My best grade team - Anthony Kershler 1986 - 2016
Anthony Kershler | February 06, 2023
Thanks for the opportunity to have a crack at naming the best team I had the honour of getting to play with during my 1st Grade career that spanned 3 clubs; Penrith, Parramatta and Hawkesbury.
It was an enjoyable trip down memory lane and some of the names I ended up leaving out of my final 12 were fantastic cricketers who would arguably make other people’s teams if they were doing this selection. I’d like to mention a few of them so you may have a couple of good memories too.
I was only 17 when I started at Penrith and only played a handful of games in 1st grade and players like Greg Gavin our wicket keeper who stumped Brett Williams from Campbelltown for my first 1st Grade wicket, Phil Blizzard an incredibly skilful opening bowler and John Saint who went on to forge a tremendous career.
I moved to Parramatta and had an incredible time playing with the likes of Bob Aitken, who’s boys continued in his footsteps and forged a name synonymous with Grade/Premier cricket, Brett Neill a talented opening batsman, whose son Josh is currently playing 1st Grade in the Brisbane Premier cricket competition, Jim Wilson a genuine fast bowler who was far too intelligent to be that big quick, and Daniel Jackson who went on to take over 600 Premier wickets.
Hawkesbury served as my most long serving club and still holds a strong place in my heart getting to play with many fine players like Alan Richardson, a prolific run scorer for the Hawks, Mal Cobcroft who had successful careers at both Penrith and Hawkesbury and until only couple of years ago still held the ‘Most Runs’ for the club title until he was overtaken by my great mate Dean Laing who is still helping guide young players coming through the club by Captaining 4th Grade. Mark Higgs was only a young kid from the ACT who went on to represent NSW and Australia and Mick Shields who still has a Steve Waugh signed match ball after nicking him off at Bankstown Oval (whether or not he hit it is irrelevant).
As you can see, there were so many great players, and no doubt I’ve forgotten many more, however after much thought, and lots great memories that brought a smile to my face I have come up with the following side in batting order.
1. Greg Mail – Hawkesbury
2. Wayne Seabrook – Parramatta
3. Peter Forrest – Hawkesbury
4. Rod Bower – Penrith
5. Trevor Bayliss – Penrith
6. Ken Hall (Captain) – Penrith
7. Stephen O’Keefe – Hawkesbury
8. Craig Bayldon – Parramatta
9. Allen Turrell (Wicket Keeper) – Parramatta
10. Neil Jones – Parramatta
11. Paul Sullivan – Hawkesbury
12. John Hastings - Hawkesbury
I have a good look at this side, and I reckon it would give any competition a real shake. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reliving some awesome cricketing memories and what a great way to remember so many terrific cricketers.
