After making my debut for South Brisbane in 2011 I have played with some top class players.
I’ve put together my Best Grade XI made up of top grade players who have not played for Australia or First Class cricket.
1. Dan Wilson – Present
Prolific A Grade batsmen in recent times that I used to follow around game to game to watch when I was 12 years old. Never really smashed the door down in his time at Souths but a move out to Ipswich showed the entire competition what kind of skill Dan has. Not enough experienced players like Dan floating around anymore. I’d say he was responsible for a lot of Ipswich’s success this season.
2. Aryan Jain – Present
Recently completed his studied in the UK which has allowed AJ to return to Souths and commit to his cricket. Played 2nd XI cricket this season on the back of good performances. A hard working and technically sound batsmen. A work ethic that will knockout 95% of blokes his age and older and a hunger to continue to expand and mould his game. Plenty of 100’s in him at A Grade level and no doubt for the Bulls in the coming years.
3. Brian May – Retired
A hunger to bat sessions at a time. Batting a full day was a normal Saturday outing for Brian. Dominated A Grade when the competition was in my opinion at a far better standard than it is today with the lack of seasoned ‘oldies’ still playing. Season average of 50+ for the few seasons I played alongside him. I endured many night watchmen stints whilst Maysie had to sit on the toilet with 10 overs left in the day...loved facing a fired up Neser, Swann at 4.50pm as an 18yr old with Doran and Robbo in the cordon...That was proper A Grade cricket.
4. Jamie Eccles – Present
A talented batting all-rounder who, in my opinion, if put into a representative game within the last few years would have looked comfortable. The ‘J man’ as he calls himself, has consistently scored 700+ runs a season and taken important wickets with his medium pace over the last few years. Hides in the cordon when the Turfies are used… fast forward to post Xmas and he’s the first one to put his hand up to bowl with the Dukes.
5. Michael Narracott – Retired
Most naturally talented batsmen I’ve ever played with growing up from 14s State Champs cricket for MSW through to A Grade. Narra dominated bowlers and won games on his own. Could play all the shots but just couldn’t get his mindset right. He would go 5 innings without a run and then come out and blast a QLD attack all around the ground and finish 170* at the end of the day after the team was 5-60 at lunch.
6. Callum Taylor – Present
A current 2nd XI regular for Glamorgan that has played T20 Vitality Blast within the last year. Cal is a competitive, confident, dynamic white ball cricketer who exhibits the skills to be a regular at representative level. If he isn’t contributing with the bat, he is taking wickets with the ball or impacting in the field. A captain’s dream…He’ll even let you know about it.
7. Dom O’Brien (Wicket Keeper) – Retired
One of the best blokes you’ll meet. An Australian U19 representative, and a Bulls rookie at a younger age. Dom oozed class whether it be with the gloves on taking sharp stumping’s or playing his part with a cameo later in the day. Retired from cricket too early. I believe in different circumstances Dom would still be playing high level cricket today.
8. Worrin Williams – Retired
The ultimate competitor. Always tried his absolute hardest when competing out in the middle. A character that today’s game is lacking…a hardened, never give up approach that would bowl through injury to get the team over the line. A crazy fast bowling loose unit as a young player on the up, Wozza was handed a rookie contract and if he took a different approach I’m sure would have played a bit more cricket at a higher level than he did. A natural hard hitter of the ball who made impossible shots looks easy. Would love having him back at Souths even if it was in a coaching position as he would teach the younger players making a mark for themselves so much about the game.
9. Daniel Woods – RIP
Mr. consistent and was a bloody top bloke! A consistent 2nd XI player over in the UK bowling left arm tweakers , Woodsy was our pommy import for a few seasons and would consistently put the ball on a string. His competitiveness and skill helped complete the Souths bowling attack after years of spinners that just couldn’t crack the consistency needed for A Grade cricket. Woodsy recently lost his battle with Cancer.
10. Josh Henderson – Retired
Typical aggressive fast bowler that would hit a ‘first class’ length more than anyone I have played with. He hated it when you ripped him off when bowling, a real hunger to compete! Without injuries I’m sure Hendo would have been a consistent performer at a representative level and still to this day. Went wicket-less many a game due to batters sitting on him. Easily one of the premium fast bowlers in the competition for a few years at the back-end of his career.
11. Michael Brammer – Retired
Bram could bowl 45 overs a day if you asked him too. Loved his dot balls and would even tell you mid-over how many maidens he’d bowled in his A Grade career. There was a day when he completed a maiden over and said “Yep, just broke Bich’s record! Beauty”. In all seriousness, the most consistent medium bowler I’ve ever played with/against. Would dominate in today’s game with his skill and perseverance especially post Xmas with the Duke. A Few extra K’s and he would have played a handful of representative games.
12. Shaun Abel/Nick Bischoff – Both Retired
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