Nothing silly Words

Paul Ryan | February 06, 2023

“Guys we only have two overs until lunch, lets get through them and we’ll assess it then.... nothing silly.”

They were the words of St George First Grade captain Geoff Milliken (Spike) to our opening batsman Jeremy Bray and Anthony McQuire on day 3 of the 1996/97 Sydney First Grade Cricket Final between St George and Mosman.

Two overs doesn’t sound much but when former NSW fast bowler Phil Alley is taking the new ball with up and coming speedster Brett Lee, 12 balls can create all sorts of drama.

Mosman had just declared their 2nd innings at 9 for 303 and gave St George the choice to either bat out the remaining 2 sessions or score 294 to win the game outright and become premiers.

The game had already produced the ebb and flows only cricket can produce and with the Mosman team comprising the two representative quicks, their captain and former Australian all-rounder Shane Lee, NSW representative Martin Haywood and one of best cricketers in Sydney Grade Cricket in Craig Hughes, they had the competitive spirit and know how to turn the game on its head.

St George was captained by former NSW opening batsman Geoff Milliken and included fast bowler Neil Jones who'd made his NSW shield debut the year before, 20 year old Graeme Rummans who went on to play for NSW and Victoria and a number of NSW 2nd XI players.

Mosman were bowled out for 206 in their first innings with Shane Lee and Craig Hughes both scoring 50’s. Neil Jones picked up 4 wickets for the Dragons and was well supported by leg spinner Robert Smith with 3 wickets.

At the end of the first day St George were 2 for 146 with Jeremy Bray on 73 and I’d scrambled my way to 52. All in all, a good days play for the dragons.

Hold that thought.

Day 2 and it’s 3-150, 4-150, 5-156, 6-156, 7-160, 8-173 and then 9-188 when Robert Smith joined Dave Langford Smith. We needed 19 runs to take first innings points.

The game, still before lunch on day 2, was in the balance because an outright victory was not required if either team wins the first innings.

I thought we needed a change of luck, so as cricketers do, I thought it best to ride the wave of emotion behind the players area and not watch what was happening out in the middle. It was just the sounds of a team mate or the gentle applause of the locals that I knew we were getting closer to 206.

There was one loud noise as we inched closer and thankfully it wasn’t the Mosman boys or their supporters. It came from our guys as Langers had hit Brett Lee over cow corner for 6.

I have no recollection of the run that got us past 207 and the boys hung on until we were eventually bowled out for 216, a lead of 10.

Relieved, yes, but with the best part of 180 overs still to play, the game was well and truly alive.

Shane Lee with 71, Craig Hughes, 56 again led the charge in Mosman 2nd innings and Robbie Smith capped off a great year with 4 wickets to take his tally to 50 wickets for the year. Mosman - 9 for 303.

Now back to Spikes words of encouragement to our openers, and the 12 balls till lunch. 

It was our custom for the players to watch the game on the grass area to the left of the grandstand and in front of where the scorers sat to ply their trade. Big Phil Alley took the new ball from the Booth Saunders end and steamed in for the first ball to Jeremy Bray. No drama, no problem…. all good.

Jeremy’s nickname is words. “Words Bray,”… he can talk. 

Words was unique, a special talent and what happened next was classic “Words Bray” – Phil steamed in for the 2nd ball and Words launched into his free flowing cover driver and smacked the new ball over cover for 6.

"What the ......." was the common reaction from our open mouths. Standing next to Spike and our No.5, Craig McComb we simply shook our heads with "nothing silly" resonating through our minds as the ball was being retrieved from the Hurstville Oval garden beds. .

Thankfully, and with great relief, the boys got through to lunch. As Words sat down to take his pads off, he looked up and I just smiled and shook my head. In typical Words style, he just laughed.

That afternoon we witnessed one of the great innings in Sydney grade cricket. Words Bray and Anthony McQuire put on 184 for the first wicket and at 3 for 299 after 72 overs, we'd won.

Jeremy “words” Bray had helped himself to 159 not out in a dominant display. His freedom, courage and skills won him the John Benuad award for Player of the Final as her steered St George to its 12th first grade premiership.

It was a cracking game of cricket. Well played "Words".