-2004 when we won the 1990/91 and 2003/04 First Grade premierships. It was a privilege to lead the team in 2003/04.

In batting order:

1. Paul Prichard – Captain

2. Jimmy Marshall

3. Greg Geise

4. Darren Kingdon

5. Brad Haddin – Wicket Keeper

6. Greg Matthews

7. Kyle Thompson

8. Malcolm Marshall

9. Adrian Tucker

10. Anthony Stuart

11. David Hourn

12th man – Jeff Cook

Scorer – Owen Ridge

Manager – Mick O’Çonnell

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last year

Cricket Victoria

Melbourne, Australia

3 Likes
3 Followers

Victoria Under 19 cricket team 1983-84

Back Row - George Murray (Manager), John Neylon, Brendan Ricci, Darren Foley, Denis Hickey, John Wilson, Paul Burns, Bob Bitmead (Coach)

Front Row - John Blennerhasset, Andrew Grant, Michael Dimmatina, Grant Jordan (Captain), David Thomas, Warren Ayres, Leigh Watts

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last year

UTS North Sydney District Cricket Club

Sydney, Australia

12 Likes
19 Followers

Geoff Wood grew up on the family farm in Uralla on the Northern Tablelands of NSW.

A very talented cricketer in his junior years and selected in the Northern NSW Emus Geoff left Uralla to play grade cricket in Sydney with North Sydney.

He made his first grade debut for the Bears against Western Suburbs during the 1973/74 season. Geoff is North Sydney first grade player number 439

At the age of 26 he returned to Uralla and continued to play in the Armidale competition with great distinction in local and representative cricket.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/380/uts-north-sydney-district-cricket-club/blog/685/geoff-wood-keep-hitting-the-ball-along-the-ground

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last year

UNSW Cricket Club

9 Likes
9 Followers

UNSW Cricket Club Green Shield team 2018-19

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last year

Graham Mackie

Yamba, NSW, Australia

19 Likes
2 Followers

My cricket caps, my journey - Graham Mackie

Caps, left to right in each row

Top
West Pymble CC My first cap - Captain U/16’s 1966 A grade 1967/68

Gordon DCC 1968 4th Grade Premiers 1970/71

Dubbo South HS Whitney Cup 1st Grade 1973/74

Dubbo Rugby CC Whitney Cup 1st Grade Premiers 1975/76

Dubbo RSLCC Whitney Cup 1st Grade 1977/1980

Middle
Australian Cricket Society Tours to ACT 1976, Melbourne 1977 New Zealand 1978 World Tour 1979 Melbourne 1980 Far East 1983

Sheffield Cricket Lovers 1981, 1987, 1993

MCC played at Sheffield University 1981

Gordon DCC 3rd Grade Premiers 1982/3

Hong Kong CC 1982

Front
Frogan Cricket Club Anston Sth Yorkshire England 198 * *

North Coast Academy of Cricket

Hong Kong CC (Aust) Tours to Singapore & Hong Kong 1989.1990, 1991

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