Gary Bensley - be competitive, stay humble

Randwick Petersham Cricket Club | February 26, 2023

Gary Bensley travelled down from Inverell in Northern NSW to play cricket for Randwick Cricket Club during the 1976/77 season and over the next 17 seasons became one of the most dominant all-rounders in the history of Sydney Grade Cricket.

In Gary’s grade cricket career he played for two clubs, Randwick and Mosman and then played Shires cricket for Epping.

Gary took 539 first grade wickets at an impressive average of 20.19 with best figures of 7 for 10 and took a 5 wickets or more in an innings on an equally impressive 30 occasions.

A hard hitting left hand batsman Gary scored 6,603 runs at an average of 33.01 and scored 9 centuries and 24 half centuries.

Gary was a highly respected and engaging leader, a premiership winning captain who always believed, irrespective of the situation of the game, there was an opportunity to win.

After 10 seasons with Randwick and 6 with Mosman Gary returned to where it all began at Randwick for his last season in grade cricket and when he took his 500th first grade wicket in 1992/93 he became the 12th all-rounder in Sydney Grade Cricket history to take 500 First Grade wickets and score 5,000 First Grade runs.

Gary is a proud member of the Baggy Blues having played one Sheffield Shield game and 5 one day games for NSW.

Let’s find out more about Gary’s journey in the game

What year you were born?

I was born on 17 October 1958 at Inverell in Northern NSW

Can you remember you first game of cricket?

My first memories of competitive games was the House cricket I played at Ross Hill Primary School in Inverell when I was about 10.The games were played on school days from 8.30am to 9.00am and 12.45pm to 1.30pm on one of the two pitches available in the playground. Sometimes a game took three to four weeks to complete. We kept a record of our scores and it was compulsory for the not-out batsmen to be ready to resume their innings at the commencement of each playing period otherwise they were out or retired.

After scoring some runs and taking some wickets in the House games, I gained selection in the School team to play against schools in other local towns.

My father Bob, along with Barry Davison (who was a teacher in Inverell at the time before returning to Sydney to play for Sutherland) and other parents started a Saturday morning junior competition in about 1970.

It was great for the kids as it allowed us to get more competitive games against players of our own age before we progressed to the men’s afternoon competition.

My formative years in Inverell were certainly a great grounding for my future cricket in Sydney.

Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?

• Played school cricket in Inverell for Ross Hill Public School and then Inverell High School
• Played for the NSW Primary Schools Team in 1970 in Adelaide
• Played for the NSW Combined High Schools Team in 1975/76
• Toured New Zealand (1975) and Tasmania (1976) with the Northern NSW Emu’s Team  
• Played for Nullamanna Cricket Club in the Inverell District Cricket Association until 1976
• Played for Randwick Cricket Club from 1976/77 until 1985/86 and again in 1992/93
• Played for Mosman Cricket Club from 1986/87 until 1991/92
• Played for Epping Cricket Club in the Shires Competition from 1993/94 until 1999/2000
• Played three seasons in England in the Northern League – 1979 and 1980 at Preston and 1983 at Fleetwood

Gary Bensley

When you moved to Sydney you chose to play with Randwick Cricket Club. Why did you choose Randwick?

When I was playing for NSW Country against NSW Metropolitan in late 1976 at SCG No 2, I spoke to a number of Randwick players (some of whom I already knew) and officials about playing Grade cricket in Sydney

This discussion resulted in me being invited to participate in Randwick’s annual double-wicket competition on the Sunday following the NSW Country game.

At the double-wicket competition, Randwick invited me to finish the 1976/77 competition with them and after I moved down to Sydney to commence work in late January 1977, I played two games for Randwick to finish that season and the rest is history.

I was very comfortable in the environment and was made to feel very welcome by the Committee, players and general Club members. I eventually teamed up with other country players including Peter Clifford and Malcolm Brown who joined Randwick about the same time and we shared a large unit (known as Country Cottage) which was only a stone’s throw from the Coogee Bay Hotel and Coogee Beach

For a young guy from the country, Coogee was a great place to live, play cricket and learn about life.

Peter Clifford batting for NSW

In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in grade cricket?

After moving to Sydney from Inverell, I was 18 when I played my first game for Randwick at the end of the 1976/77 season – it was in Second Grade

The following Saturday I played my first 1st Grade game at Waitara Oval against Northern District – it was a repechage game (but worth Club championship points) played by those teams who did not qualify for the semi-finals in that season.

I remember the NSW Sheffield Shield fast bowling combination of Steve Bernard and Mark Clews being in the ND’s side that day so it was a tough baptism to Grade cricket

At what age did you make your first-grade debut in grade cricket and can you remember how you performed in debut?

I started off the 1977/78 season in Second Grade and was 19 when I was elevated to First Grade in Round 4 – mainly as a bowler who could bat a bit.

My first game was against Sydney at Rushcutter’s Bay and I think I took one wicket and scored less than 10 runs – an inauspicious start

The memorable thing for me was that Rick McCosker (originally from Inverell and a Test player and NSW captain) was playing for Sydney in that game and he was one of my heroes

Randwick First Grade went on to win the competition in 1977/78 - this was a huge lift for the Club which had struggled for a number of seasons before

My contribution to the First Grade team in that season was 38 wickets (at 15.5) and 106 runs (at 13.5)

Sydney Morning Herald - 4 February 1980

If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer? 

In Grade cricket, I was regarded as an allrounder who would bowl first change and bat at about number 5

As most games in those days were played as two-day games, you may have to wait for up to three weeks for your next bat so being able to bowl ensured more involvement in the games

I was also captain for a major part of my Grade and Shires career commencing at Randwick from the 1981/82 season and continuing at Mosman and Epping

In the small number of State games that I played, I was selected mainly as a change bowler who could score some quick runs late in the order

What was your highest score in senior cricket? For which club and where

I think I had two scores around the 160 mark. One was against University of NSW at the Village Green and the memorable thing about that game was that an orange ball was being trialled by NSW Cricket in the hope it could be used for day/night State and international games – but it felt like hitting a rock. My impression was that it was easier to bat than field with the orange ball – most of the players from Randwick and Uni thought that the ball appeared to have a tail when it was travelling through the air and this made it hard to judge.

The other 160 score was against Manly at Manly Oval when we chased more than 300 to win. I think the innings was the second time I batted as captain of Randwick and I wanted to be there at the end of the run chase. Unfortunately, this was not the case but it was nice to have former captain Alan Turner walking in to bat at No. 7 to complete the job 

What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?

My best figures would have been 7 for 23 in my final season at Randwick in 1992/93 – a game against Hawkesbury at Coogee Oval. Most of my wickets came after lunch on the first day after the wicket had been covered during a rain delay. The wicket sweated up a bit when covered and this ultimately helped my type of bowling once we could get back on the field. It was a memorable day for me as one of the 7 wickets was my 500th in First Grade.

Sydney Morning Herald - 30January 1984

Who have been the best three fast bowlers you have played against? And if you could add a few words as to why

I played against Glen McGrath when he was new to First Grade. It was on a wet wicket at Mosman Oval and he kept pitching on a length and hitting me in the ribs. You could tell even then he was going to go a long way in the game. He gave you nothing to hit, moved the ball around, got a lot of bounce and was quite sharp. The opposing captain was John Dyson and he enjoyed asking me if I was hurting.

Andrew Jones was difficult to face in his heyday. He was very quick left-arm bowler who angled back in to my body/head as a left-hand batsman. Even though he was keen to either hit me, get me out or both when I was batting, Jonesy was one of the first to share a drink and have a yarn after the game. We still catch up occasionally.

Dave Gilbert difficult to bat against. Dave was lightning quick on his day and was very hard to handle because of the steep bounce he was able to extract from the pitch – particularly when he hit the ridge at Pratten Park and it flew over your head. Very scary.

I was lucky to play in a Randwick side which had an opening attack of Mike Whitney and Evan Gordon. It was the best opening attack in First Grade at the time and it was good for me to come on as first change after Whit and Evan had roughed up the opposing batsmen. 

Glenn McGrath

Who has been the best three spinners you have played against? 

I found David Hourn to be the most difficult spin bowler to pick. My method when I could not pick him was to play as if he was trying to hit my stumps. This obviously led to a lot of play and misses by me and frustrated the hell out of Cracka. I really enjoyed the challenge and banter associated with batting against him.

It was always a great contest with Tom Shiner when he was playing for Penrith, Campbelltown or Wests. Although Tom was not a big turner he was quick through the air and was able to get lots of bounce. My normal approach as a left hander was to go after leggies but Tom never really provided the opportunity to be attacked. I found my best method for dealing with Tom was to defend and not get out so I could look to get runs against the bowler from the other end. This frustrated Tom a bit because he was keen for me to take him on.

We had a lot of good contests with Northern Districts and Steve Whitfield was always a dangerous bowler to face at the times of the innings when I batted. Steve had turned himself from a medium pacer into a top-class spinner and his height and flight made him difficult to attack or defend, particularly on a wicket which was turning a bit or bouncing. Always a great challenge with ND’s and Whit but also lots of fun after the game.

From a Randwick perspective, Trevor Jay was a great spin bowler who came into his own during the Randwick First Grade run of premierships in the late 70’s and early 80’s. I loved bowling in tandem with him and, as captain, I used him as an opening bowler when the games were tight and there were not many runs to defend.

David Hourn

Who has been the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?

In the one Shield game that I played, Kim Hughes scored a brilliant hundred. That innings showed me the difference between bowling to a first class batsmen on a first class deck versus bowling to Grade players on decks which were a bit more sporting.

In my early days in the State squad I had the chance to bowl to Allan Border quite regularly. I remember one occasion where I had a relatively new ball and was bowling to him in a centre wicket hit at the SCG No 2 and had success in beating him on a few occasions. He didn’t like it so decided the next ball had to go so he dispatched me completely out of the ground and sent me to fetch it – what a shot and what a player.

I remember Randall Green as being one of the best batsmen I bowled to in Grade cricket. Although he was very tight in defence, Randall was also so strong at driving me through the covers or hitting me square off the back foot.

From a Randwick perspective, Peter Clifford and John Dyson were the standouts. Cliffo had all the shots and could win you a game in a session while Dyso was the most reliable batsmen and would be the one you would choose to bat for your life.

At Mosman, Scott Jacobson and Paul Ryan were the standouts, particularly in the run to the final in the early 90’s. 

 

Kim Hughes

Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

The best innings I saw playing for a side I was in was when Alan Turner scored 231 not out against Penrith in the 1979/80 final at Howell Oval out of a total of 7 for 452 (chasing 113). As captain of the side, Alan he set the example and made sure there was only going to be one winner in that game

This was closely followed by some Peter Clifford innings at Randwick and a magnificent hundred that Paul Ryan made for Mosman at Rawson Oval against Campbelltown

The best innings I can remember against us was when Michael Bevan scored a big hundred for Campbelltown (in the same game that Paul scored his hundred) to chase down over 300.

Mosman had a pretty good bowling attack spearheaded by NSW (and subsequently Queensland) rep Greg Rowell but we were all powerless to stop Michael. It was an unbelievable innings – on one occasion in particular I remember him charging Greg and hitting him miles over the fence behind square leg into the houses down from the Oval.

Alan Turner batting for Australia

Was there any batsman in particular that stirred the emotions and competitive spirit where you really wanted their wicket?

In my era, Australian and State players played a lot of Grade cricket which meant that the competition was very strong from week to week. The opportunity to bowl against anyone who was playing (or who had played) first class cricket, particularly the batsmen, was a challenge I enjoyed and looked forward to

Over the years I was successful in getting some of the first-class players out and I relished the opportunity to bowl to them, particularly if the State selectors were at the game to see them bat.

After having played my early Grade cricket with John Dyson, I did particularly enjoy the challenge of bowling against him when he was playing for Sutherland. John was always the big wicket because of his great defence and it was a big challenge to try and knock him over

John Dyson hooks Ian Botham

Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

The best wicket keeper I played against (and occasionally with) was Steve Rixon. His skills were incredible and he was a natural in all that he did. I did get to play with Steve on a few occasions but also loved watching his prowess whenever he played for NSW and Australia

Alan Campbell was the best Grade keeper I played with. Alan had a couple of great seasons at Randwick when he was keeping to our bowling attack which mostly comprised Mike Whitney, Evan Gordon, Trevor Jay and myself. I don’t remember Allan dropping a nick he was able to get and I remember some of the wonderful diving efforts across in front of the slips or down the legside.

Alan was a great team man and a big part of Randwick’s winning culture in his years at the Club

I was also lucky enough to play with and against Greg Dyer on quite a few occasions. Greg’s keeping skills were supreme and he was an excellent leader – a skill he has continued to show in the roles he has performed at the ACA in his life after cricket

Steve Rixon

Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?

As far as an opponent goes, the person I wanted to emulate in my early years of Grade cricket was Mike Gatting. Mike came out to Sydney from England on a number of occasions to play full seasons for the Balmain club. He was always in the game, whether that be batting, bowling, fielding or captaining and I thought that is how I would like to play the game. Mike was an excellent role model for aspiring allrounders and captains

As a team mate for so many years at Randwick, Trevor “Hammer” Jay showed me how the game should be played. He was a senior player when I started and a more senior player when I finished.

Trevor was competitive from ball one in every game he played and was the constant voice that got us through the tough times. Trevor and I bowled in tandem a lot and I fed off his enthusiasm, competitiveness and will to win.

As a captain, Trevor was a great person to have in your team. All he cared about was the team performance and what we needed to do to win a game. His competitive spirit was incredible.

Hammer and I won four First Grade premierships together and I can remember celebrating with him after each of them. What a great team mate and legend of the Randwick Club

Trevor Jay

You were part of a great era at Randwick Cricket Club, what was it about the club and team that made it so good?

Randwick had been through a number of tough years prior to 1977/78. To improve their chances the Club recruited an English professional (Phil Slocombe) and an outstanding batsman (John Dyson) to join stalwarts like Allan Turner (as captain), Trevor Jay, Tim Towers, Graham Errington, Bill Knowles, etc in First Grade.

The Club also recruited a number of youngsters from the country (including myself) to strengthen the higher Grades

Many of the new players started flatting together (at Country Cottage) in the Eastern Suburbs and this helped the development of an excellent Club spirit, particularly as we were made feel welcome and included in many social events by the existing members of the Club straight away

The 1977/78 season became a watershed for the Club with premierships in first and fourth grades as well as winning the Club Championship. We enjoyed success and gathered together to party every Saturday night after the game with our partners at the Randwick Rugby Club.

This allowed us to tell the stories of the day, often with our opponents from the game who were always made welcome along with their partners and officials. The Randwick guys genuinely loved each other’s company and this further improved Club spirit

The Club’s success commencing in 1977/78 had a lot to do with the leadership of guys like Allan Turner, Lyall Gardner and Phil Tressider. Their immediate goals were to do well as a Club and the successes of individual Grades would follow.

They achieved both of these goals in 1977/78 and this provided an excellent legacy for future leaders and players to follow – Randwick was now seen as the place to play and enjoy your cricket and this saw many good new players arrive.

From a First Grade perspective, Randwick won four premierships in seven years from 1977/78. The Club also won the Club Championship and many Lower Grade titles during that period.

In First Grade, the success had a lot to do with Allan Turner’s captaincy and the spirit he engendered amongst all the players. Many of those players are still great friends and gather together on occasions as part of the Randwick-Petersham Legends Society

It was a great era and I had the time of my life

You left Randwick to play at Mosman – why the change?

After the end of the 1985/86 season my girlfriend (now wife) Lynda and I moved to Lane Cove. We were on the lookout for a house prior to getting married in 1987.

Mosman were keen for me to take on a coaching and senior player role at the Club and were prepared to pay me a few dollars for the privilege

Although it was a difficult decision to leave Randwick (particularly as I was the captain at the time) it did help me in my life outside of cricket

We were able to get a deposit together to buy a house in Hornsby and this eventually led to me gaining a job at Hornsby Council in 1990, a place where I have worked ever since.

Mosman was a great place to play cricket and had two of the most spectacular grounds in Sydney – Allan Border Oval and Rawson Park

I really enjoyed my six seasons there, particularly when I captained a very young side to a final against Gordon where we lost narrowly – what a great game

Because of my love for Randwick and the opportunities they provided me when I first moved to Sydney, I always wanted to finish my grade career at Coogee and did this by returning to the Club for the 1992/93 season

You played one first class game and 5 one day games for NSW. How do you look back on your first class career and were you ever tempted to move interstate?

As a kid from the bush, I relished the opportunity to play any one day or first-class cricket. Although I had a bit of success with the ball in the one-day games I played, I wasn’t required to bat very often

I had some bowling joy against the left handers in particular, getting David Hookes and Wayne Phillips out versus South Australia and Graham Yallop versus Victoria. They were three big names at the time and I was wrapped to get their wickets

In the one Shield game I played we were comprehensively beaten by an innings by Western Australia in Perth. I contributed one wicket and not many runs and was not picked in the Shield team again

My one first class wicket was Greg Shipperd - that game was not so memorable but making my debut and getting the wicket was.

Although it was tempting to move interstate, there were no firm offers and I was lucky enough to have good jobs in Sydney that I knew would provide certainty and security for the future.

Maybe I needed to be born about 40 years later as 20:20 cricket would probably have suited my game and provided opportunities to play at a higher level more regularly.

Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?

From a First Grade perspective, Alan Turner was the best captain I had. Alan was an excellent communicator and commanded the respect of the dressing room. He led from the front and you were left in no uncertain terms about how he expected you to behave and play

Alan provided me with great opportunities as a young cricketer trying to make his mark and showed confidence in my ability to step up to First Grade cricket

He was also part of the decision-making group who made me captain of Randwick from 1981/82 when I was in my early 20’s. The good thing for me as a new captain was that Alan played on for an extra season and was always there to provide guidance or another point of view which I could consider

Alan Turner with Randwick Petersham Cricket Club President Mike Whitney

Who have been your funniest team mates?

At Randwick, my funniest team mates were David Knox and Andrew (Spike) Millican. They came in to the side after I was made captain and I wasn’t sure how to handle them at first. They both were able to bring some hilarity to quiet times in the games and fed off each other in the dressing room. They were great for spirit but were also very competitive in all that they did

Ironically, Spike was the First Grade captain when I played my last season at Randwick in 1992/93 and I found him to be an excellent leader

Gavin Robertson was my funniest team mate at Mosman. Although I wasn’t sure what Robbo was getting to at times, I could certainly understand why he earned the nickname of “The Riddler”.

Robbo was a great guy to play with and had an excellent First Class career. Other notables at Mosman were Chris Madden, Phil Clune and Andrew Martyr – I think they regarded me as the grumpy old captain from another era who needed to chill out a bit

Gavin Robertson

Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?

Although I didn’t hear this exchange first hand, it is something I am told is true and I have repeated many times because I love the story. It was a great sledge but also funny.

We played Penrith in the 1979/80 First Grade Final out at Howell Oval – it was a Saturday/Sunday game. Penrith had finished above us so we needed to win the game.

We bowled Penrith out for about 113 on the first day and were 1 for 120 overnight so were in an extremely good position

We batted on during the second day and reached 7 for 452 before it was decided to finish. Alan Turner (our captain) finished on 231 not out. On the way off the ground, one of the Penrith bowlers was heard to say quite loudly “That would have to be the worst two hundred I have ever seen”.

As quick as a flash, Alan turned around to the bowler and said “And the way you bowl son, you would have seen a few”.

What a great comeback and the best sledge I can remember  

What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?

It would have to be when I was LBW not playing a shot to Tom Hogan in my only first class game for NSW. It was a long walk off the WACA, particularly as we were being smashed by WA

Who was your childhood hero?

Being an Inverell boy, my hero was Rick McCosker. I remember following his career closely and then watching him bat with bandages all over his head in the Centenary Test against England at the MCG. What a gutsy effort in the days before helmets.

To play against Rick in one of early First Grade games and then to train with him and be captained by him in my One Day debut was a dream come true

Rick was good to me when I came to Sydney and even organised for me to be provided with some cricket gear from Gunn and Moore who were a sponsor of his at the time - thanks for your support Rick.

As far as allrounders go, I loved watching Ian Botham play. He was always in the game and could singlehandedly win matches. The only bad thing was that he played for England but he was a brilliant cricketer

Rick McCosker

Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?

Cricket – AB de Villiers, Steve Smith and Elyse Perry

Golf - Greg Norman, Tiger Woods and Karrie Webb

Other sports – Roger Federer, Cadel Evans and Cathy Freeman

Cadel Evans

Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?

Kerry O’Keefe. I played against Skull in my early years and enjoyed watching him play for NSW and Australia against the best in the business

Because of his playing background, I fully respected what he had to say about the game at hand but also enjoyed his humorous take on things that happened. And what an infectious laugh.

Kerry is also a great guest speaker at many functions I attended and had so many stories to tell

What was your favourite ground to play at?

Coogee Oval was definitely my favourite ground. It was a good batting surface but also good to bowl on, particularly when the tide was in. The sea breeze coming off Coogee Beach was a big help to my inswingers as I bowled most of my overs from the northern end of the ground

There was always activity around the Oval on Saturdays and the passing parade was quite glamorous later in the afternoon on hot days

At Coogee, we worked on the basis that if we could score between 200 and 250 we could bowl any side out for less

An excellent Grade cricket ground which always produced results

What there a particular team you especially looked forward to playing against?

University of NSW were probably our favourite foes in the late 70’s and early 80’s. They had been dominant in the 70’s and we were keen to knock them off. Uni were our next door neighbours at Randwick and we would mix with their players regularly at social events and through cricket. Both teams were extremely competitive on the field but we also had great camaraderie off the field

The team we loved to beat the most was probably Petersham, particularly when Riles was in the team and stirring up a bit of trouble

Again though, we really enjoyed good times after the game, particularly having a beer in the sheds at Petersham Oval

It was not surprising for me to see a successful merger of the Randwick and Petersham Clubs over a decade ago as we always played similar brands of cricket

What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?

Having to combine skill with patience, aggression and subtleness in an attempt to outplay your opposition. Being able to travel and experience other States, countries and cultures. Being part of a team and contributing to its success

Sitting in the dressing room after a game enjoying a beer with your mates and the opposition and discussing the events of the day. Making lifelong friends who you can now play golf with

Gary Bensley's Mosman spearhead fast bowler Greg Rowell

What have been your most memorable moments in cricket?

• Making my First Class and One Day debuts for NSW
• Winning four First Grade premierships, with two as captain
• Winning the Sydney Morning Herald First Grade Player of the Year on a couple of occasions
• Achieving the double of 500 wickets and 5,000 runs in First Grade

What are the best wins you’ve been involved with?

The two games to win the First Grade comp in 1979/80 after finishing the normal rounds in fourth place

The first was a nail-biting semi-final win against Petersham and this was followed by a final win (set up by a great first day) against Penrith

Two others were back to back one day wins in 1983/84 against Wests and Petersham – both were from precarious positions and saw us make the semi finals and ultimately win the Premiership in that year

Gary Bensley

Who are the players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?

• Randwick – Alan Turner, Michael Whitney and Trevor Jay
• Mosman – Greg Rowell, Paul Ryan, Scott Jacobson and Gavin Robertson
• Others – Ross Turner, Mike Gatting and Greg Matthews

What are your hobbies?

I have two daughters but no grandchildren as yet so do have some spare time for different pursuits.

My wife Lynda and I enjoy travelling but we have had to postpone a number of trips like everyone else in 2020. Hopefully 2021 will see more trips being allowed

I play golf two days a week at Asquith Golf Club and enjoy the challenge of getting my handicap down and playing a competitive game

I have also recently joined the Sydney Veterans Golf Association who have regular competitions at many excellent courses around Sydney and I run four days a week as I have found that this is good for my health but also allows me to continue eating and drinking what I like.

What’s the best advice you’ve received?

To be competitive but humble because nobody likes a smart arse

What is your current occupation and who is your current employer?

I retired from my fulltime role as Deputy General Manager of Hornsby Shire Council in February 2019. Since then I have since been undertaking some special projects for Council on a part time basis

I currently work three days a week which suits my current lifestyle because it allows me to play more golf and go on a few trips

Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?

I’m a member of the Randwick-Petersham Cricket Legends Society – we get together for an annual golf day and are kept in touch with how Randwick-Petersham is going during the season via a regular newsletter

Member of the Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) – we receive health and wellbeing support from the current players and an invite to the Sydney Test Match each year. Thanks to Greg “Mo” Matthews for keeping in touch with all the NSW members and ensuring we are aware of functions, etc. Mo also maintains contact by ringing us on our birthdays – great job Mo

Member of the Baggy Blues – we have an annual golf day and receive an invite through the ACA to the Sydney Test Match to catch up with former NSW Men and Women players. Having only played one Shield game for the Blues, I feel privileged to be invited and made to feel welcome at these events by legends of the game.

Also a member of the Sydney Cricket Judiciary Committee, having been recruited as a former player by Dave Gilbert about 15 years ago. The members of the Committee are rostered as required to attend Judiciary Hearings and sit in judgement of those Grade and Shires players whose bad conduct has been reported by umpires, officials, etc.

If you were running Cricket NSW what would your 2 priorities to ensure cricket in the state remained strong and successful on and off the field?

Try to have First Class players play (or attend) more Grade cricket - I found that spending time as a youngster with these experienced players helped you learn about the game and how it should be played

Use focus groups comprising recently retired First Grade players and current First Grade captains to discuss new ideas and suggestions about how Grade cricket should be used as a pathway to higher levels