Terry Jacobs - leave nothing to chance
Hawkesbury Cricket Club | July 30, 2024
Terry Jacobs came to the Hawkesbury Cricket Club in its second season 1986/87 age 23, as a strong, right arm pace bowler. He took 40 wickets in Third Grade in season 1986/87 and was instrumental in that side reaching the Final. This wicket tally remained the Club record for 3rd Grade until 2015. He went on to play several seasons of 1st Grade before captaining 2nd Grade and then 3rd Grade up until 1995.
Terry then retired from playing and devoted himself to Committee work, being awarded Clubman of the Year in 2002. A few weeks later he was then elected President of the Club and held this position for a record 8 consecutive years, during which time he was also usually Chairman of Selectors.
In 2008 Terry was awarded a Life Membership for his outstanding service and contribution to the Club over more than 20 consecutive years.
In 2010 he stepped down to devote more time to his family, although he continued to work behind the scenes as Vice-President and Chairman of Selectors for the next 2 seasons.
In 2012, he was once again elected President of the Club.
Terry continued to be pivotal to the off field running of the Club, up until season 2013/14, when he again stepped down. Arguably, no one has done more for Hawkesbury Cricket Club.
Hawkesbury Cricket Club annual award for the club member of the year is named in Terry’s honour.
Let’s find out more about Terry’s journey in the game.
RG McGees Richmond is a proud sponsor of the Hawkesbury Cricket Club
What year were you born?
1963
Can you remember your first game of cricket?
I was five playing for Berala Sports, memory fails me but with three older cricket nut cousins living next door, I had a good grounding.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
I played all my juniors with Berala Sports and also A Grade before going to Hawkesbury Cricket Club in 1985/86.
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in senior cricket?
3rd Grade 1985/86
What was the highest grade you played, and can you remember how you performed in your first game in that grade?
I played 1st Grade for Hawkesbury Cricket Club and after getting rid of the nerves managed to get Steve Small out LBW for my first 1st grade wicket. Otherwise, it was a tough day.
If you could share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
Hard working seam bowler, who gave his all each game. Average lower order bat. Good slipper, good hands.
What were your strengths as a player?
Bowled good outswing and managed to reverse it on occasions.
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
Got a couple of 100’s in A Grade for Berala Sports. Managed a 66 not out for Hawkesbury in a 3RD grade semi final in my first year with the club
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
I took 5-62 and 5-38 in a 3rd Grade match against Gordon.
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Geoff Lawson, Dave Gilbert and Englishmen Angus Fraser
Geoff Lawson
Who were the best three spinners you have played against?
Greg Mathews – crafty, could see his mind ticking over each ball, working out how to get you out.
Murray Bennett – never gave an inch
Tom Shinner – turned them right angles
Murray Bennett
Who were the best 3 batters you’ve played against?
Rob Bower - strong, hit the harder than most
Dirk Wellham - tough and resilient
Steve Waugh – say no more
Rod Bower
Was there any bowler or batter in particular who for whatever reason always seemed to cause you a few problems?
Mark O’Neill - brilliant hard hitter bat.
Can you recall a time when you thought, wow, this is a step or two up from what you were used to in grade cricket?
My second year of grade cricket for Hawkesbury, playing 1st grade, thought I was out of my league
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Steve Richardson - Hawkesbury - very underrated
Who are the two players you admire most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Alan Mitchell – Hawkesbury Cricket Club, classy bat who didn’t back down against the best
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
Ken Hall – from the first ball to the last he encouraged you to compete. Could give good a blow up, as well.
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Bruce Gurney - hilarious
Who was your childhood hero?
Dennis Lillee
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Tiger Woods, Tim Cahill and Roger Federer
Tim Cahill
What was your favourite ground to play at?
North Sydney Oval
What particular team did you especially look forward to playing against?
Bankstown, always had a classy all-round team
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Playing in the 3rd Grade final against a talent ridden team Sutherland, in Hawkesbury’s 2nd year in the Sydney competition.
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
Winning the Semi in 3rd grade to reach the final.
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Michael Shields, Brian Carver and Matt Lang
What are your hobbies?
Cricket, Golf and Horse Racing
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Leave nothing to chance
Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?
Yes, Hawkesbury Cricket Club – Chairman of Selectors and Committee Member
If you were running a state cricket association what would your 2 priorities be to ensure cricket in the state remained strong and successful on and off the field?
Fielding and Fielding, it’s so important. Lots of kids coming into grade struggle with.
