My best grade team - Jim Dixon 1979 to 2007
Jim Dixon | September 19, 2023
I have been charged with the almost impossible task of naming the best XI (in my opinion) that I have played with at UNSW Cricket Club .
To provide some relevant context I started my career during a golden era of cricket at UNSW.
However, the middle to later part of my career saw the 1st Grade side drop to the middle-bottom part of the competition ladder. That demise can be explained by many factors….unfortunately the fact that I became more “in-charge” as we performed more poorly may be a none-too-complimentary reflection of my leadership skills. In any event I have made that observation as the team I have selected has, accordingly, been dominated by players from the earlier part of my 1st grade career when we were undoubtedly stronger.
I was also grappling with whether or not I should include our Test Representatives given that their inclusion would seem to be a “no-brainer” anyway. I have decided to include them…mainly as it seemed to give me an easier task in selecting a more balanced team.
It does mean, most notably, that some gun players – for example Jamie Baker, Steve Campbell and Jason Young - miss out. I have elsewhere in this forum described Jamie Baker’s innings as (for a number of differing reasons) the "best I had seen in Grade cricket" Steve Campbell was one of the key components of our 1980/81 premiership success. And Youngy was so good….in fact, in many ways an anecdote relating to him potentially stands out, to me, as one of the classic examples of the fickleness of cricket…the way luck plays such a big role in cricket (and life generally).
Youngy came to us at the same time as Michael Slater (maybe a season later), both with extraordinary schoolboy/junior credentials and both being carefully watched by selectors for higher honours - but this was early days in there 1st Grade careers.
I think it was the first game of the 1991/92 season and Youngy and Slats opened together against Randwick on a beautiful Coogee Oval wicket. Maybe in the 3rd over (I think Anthony Stuart may have been the bowler) Slats nicked one that was dropped at 2nd slip.
Two overs later, same bowler, Youngy the batsman, nicked to second slip (much harder catch) – out!
Slats is joined by Greg Livingstone (Livo) and 253 runs later Livo is out for 126 and Slats makes 184.
The Selectors are now on high alert with Slats. All Youngy gets is a bit of a dent in his confidence. “What if?????”
My team:
1. Mark Ray – with Dan Christian (whom I played with as he progressed through our lower grades but never played with him in first grade) Mark is head and shoulders ahead of any other all-rounder in UNSWCC history. I was lucky his career still continued to cross over with mine while he was at his peak. I think he would be wasted batting in any other position in the order as he was the quintessential opening bat. Gutsy, great against the short ball…rock solid. His left arm orthodox bowling was an even stronger suit for him. Intelligent and dangerously accurate. One of the best 1st slippers I have seen – and would captain the team if Henry wasn’t also selected. I could have picked Mark to bat at 7 so that I could squeeze Jamie Baker in to the team….but I have a Test player at 7 so Bakes unfortunately misses out.
2. Michael Slater – Mark would undoubtedly turn the strike over to Slats at every opportunity. Slats’ ability was mind-boggling. So destructive yet so technically perfect. You always sensed it might only be impulsiveness that gave a bowler a chance.
3. Greg Livingstone – Could be picked to open the batting but, during my time, he slotted in to the No 3 spot and made such a success of it I couldn’t even slot Youngy in there ahead of him. Great top-order technique and probably knew where his off stump was better than anyone. Often sledged for being a bit “dour” but that is unfair as, when opportune/necessary, he has absolutely murdered attacks over the years. Scored a 1st Grade 200 and many other big scores. His fielding before I arrived at the Club was said to be extraordinary (in the covers or outfield) and he was still very good during my time albeit appearing to have aged before his time. He is an easy pick for my team. Doesn’t mind a full-bunger!!!!
4. Jim Robson – just a great all round cricketer and great team man. Who wouldn’t want Jungle in their team. His batting sometimes looked ungainly but it was extraordinarily effective and he played so many great innings for the Club. Like Livo, Mark and Henry, he was a crucial component in two premiership winning teams – there are not many you can say that about. Even turned into a very effective “defensive” off-spinner and was always an outrageously good slipper. I had Mark Ray at first slip and Jungle at second in the days when I could bowl a bit…it doesn’t come much better than that. And….the team would be well entertained with Jungle’s presence.
5. Matthew Phelps – in the couple of seasons before leaving the Club Phelpsy looked like he was going to be an absolute superstar. He got to a stage that people started comparing him to Slats. Some amazing innings and undoubtedly many more at Manly. Looked at ease against top notch attacks. When he played positively his technique and shot making were so good. Just pips Youngy for this spot in the team.
6. Chris Chapman – arguably Chappo’s numbers may not support selection in this side but I will say that most of his career (like Mark Ray, Livo and Jungle) was played on batting “unfriendly” wickets and his numbers belie his ability, his impact on the game and his presence at the crease. Also a great fielder at Gully or in the in-field. Technically very good. Timed the ball as well as anyone – including hitting sixes into Shalom College, on top of the Sam Cracknell Pavillion and onto the main Uni walkway with a shitty County bat. Would love to see how far they went with the modern bats.
7. Ian Salisbury – only played a handful of tests for England but that reflects their inability to understand/appreciate leg-spin more than anything. A fine batsman who could change a game batting at this position. But his bowling was just top notch. If he was Australian I reckon he was in the league of a Stuart MacGill. Great bloke and contributor at the Club and in the 1st Grade team. With Salsy, Mark and Jungle as spin bowling options, there was no spot for Steve “Klinger” Campbell.
8. John Horley – a fast bowling all-rounder and wonderful athletic fieldsman, I have picked “Jack” ahead of a very strong field for the 3 “quick’s” spot. Could be very quick when his rhythm was right and a real wicket taker. With the spinning options in this team I went with that style of quick (rather than a Warren Saunders or Dave Gallop who could also give you plenty of overs on a flat deck in the baking sun) along with his batting ability at No8.
9. Geoff Lawson (Captain) - Probably needs no discussion as he is not only our best ever quick but he is in the very top echelon of Australian quicks. Best captain I have played with or against so that is why he got the nod over the also highly credentialed Mark Ray.
10. Nigel Perger – Had quite a few injuries over his career but was a very dangerous quick on his day. Fast with bounce (even on flat tracks) and movement in the air he would take the new ball with Henry and be an excellent slogging option at No10. Great hands and athletic in the field too.
11. Chris Hanger – the wicket keeper just ahead of “Michaels” Kovacs and Back. Fortunately this side does not need a batting keeper so we can have the luxury of one of the best gloveman. Footwork and glovework were second to none that I have seen – at schoolboy level I am pretty sure he was selected ahead of Greg Dyer. Another of the integral components of our 80/81 premiership outfit.
I didn’t play enough with Paddy Gratten-Smith at the heights of his career so I have not entertained selecting him even though he is arguably our best ever spinner. And Dan Christian, Tim Lang, Dave Dawson and Chris Tremain post-dated my first grade career. Chris Adams, Derek Pringle and Luke Sutton were other Pommie imports considered but, on balance, not selected even given their first class exploits.
I am an old man so I am sure I have left someone out or failed to consider something in these selections. Please feel free to comment, particularly all my team mates over the years.
