Steve Thomlinson played 199 grade games for Balmain, the old Sydney Cricket Club and Western Suburbs scoring 4,378 runs including 6 centuries and 18 half centuries.
Cricket has played a major part of Steve professional career as he's been Sports Master and a Professional Cricket Coach for over 30 years.
He is the proud owner of Balmain, now Sydney Cricket Club first grade cap number 404.
Let's find out more about Steve journey in cricket.
New Balance is one of the proud sponsors of Sydney Cricket Club
What year you were born?
1959
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
I played with Croydon CC from about 8 years of age and took a catch in my first match.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
I followed in my Dad's footsteps and played initially with Balmain Cricket Club and then moved across to Sydney Cricket Club before they folded and then returned to Balmain. I had a short stint with Western Suburbs and finished my career fulfilling a lifelong cricket dream by playing in England with Teddington in the Middlesex League
Steve with his family at Lords in 1994 when he was playing for Teddington
What other sports did you play?
I played rugby for Drummoyne in the early 80’s.
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in grade cricket?
My first grade game was in 4th grade for Balmain Tigers and I made a solid 10 not out.
At what age did you make your first grade debut in grade cricket and can you remember how you performed in debut?
My first grade debut was for Sydney CC when I was 22 against Penrith and I made 34 and received a point in the Sydney Morning Herald for playing a “gritty innings."
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
I played the majority of my career as an opening bat and occasional wicket keeper.
Steve batting against Manly in 1984
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
178 not out for Sydney against Mosman. It was especially pleasing as Paul Jarvis (England opening bowler) was playing for Mosman.
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
No bowling figures to speak of in senior cricket although I bowled Steve Waugh out for a duck in a PG game.
Who have been the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
David Gilbert, Richard Stobo and Mike Whitney, they were at you all the time.
Who has been the best three spinners you have played against?
Bob Aitken, Greg Matthews and Murray Bennett
Who has been the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?
Ian Davis, John Dyson and Mark Taylor, just never seemed to play a false shot.
Steve along with David Moore coaching the NSW Under 19s in 1996
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Wayne Seabrook smashing 98 for St George at Hurstville
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Greg Dyer, Phil Emery and Greg Gavin
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Steve and Mark Waugh
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
Best captains were Darren Tucker at Balmain for his knowledge of the game and John Nilan from Sydney CC who was the old first grader looking after the young upstarts in 3rd grade. We learnt so much from John.
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Denis Hinds left arm spinner from Sydney CC who was hilarious in the dressing room and on field. He still umpires in lower grade matches
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
Petersham’s Brian Riley catching me at gully off a full blooded cut shot and farewelled me with “piss off four eyes” The Pete’s guys thought it was hysterical.
Steve with the great Dennis Lillee coaching at Barker in 1998
What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?
Clipping a half volley into the hands of short leg and taking off with the ball in his outstretched right hand and running me out by yards.
Who was your childhood hero?
Keith Stackpole, loved an opening bat who took on the quicks.
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Muhammad Ali, Sachin Tendulkar and Jack Nicholas
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Richard Benaud always the favourite but more recently Russel Arnold.
What was your favourite ground to play at?
Favourite ground was the SCG, it was such an honour to have played there.
Steve with Joel Garner
Was there a particular team you especially looked forward to playing against?
Playing St George was always a great test, they were always so strong
What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?
Loved the mate ship and dressing room banter.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
There are a number of treasured memories. Scoring 178 not out against Mosman and hitting a six to bring up the ton and playing in a testimonial match in England for Alec Stewart. I also took a catch off my Dad’s bowling in a 5th grade match for Balmain and later in my career I had the great fortune of opening the batting with both my sons.
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
Playing for Sydney we beat Sutherland in what was the last match for the old Sydney club.
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
A Saturday BBQ would be perfect with Gary Olsen, Greg Gavin and Michael Haire
What sports do you play now?
I love playing golf and snooker.
Who is your favourite sports movie or documentary?
I really enjoyed the Bodyline movie.
What’s the one thing about you most people don’t know about?
I had afternoon tea with Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace
What are your hobbies?
I love spending time with the family, the grandsons are so much fun. Also adore travelling and seeing the history and culture of other countries.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Never give up and always do your best
You’ve bene involved in sport, especially cricket for most of your professional life, can you tell us a little more?
After a long career as Sports Master and Professional Cricket coach at Barker College, Australia’s No 1 school, I recently accepted the position to manage the indoor sports and teaching centre at Barker. I have been at Barker College for 25 years and love being part of such a wonderful environment.
I recently stepped down from my role as Director of Cricket at Barker. This role encompassed the coaching and development of young cricketers from Year 3 to Year 12 over two decades. During this we ran annual cricket clinics, hosted Australia v England Blind Cricket Ashes, Indigenous matches and charity matches for the Foundation of Goodness in Sri Lanka.
I also coached the CAS representative team for nearly 10 years and the NSW Schoolboys team for 4 years. We are immensely proud of our cricket history at Barker. To see Barker’s premiership winning wicket-keeper Alyssa Healy dominate the World Cup final was fantastic.
Steve and ex barker student Alyssa Healy
If you were running Cricket NSW what would your 2 priorities to ensure cricket in NSW remained strong and successful on and off the field?
NSW cricket needs to continue the development of the grassroots cricket fund both in the city and country regions. A program to entice more female coaches and improve regional training facilities. In addition Test and first class players should play a minimum amount of grade games.
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