My best Grade team - Jeff Cook 1989 to 2015

Wow tough ask, this brought back many memories. Thank you for the opportunity to name my best team I had the pleasure to play with on a Saturday in the Sydney Grade Competition. The players were/are not just champion players in their own right but had a huge influence on my career and more importantly, gave time to others in the Club or opposing players. In particular young players entering the 1st Grade ranks in the late 80s/90s was daunting, their guidance and belief in you were instrumental to many young players going onto a career in cricket or distinguished 1st-grade careers.

Here's my team in batting order:

1. Wayne Seabrook

Only played the 1 season with Wayne at St George, he had a presence when batting and a no-fear attitude of getting out. I saw him hit the first ball of the day for 6, His 140 v Gordon on 1 leg {Hamstring }was amazing viewing as a 17yo in awe at the other end. This innings gets him in the side. Played first class cricket for NSW.

2. Geoff Milliken

He scored a 100 in my debut match for St George and many more after that. In a season he scored 4 x 100s in a row and a 100 v England. Amazing player and concentration, learnt so much watching him bat and his toughness. Better yet, he gave his time to us young players. Fantastic man and player. Played first class cricket for NSW.

3. Brad McNamara – All-rounder

Fantastic all-rounder, highly competitive and funny at times. It was a pleasure to watch him play from the same side, he won us matches individually with bat and ball. His record at St George is prolific and in my time the most influential signing St George made in my era at the Club. Played first class cricket for NSW.

4. Michael Clarke

Australian Captain, Test average around 50 he fits a number 4. In the matches he played with us at Wests, his time to other players and Club members was outstanding.

5. Mark Patterson

Selected in Eastern Suburbs team of 125 years, a great leader and bloke. Led from the front. Patto won us matches we had no right to win, mostly on last balls, due to his tenacity and brilliance with the bat. Had power and a mentally of strength. Great to play with and share a dressing room with. Through his leadership, he deserved to win a premiership as Captain with us at Easts CC. No doubt would have played more for NSW if not for the era he was in. Played first class cricket for NSW.

6. Brad Haddin - Bat/Wicket Keeper

Australian Representative, Hads is easily one of the most destructive batsman I played with. Standing at the other end was a pleasure to witness how easily he hit the ball to the fence. He had no fear of getting out and had huge self-belief in his game. Sharing a big partnership with him at Manly is a highlight for me personally. Great to win a premiership with him.

7. Moises Henriques – All-rounder

He was an extremely gifted /talented 17yold at St George DCC when I returned to the Club. We always knew he was going to go ahead with his cricket. Highly talented and competitive with bat and ball and has gone onto play for Australia. Very Humble, Fantastic guy and am very proud to see where he has got to in cricket and life.

8. Greg Matthews – Spin All-rounder

Represented Australia, enjoyed playing with Greg at Easts CC, every Saturday was different and an event. The King bowled us into wins regularly and it was wonderful to see him bowl from such close quarters. He is the best off spin bowler I played with at any level. His 5- 13 off 10 overs in a one day semi final against Northern District at Waitara was a highlight for me, watching his craft against a very good batting team who went on to score around 300.

9. Murray Bennett – Captain

Murray was my first ever 1st Grade Captain. I learnt so much from him on and off the field. He was hard but fair to us young guys as our captain but extremely humble. Watching him bowl to players {in particular NSW or Australian players} was a thrill, his setting players up for the famous arm ball. He was first grade manager in my returning year at St George DCC as captain. Safe to say, I was still intimidated by him but continued to learn so much from him. Wonderful man and mentor. Played test Cricket for Australia.

10. Mitchell Starc

Wonderful fast bowler and even better guy, I played quite a few matches with Mitch at Wests. He always put in the effort for the Club. A wonderful ambassador for the Wests Club. Fantastic to see him doing well for Australia. Class act both on and off the field.

11. Anthony Stuart

Australian Representative, my first captain at Easts CC, Wonderful leader who like the other great players led from the front with his actions. His bowling was fast and aggressive until the body started giving away. He always prided himself knocking over the top 3 which he did consistently. Great man both on/ off the field, fantastic teammate who hated watching cricket in tight situations.

12. Graeme Smith

I played with Graeme at St George DCC, amazing power hitting the ball and medium pacer. Won 3 MOM awards in his first 3 One Day matches for NSW. He would be worth a lot if T20 was around in his era. The best advice was don’t back up when batting with Stan, you’ll get hurt.

Manager John Russell St George DCC

Wonderful man JR, always immaculately dressed loved the Club. JR worked tirelessly for the Club in his tenure as Secretary.

President – Bob Horsell

Bob made a huge impact on Easts CC and cared so much for the club and players. Bob was great company in the back room. A great gesture to have the Grandstand at Waverley Oval named after him. No person is more deserving.

Patrons - Mr Warren Saunders and Mr Brian Booth

Two absolute gentlemen, always there to offer advice to a young player like myself. In my and many others opinions, they exemplify what the St George DCC name is all about. Even when scoring a 100 against St George, both men would offer their congratulations and give compliant of how you played.