Stuart Green - do the best with what you've got
Bankstown District Cricket Club | July 03, 2023
Stuart Green played for Nepean/Penrith and Bankstown in Sydney Grade Cricket from 1975-76 to 1990-91. In eight seasons with Bankstown, he scored 2744 runs at 24.1 and took 93 wickets at about 24.75 with 46 catches mostly in second grade. With Penrith, Stuart captained both the Green Shield and Poidevin Gray teams.
Stuart is Bankstown first grade player number 152 and Penrith first grade player number 114.
Let’s find out more about Stuart’s journey in the game.
What year you were born?
1959
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
First played for Blacktown Methodists in the Parramatta under 14 Div 2 in 1972-73. Our team was all about 11 years of age. Our first game was against a team called Simon Stock spear headed by Mark Hornery who rolled us for about 25ish in both innings with highest score being sundries. The match was played on mats and all players had short pants with long socks wearing sandshoes.
We improved after that and the next season I managed to top the run scoring aggregate for Parramatta u14/2 and received my trophy from Doug Walters. From poster on my bedroom wall to giver of trophy - now how good is that?
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
Started with Blacktown Meths in u14s until too old, played C grade men’s with them. Then played at Nepean / Penrith Cricket Club from 1975-76 to 1981-82 then went to Bankstown 1982-83 to 1989-90. Had a season off to convert the front yard of our new house at Glenbrook from a building site to a proper front yard. Went back to Penrith in 1991-92, then played a season and a half with North Richmond in the Hawkesbury comp ending in 1992-1993.
Had a “sabbatical” until I started coaching my sons’ teams from about 1999 until 2009. Coached a couple of good young players (Jordan Silk and Pat Cummins to name a couple) then umpired in Sydney Grade for three seasons standing in 30 games ending in second grade in 2010-2011.
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in grade cricket?
Joined Nepean in 1975-76 in 5th grade aged 15. Back then the team played in the local Nepean A grade comp. My debut was memorable as I had the same score that John Benaud did in first grade on the same day - 82. In fact JB and I had the same scores in the next two innings - 27 and 0!!
Debuted in “real” grade cricket in 4ths against Waverley at Trumper Park in November 1975. I have no recollection of what happened, other than it was my first game of cricket with real dressing rooms.
What was the highest grade you played and can you remember what you were feeling when you were selected and how did you perform on debut?
I played 1st grade at both Penrith (cap 114) and Bankstown (cap 152).
My debut for Penrith was as a fill in for a rep player v Wests at Pratten Park. Didn’t bat. In those days I didn’t bowl, I did a mis-field, but I looked like a cricketer. John Benaud was captain and introduced me to the Wests captain, Dirk Wellham after the game.
My Bankstown debut I filled in for Steve Smith (I think) who was on rep duties, against Mosman at Bankstown round 10, January 1983. I scored a magnificent 4 not out staving off a second innings capitulation. At stumps we were 7 for 97 needing 174 to win outright having already won on the 1st innings. Felt great having denied Mosman an outright win especially when the “fast” bowler asked me if I had come up from 3rd grade for the day. I suggested that perhaps he was in the wrong grade also because he couldn’t get me out!! Trevor McDonald and I walked off undefeated.
Stuart Green cuts one at Howell Oval 1981-82
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
I started out as a bat bowling a bit of leg spin then, when it was realised, I could only bowl toppies and wrong-uns, with a bit of rip, I became a bat. At Bankstown I opened the batting and bowled offies, then as bowling became more important I slipped down the order to number 6.
What were your strengths as a player?
Batting I could cut anything. Pretty steady offie in seconds and loved to field at short leg to Dave Freedman, Paul Talbot and Steve Moss.
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
100 for Bankstown v Campbelltown 2nds at Bankstown 1988-89.
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
36-9-7-85 Bankstown v Northern Districts 2nds at Bankstown - also scored 53 in that match so was probably my best ever!!
Bankstown DCC 1987-88 Sydney Grade club champions. S. Green 2nd row from front 4th in from S. Waugh on the left
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Paul Stepto - we had the pleasure of his company at Hurstville (Bankstown v St George 2nds ) when he was coming back from injury, I think he was a Sheffield Shield bowler at that stage. He had us on the back foot for the day and I’m afraid some of my batting partners hung the bat out to get back to the shelter of the pavilion.
Bruce Booker - he broke my hand in a Green Shield game at Howell Oval v Sutherland, pretty sure that was his name - still have the wonky bone in my right hand. At least he didn’t get me out!
Rodney Foord - perhaps the fastest bowler in Green Shield at the time and being a left armer caused a fair few problems.
Sorry, here is some more:
Lionel Harris - Ripped through the hapless Nepean Green Shield team at Bankstown Oval, somehow, I managed to resist the pace in the first innings and was “rewarded” a place up the order when we followed on - stupid really!!
Mark Hornery - even though it was under 14s he still seemed to be the fastest bowler ever - memory could be fading here!!
Chris Killen - it seamed at Bankstown one day that he was so quick everyone looked like they were half a second late. We all thought, what’s this bloke doing in second grade?
Paul Stepto
Who were the best three spinners you have played against?
Mark Preddey - caused trouble with his leggies every time I played him
Paul Talbot - when not being ripped by Lionel Harris, this skinny left arm spinner came on and played you like a fiddle. Fortunately, I got to play many games with “Straws” and enjoyed watching from short leg the pain he inflicted on batters - took a few catches too!
Greg Matthews - while a great bowler, my biggest fear was getting “re-branded” by him after being on the receiving end at Old Kings one Poidevin Gray game when I advanced down the pitch and patted the ball back to him. Whereupon Mo saw I was out of my ground and hurled it “at the stumps” only for me to intercept the rocket with the middle of my back as I reached back to make my ground.
Here is four:
Dave Freedman - only played one game against Dave, at Howell in 1991-92. I thought I had his measure having batted against him so many times in the nets at Bankstown. He bowled a half tracker and I thought here’s a gift and whacked it back to him at ankle height – caught and bowled.
David Freedman
Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?
Dirk Wellham - in Green Shield he was so assured in what he did. No wonder he was in first grade when we Nepean boys were in 3rd and 4th grade.
Rod Bower - First played against Rod in Green Shield and then Poidevin Gray. Seemed he carted whoever was bowling. A great pleasure to play with him in a combined Green Shield side at Pratten and later at Bankstown.
Mark Spicer - a teammate of Dirk’s in Green Shield. The only player in that game with a proper three-day growth and he absolutely hammered us.
Dirk Wellham
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Malcolm Cobcroft - Nepean v Randwick at Coogee in second grade. Cobbie took Randwick apart and then started launching a mortar attack on the outfield in his attempts to hit a six off every few balls. At one stage a Randwick outfielder ran out of the way of the ball that went so high it was only going to cause damage. I think Mal got 180-odd and he was well supported by S. Green with a tidy 29 from the other end, just turning the strike over.
Closely followed by Dean Waugh’s assault on UNSW at Bankstown in 2nds when he scored 155 with 26 fours in 1987-88. The cover boundary fence had to be repaired afterwards, I am sure.
Was there any bowler/batter in particular who for whatever reason always seemed to cause you a few problems?
All bowlers could cause me problems!! Tom Shiner was always difficult in the nets but fun competition.
Can you recall a time when you thought, wow, this is a step or two up from what you were used to?
Playing in PGs at Old Kings when I was 15 or 16 with Peter Clough and Mick Puzny opening the bowling. I was placed at 3rd slip and dropped a catch just above my head off Peter Clough. At that stage of my career, it was the fastest thing I had ever experienced. I thought - what the hell am I doing here!!
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
The biggest surprise package was Trevor Bayliss in 2nds at Penrith when he first came from Goulburn - very quick on the leg side. My best mate behind the pegs was Mark Freedman, Dave’s brother. He took enough catches off me to make me look good and we had some great laughs along the way.
A bloke called Nick Geale was a workhorse with his dedication to training and improving, and of course Les Andrews and Terry Davies were gems.
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
The ultimate competitor was Geoff Spotswood. I was vice captain to him for years at Bankstown. Geoff took everything he did as a challenge for excellence and often played with the belligerence of a Rugby League front rower - I wonder why?
My best man, Tim Sullivan - a great competitor and highly skilled opening bowler. Always thinking about how to capitalise on the opponents’ weakness. I am sorry for running him out at Manly ?
Tim Sullivan
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
Sorry I have three captains:
John Benaud, Nepean/Penrith - always was interested in all the players in the club. I still share with people my experience of JB as a leader. Made everyone feel important; now that’s a leader.
John Dunn, Bankstown - an astute captain on the field and able to read the situation and the person. Taught me about punctuality and commitment, and such a supportive guy.
Geoff Spotswood, Bankstown - such a competitor. Everything Geoff did was to win the game, to achieve the best that you could and to look after and improve the team.
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Dean Waugh. Does anyone smell Band-Aids? You had to be there!! Great impersonations especially during the team warm-ups.
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
Playing against Ray Balcomb of North Sydney (cap 489) at Jenson (Bankstown was being refurbished) he was striking the ball very well. Bowling my offies and tying him down until he caressed one of my deliveries over the long on boundary for 6. A few balls later I slid an arm ball into his pads and he was out LBW. I suggested that was an appropriate end for a “slogger”. My mate Mark Freedman (wicket keeper) gave him a send-off by tipping his cap on the way through to giving me a pat on the back. Both of us agree that our comments were out of place but funny at the time. Hope Ray is going well!!
What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?
Batting at Howell Oval when I went back to Penrith and was going well on 72 with most boundaries cut behind point. I missed a delivery down leg side and had moved out of my crease. The keeper spotted this and threw the stumps down. As I tried to regain my ground I saw the ball coming at what looked like straight at my head (no helmet of course). My reaction was to pull back but I hadn’t reached my ground, the stumps were shattered and so was I. Run out as I had not put my bat back behind the crease. Bloody hell - in form, striking the ball best for a while and on my way to 100 - bugger.
Who was your childhood hero?
Doug Walters. Posters on the bedroom wall cut from the Cricketer magazine.
Doug Walters
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
I reckon I have met the three sports people in the world I would like to meet: Steve Waugh, Mark Waugh, and Doug Walters.
Steve Waugh and Mark Waugh
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Kerry O’Keefe. Just as funny as he was when at Penrith. Went to a party at Waverley one night with Skull at centre stage. Fun night with lots of stories.
What was your favourite ground to play at?
Bankstown Oval - some of my best cricketing moments there and many cricket mates, also had a sea breeze sometimes!!
What there a particular team you especially looked forward to playing against?
We always had a great battle against St George led by Wayne Turnbull. A few semi-finals against them and always a very competitive match, but great camaraderie after the game.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Against Waverley at Waverley in 2nds in 1986-87 we looked to have lost the match at tea on day 2 Waverley were 2 down and looked to be cruising. We managed to capture 8 wickets after tea to win the match. I took 6 for 25, so that sticks in the memory.
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
That win against Waverley was up there but another in the same season against Mosman is also worth a mention. We needed 6 wickets after tea to win and we did that with one over to spare with me taking the last wicket with a return of 1 for 32 off 19.4 overs with 10 maidens. Hey engineers like statistics too!!
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
We have plenty of room at our place for a BBQ - we have 32 in for Christmas. How could I be limited to three??
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Do the best with what you’ve got. And from John Dunn - never throw your wicket away, some counsel after I did just that at Waitara late on Day 1 of a two-day match.
What is your occupation?
I am a civil engineer working with ACOR Consultants on the delivery of complex infrastructure to development precincts. Currently working on the aircraft fuel facility for the Western Sydney Airport.
Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?
My only active cricket is in the front courtyard with my grandkids. Trying to get them to get their front elbow up and their chin towards the ball. Of course, I assist the current cricket commentators and players with comments directed at the TV screen. If they need help, they could call - always happy to help.
If you were running a state cricket association what would your 2 priorities to ensure cricket in the state remained strong and successful on and off the field?
One of the things I noticed when umpiring was the lack of patience with both batters and bowlers; a sign of the times? For Test cricket to be pre-eminent we need patience in our players to build a big innings and to bowl out a side. To do that the longer form of the game needs to be promoted. That’s all I’ve got!!
