Greg Hartshorne - be your own man
Randwick Petersham Cricket Club | August 09, 2023
Greg Hartshorne affectionately known as ‘Prince’ played first grade cricket in Sydney from 1969 to 1999.
He played the majority of his cricket for Petersham Cricket Club and was made a life member of the club in 1988. When Petersham amalgamated with Randwick in 2001 Greg became a foundation life member of Randwick Petersham Cricket Club.
Greg was an all-round cricketer, an exceptional fieldsman and an inspiring captain and leader. In first grade Greg scored 7,687 runs at an average of 24.71 including 3 centuries and 42 half centuries. His highest score was 107.
With the ball Greg took 343 wickets at an average of 25.32 with best figures of 7 for 55 and took 5 wickets or more on 9 occasions.
Greg’s contribution to the game continued long after his first grade career as he captained and played in the lower grades at Randwick Petersham and has the distinction of winning 3 premierships in a row as captain in three different grades.
He was a state selector for a number of years and was made life member of the Sydney Cricket Association in 2005.
A wonderful journey in the game, let’s find out more about Greg Hartshorne
What year you were born?
1952
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
I played Green Shield for Petersham Marrickville. We won the competition and it gave me a springboard into grade. I was a fast bowling allrounder but had broken my ankle playing rugby and could only bowl off a short run. As a result, I bowled spin. Although I got close to 30 wickets, I couldn’t hit the ball off the square and ended batting number 11. I played almost all my cricket for Petersham, then Randwick Petersham apart for a brief stint with Sydney Cricket Club in the 70’s.
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in grade cricket?
4th grade during the Green Shield season when I was 15
At what age did you make your first-grade debut and can you remember how you performed in debut?
A little over 17. It was a 2-day game against Sutherland at Caringbah. My sister was getting married on day 2 and it caused considerable drama at home when I insisted on playing. We batted on day 1, (a useful 7 including a cover drive for 4), then washed out day 2, so I made the wedding.
My first bowl was against North Sydney at Petersham Oval the next week and I took 5 for 47 bowling spinners. Another 5 for against Gordon the next game, then nothing. At the Christmas break I grew about 6 inches and had trouble landing them after that, finishing the year in 2’s. It took me a couple of years to work my way back as a bowling allrounder thanks to limited overs cricket.
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
An excellent fielder, a useful seam bowler, a bit of a slogger (treated the good ball with respect and hit the cover off the loose ones – as hard as I tried, I never mastered the art of proper batting!), and a very good captain (eventually)
Left to right - Martin Bedkober, Greg Hartshorne, Graeme Hughes, Dave Chardon, Bill Anderson after Petersham 1974-5 finals win
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
I scored seven 90’s before my first 100, then I got two a row. My attention span was about 90 minutes, so 100’s had to have a tea break. In England I scored 117 not out in my first match as a professional, winning the game in the last over with a six as the fielder fell back over the line taking the catch.
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
7 for 40 odd for Petersham v Sutherland
Who have been the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Jeff Thomson was most lethal I have ever seen, but the day I played him he was injured but still quick enough for me. Steve Bernard was a great bowler and best bowler at the tail I have even seen. However, the three I found the most difficult to play were
Phil Alley came from like 15 feet and I really struggled to handle the bounce
Dave Colley made me look silly with his late swing. One day at Mosman Oval he hit me in the ribs so many times I could hardly breathe that night. After the game he politely suggested I stick to the middle order.
Andy Roberts bowled to me in a state cup game. I was going OK until I hit a beautiful cover drive for 4. I didn’t see the next one as it whistled past my nose. He grinned at me and I realised I was in a different league
I must add Dave Chardon although I didn’t play against him. He was the ultimate swing bowler and should have had a much better go at first class.
Andy Roberts
Who has been the best three spinners you have played against?
We all talk about David Hourn as the best. He rarely got me out because he spun the ball so far both ways. He didn’t get me out much because I couldn’t lay a bat on him. On that basis, I’m going for the 3 spinners who troubled me most
Billy York from Fairfield. I couldn't pick him, and he was always at the stumps
Mike Pawley, a great competitor, nice loop and a wonderful arm ball
Murray Bennett. A similar bowler to Mike. He and I had many encounters and he finished well on top
Wayne Mulherin is the best spinner I ever played with. Speaking as a captain, he was fantastic. Lots of turn, huge loop and he could bowl all day. In our years together, he won so many games for us (even though couldn’t take a caught and bowled if his life depended on it!)
Murray Bennett
Who has been the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?
In my time, we played against so many international and state players, so the list is pretty good. The 3 who impressed me the most were:
Bob Simpson. I remember a game at Pratten Park where he scored 120. He was relentless in finding the gaps. That day he hit 80 singles in his score of 120
Adam Gilchrist scored his maiden grade 100 at Petersham Oval. After 3 balls I knew he was special. He would be my favourite batsmen of all time
Mark Waugh was the most elegant and difficult to bowl to. He had shots all around the ground, perfect timing and so much time to play his shots
Amongst non-internationals, Graeme Hughes is the best I’ve seen. He could effortlessly tear an attack apart to all parts of the ground. It has always amazed me his results at higher levels did not match his ability.
Adam Gilchrist
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Graeme Hughes scored a 100 on a green top at Mosman Oval. A young Nassar Hussain was opening the batting for us. Although he batted through the first session, he struggled. Graeme came to crease and just took control of the game scoring at will to all parts.
Was there any batsman that stirred the emotions and competitive spirit where you really wanted their wicket?
John Dyson was mine. We had played against each other a lot and I greatly respected his talents. However, it frustrated me that he could concentrate so well, pick the right ball to hit etc etc, while I couldn’t. He usually got the better of me, except for one day at Coogee Oval. The wicket had a bit in it and for some reason everything clicked for me and I really troubled him off the wicket. That didn’t happen often for me.
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
I played with some great keepers. Martin Bedkober (hit by a ball and died way too young before we found out how good he was), Greg Dyer, Steve Rixon, Ray Phillips, Mark Atkinson. However, the best keeper I played with or against was Bronco D’jura. He had beautiful hands and deft footwork. If it hadn’t been for rugby league, he could have been anything.
Bronco D'Jura
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Mike Pawley, beautiful bowler, excellent captain, a mentor off the field even for the opposition, and a funny man
Murray Bennett. A real gentleman on and off the field. Probably something to do with the St George culture and the influence of men like Warren Saunders and Brian Booth.
Did you ever feel you were close to higher honours and if you can tell us when you believe you were at the top of your game?
I had a long stint in the state squad and had two 2ndXI games and a few city country, so I had my chances. I was never good enough at one thing and you can’t get picked just for fielding.
You were part of a great era at Petersham Cricket Club and the team was well known as a tough, uncompromising team to play against. What was it about the team that made it such a competitive outfit?
I was lucky to play in an era where we had a lot of good players. People thought we were the raw underbelly of grade cricket. Underdogs as well. We loved to win and hated losing. Our attitude was always to take it up to any team no matter what their reputation, but always leave it on the field. Have a drink and laugh after the game. It was a great period for the club
Do you have a favorite Brian Riley story?
There are so many. Two come to mind
1.He and Tom Brooks always had a testy relationship. Rightly so a Riles was often in his face about something and Tom didn’t seem to like the Riley way. Riles tried to humour Tom. One day we were warming up and Tom came through the gate at Petersham Oval. Riles turned to Tom and said, “Hey Tom, 3rd grade at Marrickville Oval”. I don’t remember too many LB’s that day
2. Against UNSW Riles got under the skin of captain Dave Meagher. At the end of the game, Dave came storming into our changeroom wanting vengeance. Not being a fighter, Riles hid in the toilet. I remember standing in the doorway telling Dave he had to get past me first. Things quickly evaporated and Riles stuck his head back out with a few beers in hand.
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
Brian Riley. Although he was a unique and polarising character, he was also funny, motivating and very astute about the game. He built mateship, loyalty and commitment in his team and had a great sense of camaraderie both with his own players and those in the opposition who cared to spend time with him.
Brian Riley
You played 30 years of first grade cricket and moved down the grades to help the next generation of players, what was the key to your longevity?
I tried coaching, but quickly realised I just loved playing. As I got older, I also really enjoyed playing with younger guys, captaining and seeing them develop. Personal goals became team goals.
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
We played at Howell. Day 2 was a heat wave and Penrith passed our score by lunch. They decided to bat on and on and on. Rod Bower smashed us to all parts for a huge ton. Many of us suffered under to heat until finally at 5.30 the game was called off. A terrible day. As we sat in the small change room, our manager Alan Nelson burst through the door and gave us a torrent of abuse about lack of ticker, giving up letting the club down etc etc. He then walked out slamming the door behind him. As our heads dropped, he burst back in with an esky full for beer and ice! The next 2 hours were gold as we shared a laugh with the opposition in the visitor’s room!
What was your favourite ground to play at?
I would have to say Petersham because of all the memories, but the wicket was terrible at times. If I had of played all my cricket at Coogee, I think I would have been a much better player.
Petersham Oval
What there a team you especially looked forward to playing against?
Manly were my favourite team. I loved Manly Oval and the culture of the club. I also went on a New Zealand trip with them in the late 70’s and made some lifelong friends. On the trip we arrived in Queenstown and a bus pulled up next to us with all the Miss Australian contestants. We had a great couple of days, and I still think Miss Toowoomba should have been Miss World!
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
I was fortunate to be a state selector for a few years. I found this a tremendous experience and gave me a taste of what is involved at first class level. Although never a first-class player myself, I felt accepted by the senior players and coaches, people I really respect as quality individuals such as Simon Katich, Stuart Clark, Matthew Mott and Trevor Bayliss. I managed some tours and shared change rooms the young players who are now our greats – Smith, Warner, Starc, Hazzelwood and Hughes. I felt very privileged!
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
Winning first grade in 1974-5. I was not out when we passed them 5 down. The changeroom celebration was fantastic. A close second was 3 successive premierships with Randwick Petersham as captain - 4ths, 3rds and 2nds!
Petersham first grade premiers 1974 -75
Randwick Petersham - 4th grade premiers 2002-03
Randwick Petersham - 3rd grade premiers 2003-04
Randwick Petersham - 2nd grade premier 2004 -05
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Dave Skuthorpe, Wayne Mulherin and Dave Townsend
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Johnny Martin the Petersham and Australian allrounder was just finishing his career in Sydney when I started. He told me he counted every six he hit. I decided that was for me too. (Perhaps not the best advice I ever received!). My favorite 6 was at Petersham Oval on difficult wicket. (Our manager, Alan Nelson liked it too - “cop that Henry!” he called out)
My dad used to say, “be your own man”. Faced with any issue, make a decision and stick to it. If it turns out wrong, learn from it.
That 6
Here is my all-time best grade team (excluding internationals)
1. Steve Small - my type of batsman, aggressive, powerful and dominant
2. Bronco D’jura (wicket keeper) – Beautiful soft hands, a great deflector of the ball, and lots of time
3. Les Johns – similar player to Bronco, could caress the ball to all parts. Best slipper I played with. Could make the side on his lame jokes alone
4. Rod Bower – another dominating player who could score big hundreds
5. Graeme Hughes
6. Brian Riley (captain) – very talented batsman, on his day could punish any attack
7. Kerry Mackay – the prefect allrounder. His technique was unconventional, but he just knew how to score runs and take wickets. Great slipper.
8. Mike Pawley
9. Steve Bernard
10. Dave Chardon
11. Wayne Mulherin
12. Greg Hartshorne – to carry drinks and keep the peace as there are few in this side that didn’t get Riles!
Managers – John Connell, Alan Nelson
Scorer - Richard McCord
Other close contenders:
Batsmen – Trevor Bayliss, Greg Bush. These guys should have made the side, but my love for aggressive dominate players left them out
Spinners – Ken Hall (a true legend of the game and played for as long as I did), Steve Whitfield (a prolific wicket taker and very good putter)
Quicks - Phil Alley (troubled me but didn’t take enough wickets to make the side) and Steve Taylor (the fastest bowler I ever faced – but only for about 4 overs!)
