John Dyson - Randwick Petersham Cricket Club - Heroes of the Ages
Randwick Petersham Cricket Club | March 25, 2023
With Coogee Oval undergoing a major redevelopment in 1977-78, securing the use of SCG No. 2 as its 1st Grade ground was a huge bonus for Randwick in attempting to turn around its sagging fortunes. It was hoped the availability of this facility would attract some improved playing strength to the club. And so it proved to be, with opening batsman John Dyson, who was to become Randwick’s third Test cricketer.
In his fourth game for Randwick, Dyson scored his first century hitting 128 against the old Sydney club after scoring a couple of 70s in earlier matches. He was selected for the first Shield game of the season and took his good form into that match at the WACA scoring 102 in the second innings. With World Series Cricket in full swing, Dyson received the call-up shortly and within a month he was back at the WACA scoring 53 in his debut for Australia against India in the Second Test. He played another two Tests that season ending the first-class summer with 607 runs including two centuries.
Randwick Petersham Heroes of the Ages proudly sponsored by Temple Bay
Despite his first-class cricket commitments, Dyson played seven matches for Randwick in 1977-78 scoring 333 runs and heading the averages at 47.6. Moving to Randwick pursuant to the “Randwick Revival” promotion by club management had paid dividends. John had become a major player in the 1st Grade team which completed the season as undefeated premiers while the Club Championship was won by a massive 261 points.
Two seasons later, Dyson and skipper Alan Turner dominated the Randwick batting scoring 551 and 657 runs, respectively. John scored 106 in the win over Waverley as well as four half-centuries. His 50 in the semi-final against Petersham-Marrickville at Petersham and 52 in the Grand Final playing Penrith at Howell, gave Randwick its second 1st Grade premiership in three years.
His six seasons with Randwick, John Dyson scored a total of 1,603 runs at an average of 51.72 with six centuries. In that time, he played 27 Test matches for Australia while making three overseas tours including the Ashes tour of England in 1981. In Test Cricket he made 1,359 runs and 9,935 in first-class cricket.
