“World Series” Bankstown take on “Neville Nobodies” Petersham from the Inner West in the 1987-88 Grand Final

Greg Hartshorne | May 18, 2023

That’s how the papers built up the first-grade final in 1987-88. Bankstown at full strength, included 3 of Australia’s greatest test players, Steve and Mark Waugh and Steve Smith, plus two of NSW’s best, Steve Small and Wayne Holdsworth, plus English county player, Terry Davies and solid 1^st graders in Paul Talbot (265 1^st grade wickets), Gary Crowfoot (5000 runs) and Dave Thompson (3350 runs and 58 wickets). Playing Petersham Marrickville, often described as the “the raw underbelly of grade cricket”.

In a strong season for the club, Petersham had finished minor premiers. They had been unbeatable on their home track, Petersham Oval (often referred to as the “toilet”). The wicket had been poor for years under the charge of an inexperienced Korean groundkeeper, who at one point had been seen rolling across, rather than down the wicket! Petes had learnt how to play on it.

If not already a little overawed by the occasion, Petersham players arrived game day to see TV cameras and a multitude of spectators capturing the rare occasion of some of the legends of the game in a grade match.

Bankstown was far and away the stronger side. Although labelled a team of “nobodies”, Petes had some experienced and hardened grade players, albeit only 2 state games between them. Dave Chardon, now 37, who made his debut at 14, and arguably the best grade fast bowler of his era. He took over 800 wickets (still 8th best in first grade), but only 1 state game, and Wayne Mulherin, an old school off spinner with prodigious turn and loop, an enormous talent, with a career haul of over 460 wickets, but only 1 state game. There were some other veterans, talented, but past their prime. Peter Taylor (6500 1^st grade runs), Bret Patman (a talented leg spin allrounder), Greg Hartshorne (7700 runs and 350 wickets) who also made his debut in the 60’s. There was also a 19 year old Wicketkeeper batsman, Mark Atkinson, who went on to have an excellent 1^st class career with Tasmania.

The week before the final was wet, and day one started late. With both Waughs on state duty the second day, Bankstown won the toss, batted, and were 2-78 in the 88 minutes of play with Steve Waugh 39 not out. Mark out early for 18. Petes had a couple of opportunities. A huge caught behind appeal, Hartshorne to Steve Waugh, was turned down. Typical of both players, the bowler suggesting Waugh was not playing in the spirit of the game and should walk (or something along those lines). Steve responding with “just get back to your fooking mark and bowl, old man” (that hurt). To be fair, he later admitted he had hit it, but would never walk.

Again, the weather was not good overnight, and the wicket again was damp. In this era, covers were not good, and Petersham were copping some criticism for the state of the wicket. To his great credit, Pete’s captain Peter Taylor (not the Australian off spinner) made it clear to the umpires that the game should go ahead. In his first year as captain, Digger had a stella year, and had taken a side that finished dead last the season before, to minor premiers.

Needing to win, Bankstown took up the challenge. Steve Smith (55 n.o.) and Dave Thompson (33) the destroyers, Bankstown declaring at 6 for 200. Chardon 4-67 and Peter Rolls 2-55. A formidable total on a difficult wicket with 2 sessions to play.

Petes struggled from the outset, losing wickets at a rapid rate. Holdsworth was bowling with great pace and bounce, Crameri was swinging it, and Talbot turning square. In a vintage year with the bat, Taylor didn’t score, Paul McGee coped a broken cheek, Atko 2 and Neale Anderson out for a duck. With over 18 overs to be bowled, Petes had tumbled to 9 for 74. The game seemed lost.

Enter number 11, Wayne Mulherin, not a talented batsman, but often difficult to dismiss.  It was now a game of survival. Mully ducked and weaved, but mostly took them on the body, and Hartshorne trying to keep his head down, still hitting the loose ones to the fence.

Bankstown and Petes had always played their games tough - play it hard, leave it on the field, and have a drink and laugh with the opposition after. This game was no different.  They also had some history.  3 years earlier, both sides finished equal on points, with the home advantage going to Bankstown on averages. Petes bowled first and had them struggling at 7-130 on a flat deck. Rain overnight made the wicket unplayable, so Bankstown progressed to the final. The Bankstown celebration at the ground a tough one to swallow, considering the impact the weather had on the result.

The two batters dug in, one ball at time. Each ball survived cheered from the large crowd, each body blow or play and miss, a groan, more tension and a new wave of sledges. Smally and Stan leading the way, “give him another one into the ribs”, “Come on, get into this old coot”.

What seemed beyond hope, increasingly possible. Counting balls, not overs now. 36, then 30, 24, 18. No loose shots, no missed chances or bad decisions, just really tough cricket.  With 3 overs to go, Talbot tossed another up to Hartshorne. A confident shot, or a break in concentration?

Unable to resist, hitting it over cow corner onto the top of the grandstand.

Now two overs to be bowled, Holdsworth in his last over, still charging in. He had bowled his heart out, it seemed at the same pace all afternoon. 8 balls remaining, another short one to Hartshorne, Mitchell at short leg, diving to the right taking the ball one handed.  

A huge appeal as the whole team went up, frustration as the umpire’s hand remained down, …….. turning to elation as the batsman had already turned, taking the lonely walk to the pavilion. Out for 51. The umpire leaving the decision to the batter. Holdsworth 4-36, Crameri 2-35, Talbot 4-23.

Bankstown worthy winners, premiers again. Petes all out 128, left to feel the disappointment of getting so close. But still an excellent season and some solace in making a game of it against one of the strongest grade teams ever.

The beers still tasted OK and the comradery intact.     

Day One scorecard - play got underway late due to rain - Mark Waugh and Steve Waugh were only available on day one as NSW were playing a one day final on day 2. Todd Crameri replaced Steve Waugh day 2