Greengate Hotel Killara is where many local dads gather most weeks to catch up on the weekly events and solve the problems of the world. In many ways, it’s similar to the dressing room after a full day of cricket, plenty of banter with a beer in hand.
I was asked a couple of weeks ago about some of the players I played with during my grade career. At home I then saw a couple of videos of international players picking their all-time best teams.
It got me thinking about picking the best team from players I played grade cricket with.
I thought it might be a bit of fun so a couple of days later I ventured back up to the Gate with pen and paper in hand to find a quiet table. This could take a while and I'll need an inspiration or two.
To set the scene I made my first grade debut for Western Suburbs in January 1986, I joined Mosman in 1988/89, went back to Western Suburbs 1992/93 and then to St George 1994/95. I finished up at seasons end 2003/04.
I established a selection criteria where we had to at least have played 10 games together.
Why 10? Not sure, it sounded like a good round number and it’s around half a season of cricket.
I’ve also established a support crew to help us get through the season and any possible pre-season or end of season tours.
So here goes, it’s in batting order.
1.Brett Van Diensen – St George.
Dynamic opening batsman who played for New South Wales and was also a very good medium pace bowler and a very good slipper. I so wished he played more first-class cricket.
2. Jeremy Bray – St George.
'Words Bray' scored the most incredible 159 in the 2nd innings of the 1996/97 Grand Final against Mosman. Mosman's attack included Phil Alley, Brett Lee, Shane Lee and Craig Hughes. 'Words' also got a hundred for Ireland in their debut World Cup game against Zimbabwe in 2007. Also a very good slipper.
3. Graeme Rummans – St George and Vice-Captain.
Rummo played 38 first class games for New South Wales and Victoria and has more than likely won more Premier/Grade Cricket Premierships than any other grade cricketer in the country. He's a winner.
4. Brad McNamara – Western Suburbs and St George.
Played 59 first-class games for NSW and always dominated grade cricket with both bat and ball. In the field Buzzard's going straight to 2nd slip.
5. Nathan Pilon – St George and Wicket Keeper.
Former NSW and Victorian Keeper and selected in St George Cricket Club Team of the Century as Keeper. Pils was a very talented batsman who scored over 1,000 in one season
6. Scott Thompson – St George.
Very talented all-rounder who played 17 first-class games for New South Wales. Bowled with real pace and would put in all day. He’d be always saying “where would you rather be, working down a coal mine”.
7. Gary Bensley – Mosman and Captain.
I loved playing with Benz and he had a great influence on my cricket. An incredibly gifted all-rounder who played for NSW and he was a competitor’s competitor. He’s the captain because he was a great leader, always wanted to play, knew how to win and he’d have no problems keeping the ego’s of the team in check. He’d be leading the troops from first slip
8. Gavin Robertson – Mosman.
Former Australian Test off spinner. Played with Robbo before and after his time in Tassie and was always quality.
9. Greg Rowell – Mosman.
Former NSW, Tasmania and Queensland Fast Bower. Bird was incredibly dedicated, and was a keepers dream as his leg cutter was a ripper. He loved batting and had many a good 50 nipped in the bud.
10. Neil Jones – St George.
Jonesy and I joined St George at the same time. He had good pace, was incredibly fit and would put in all day. Jonesy played one Shield game for NSW and took 283 First Grade wickets.
11. Stuart MacGill – St George.
208 Test Wickets. He had some fun at Grade Cricket. Sugar he’d want to be in the slips too. Good luck skipper.
12. Jimmy Turner – St George.
I loved playing with Jimmy. 249 first grade wickets say he could bowl and he was probably one of the most improved players I played with. As captain, he became the go-to bowler whenever we need a wicket and he did so more often than not.
So there’s the team, now for the support crew.
Wayne Turnbull - Coach (St George). WT was a well-organised premiership-winning coach
Murray Bennett – Manager (St George) A good leader and like Benz, had a great influence.
Mal Gorham – Scorer (Western Suburbs) The late great Pencil. Just a brilliant scorer and friend to all.
Michael Swan – Logistics (Western Suburbs) Former First Grade Captain and successful business owner who'd ensure an enjoyable tour.
I'd be backing a few of the boys would be making a pretty penny in today's cricket, especially in the BBL and T20's around the world
There’s my team, it was a bit of fun. Looking forward to reading yours. .
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