Terrific photo of Bankstown First Grade team mates from 1986-87

Tim Sullivan | February 20, 2023

Back Row - Mark Grant, Scott Prestwidge, Tim Sullivan, Andrew Divall, Gary Crowfoot, David Thompson

Front Row - Wayne Holdsworth, Nick Geale, Paul Talbot, Bob Vidler

Sitting - Gary Lovett

This photo was taken in about round 4 vs Waverley (now Easts) at Bankstown Oval. It was our first win of that season after a slow start, so we were all pretty happy.

Mark Grant opened the batting with Garry Crowfoot—a really solid and reliable partnership at the top. Mark was a beautiful driver of the ball who could bat for long periods, and became a very good middle order player who played spin really well.

Crowie had terrific timing and worked the ball beautifully, had a thumping cut shot and straight drive, and all built around rock solid defence. His mental toughness and discipline at the crease were extraordinary.

The middle order was led by the multi-talented Bob Vidler in what was his last season with the club as his business started to take off. Bob played shots all around the ground off pace and spin. He was a maestro when he was in full flow. Bob bowled better than handy leggies, and his fielding anywhere in the inner ring or close catching was brilliant. He was quick to the ball and his throw in classical Australian style under the body from cover or mid-wicket was lethal.

Garry Lovett was a newbie in the team, straight out of the NSW under age system. He impressed everyone with his calmness and maturity, and looked like a clone of Steve (SB) Smith in his technically pure execution of shots.

Andy Divall was a mercurial player who could tear an attack apart in the right mood.

Dave Thompson was an ebullient character who liked to dominate from early in his innings. He had deft leg side play and could hit down the ground powerfully. More often than not Dave’s knock would determine the tempo of our innings. He was also a wonder at slip and bowled a heavy bouncer when needed.

Keeper Nick Geale was a super athletic, enthusiastic gloveman who kept us all on our toes. He took some amazing catches going wide either side and scored handy runs too.

When we first saw Wayne Holdsworth as a 16 year old kid, he was already lighting fast, had a beautiful run to the wicket, an uncomplicated action, and a fierce determination that never seemed to tire. As he learned how to swing the ball at pace he became a wonderful first-class bowler who could change the game in a spell.

Scotty Prestwidge bowled fast, had a dangerous bouncer, and moved the ball prodigiously. He could also bat, had a rocket arm, could catch anything in the outfield and make it look a snack.

Paul Talbot was a left arm finger spinner who had a beautiful arm ball that moved late, had remarkable control of side and over spin, and his effectiveness over or around the wicket and on all surfaces, made him a threat no matter the conditions or the state of a game.

This team was the basis of the success that was just around the corner. The recruitment of Terry Davies as skipper brought deep experience and professionalism, and the return of Steve Small brought runs and a confidence that infused the whole side. Add in Stephen and Mark Waugh and Steve Smith when available, left-arm quick Todd Crameri, middle order bat Darren Mitchell, wily spinner Bill York, and that is a pretty good squad that took the premiership the next season.