My best grade team - Shane Lee 1990 to 2005
Shane Lee | May 03, 2023
This was actually a lot harder than I first thought.
I played 5 years with Campbelltown in first grade from the age of 15 years to 20 and then moved to Mosman Cricket Club and played 10 seasons
I’m not sure if you pick yourself in this fictitious side, but this is a side I would really like to Captain.
I decided to include all players, despite their state or international duties. This team would beat most international sides on their day!
1. Kerry Penfold - Campbelltown
Kerry was a left handed opening batsmen for Campbelltown scoring more than 10 first grade hundreds. One against Glenn McGrath on a difficult wicket. Kerry did this with only one eye. Having lost his eye as a toddler. He would have been a great t20 player. He also had a baseball rocket arm.
2. Andrew Strauss – Mosman and Captain
The former England left hand opening bat and Captain. Came to Mosman in the mid 90’s and started in second grade. Became one of England’s great players and leaders.
3. Michael Bevan - Campbelltown
I witnessed Bevo score four double hundreds. Win numerous one day matches by himself and take a Test 10 wicket hall. Next question!
4. Martin Haywood – Campbelltown and Mosman
Played with Moose both at Campbelltown and Mosman. Moose scored grade hundreds against every grade club except one. He hit six sixes in one over against Petersham and took a hat trick against Manly. I also lived with Martin for 6 years. Let’s just say he was prolific all round.
5. Shane Lee
I’m going to pick myself at number 5 and I want to room with Moose.
6. Craig Hughes – Campbelltown and Mosman
A very talented all-rounder. Craig bowled genuine out swingers and could score at a rapid rate. He was able to field in any position and was an excellent team man.
7. Cameron Guthrie – Mosman and Wicket Keeper
Great hands and team man. I would often get Cam to substitute field for NSW if there were injuries. All round genius in a fielding unit.
8. Brett Lee – Campbelltown and Mosman
The world’s fastest bowler for 20 years. Brett bowled 150kms/h plus for that period. Great at taking early wickets and cleaning up the tail. Brett gets the new ball.
9. Chris Killen - Campbelltown
I played with Chris at Campbelltown and he opened the bowling with Ken McCloud. Chris also played for NSW and South Australia. He was an angry right arm fast bowler with great control and serious pace.
10. Warwick Adlam - Mosman
Wick has an amazing grade record. Will bowl all day and give nothing away. A great competitor and handy lower order batsmen.
11. Tom Shiner - Campbelltown
The leggy from Campbelltown who’s flipper was only second to Shane Warne. Very accurate and deceptive with his variations.
Coach - Barry Knight
The former England and Mosman all-rounder had a significant impact not only on my career but many others. An immense fountain of knowledge both technically and tactically.
Manager - Ray McMahon
Our Campbelltown manger across first grade and PG’s. Ray could never do enough for his team. A great man.
12th Man - Chris Muldoon
Because why not?
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