My best grade team - Andrew Kelleher 1982 to 1993
Andrew Kelleher | July 08, 2023
I played Grade Cricket for North Sydney and Balmain (now Sydney CC) between 1982 and 1993, then I moved to Lane Cove Shires. My First Grade debut was in 1985 and I played with great players far more talented than me. When I got asked to name my best Grade team I thought of many great players, but I have tried to pick the ones that were great teammates and I have factored in fielding as a factor cause I remember many a victory where fielding made the difference. So here we go….
1. Vernon Kringas – North Sydney
Vince was the ultimate competitor who scored runs when it was difficult. He was the opposite of a fair weather cricketer and hands down the best fielder I ever played with. He also captained our PG victory in 1985 which is the only time North Sydney has ever won the PGs
2. Brett Neill - Balmain
Branch was a beautiful batsman to watch. When I moved to Balmain in 1991 he was the first guy to welcome me. One day at Caringbah he took Glen McGrath apart and could easily have played higher but for the amazing standard of NSW cricket in the 90’s
3. Neil Evans – North Sydney
Stumpy was a very talented and elegant batsman. But for the fact we spent a lot of time partying and enjoying ourselves, I think he would admit he could have played a higher level. He has made a fantastic media career and that came first. We also played in Shires together after we finished grade
4. Rod Bower - Balmain
The first time I batted with Log I just had the best seat in the house watching him smash the ball to all parts. All I wanted to do was get a single to get him on strike. Truly fantastic ball striker and no surprise grade teams with him won premierships. Great guy too
5. Graham Spring – North Sydney
Springy made batting look easy and he was a much underrated seam bowler, and an amazing slip fielder as well. One of the nicest guys in cricket and always encouraged his mates. Fantastic cricketer and great guy
6. Trevor Chappell – North Sydney and Captain
The ultimate competitor. My first game with Trevor when he came to the Bears we had a long day in the field and while me and others were cracking a beer he was doing laps of the oval. He came from the tough era and never gave an inch. To be honest if I listened to Trevor more I would have been a better cricketer.
7. Greg McLay – Balmain and Vice Captain
What a fantastic bowler, tactician and a truly amazing captain. Greg brought out the best in me by backing me 100% and standing at 1st slip watching his craft was fantastic. In a different era Greg would have played for Australia. He was a more than decent bat too so he sits at No.7 in my team.
8. Andrew Fitzhenry – Balmain and wicket keeper
Fitzy was the most totally gifted wicketkeeper I ever saw along with maybe Steve Rixon. And a more than capable batsman as well. I remember one day Phil Clune (who wasn’t slow) coming in at Drummoyne and Fitzy decided to stand up to the stumps. The batsman who I think was from Gordon couldn’t believe it and just proceeded to sky one for an easy catch. Great guy too Fitzy
9. Andrew Jones - Balmain
What a fantastic fast bowler. Shape rhythm and a lethal bouncer Andrew was the best fast bowler I played with. He had some injury problems, but for that he could have been anything. Tremendous clubman too his mother was amazing with the teas. When I moved to Balmain both him and Terry McMahon welcomed me so easily
10. Scott Weisener – North Sydney
Coming up through the grades at Norths i got to watch Scott bowl. He was truly sharp and an amazing swing and seam bowler. I got to play 1st grade with him right at the end of his career. Great guy too very humble and very helpful with the younger players
11. Daniel Jackson – Balmain
When I moved to Balmain and played first grade I met this young lad who had moved from Parramatta and wasn’t sure about him. But wow what a fantastic bowler. Greg Mclay had me in the slips and we were ready. He went on to have an amazing long grade career, just a natural athlete.
Scorer - Ruth Kelleher
How could I not say something about my amazing mother who was the first female scorer for Australia and an amazing supporter of both North Sydney cricket and later Randwick Cricket Club. She let me know big time when I wasted my wicket!
