My best grade team - Andrew Knight 1982 to 2002
Andrew Knight | March 24, 2023
I was fortunate to play 1st grade in 2 states for 20 seasons, Starting With Mosman in 1982 and then moving up the highway to Gordon in 1985 and then moving states to Queensland in 1987 where I was fortunate enough to play until 2002.
Here is my best Grade team from the players that I played with in batting order:
1. Rowan McGregor – Gordon
A fantastic opening batsman who possessed an all-round game and an amazing hook/pull shot. He always took on the quicks and usually got he team off to a great start. Unfortunate not to have played at the higher level. An astute captain as well but in this team is the vice-captain. Part time Off spin bowler
2. Steve Day - Gordon
I’m going to bat him out of position but he had to be in the team somewhere. One of the best situational players that I played with – always had the team 1st.
3. Mark O’Neill – Gordon and NSW and Western Australia
The ultimate competitor. Great bat, under rated leg spinner. Great team mate. Loved scoring runs and taking wickets. Unfortunately, bad knees held him back. Has become a great coach in NZ, England as well as in Australia
4. Peter Clifford – Randwick, Toombul , NSW and Queensland - Captain
A gifted batsman, unlucky not to have represented Australia. He scored runs for fun and the better the bowling the better he played. He knew how to milk attacks to ensure runs ticked over and bowlers he like the look of were kept on! Still a great mate nearly 40 years on. The captain in this team
5. Jim Love – Mosman ,Yorkshire and England (ODI)
Lovey was he was particularly strong on the front foot, and a powerful driver of the ball. He played for Yorkshire for 14 seasons and 2 seasons for Mosman He played three ODIs for England against Australia in 1981. He had the ability to tear attacks apart.
6. Peter Skuse Toombul
Had an unusual batting technique but really effective! – amazing grade record and winner of the Burge Medal for Brisbane grade player of the year. Somehow took wickets at vital times with his non turning offies
7. Phil Emery Gordon ,NSW and Australia - Wicket Keeper
Goes without saying that he would be in any team that anyone played with. Tenacious bat who seldom threw his wicket away – great hands behind the stumps as well. Have known him since we were 10 and would be one of my first picked anywhere. Unlucky to have played only 1 test but his record for NSW shows what a player he was.
8. Scott Williams Toombul and Queensland
Amazing Swing Bowler, useful bat great team mate, - could make a cricket ball talk with big outswingers and a more than useful innie! Often scored vital late order runs. Tremendous fun off the field as well.
9. Bob McGhee Toombul and Queensland
Bob never bowled badly, just some days just bowled better than others. Had a big heart and would bowl all day. Nagging Outswingers – also won the Peter Burge medal – not easy for a bowler to do. Am fortunate to still be playing with and against him in different sides.
10. Paul Jarvis Mosman Yorkshire and England
Jarvis skidded the ball through with considerable venom from a relatively short runup. He had an amazing ability to make contact with batsmen’s helmets and upper body. He was deceptively quick. I came across him playing for England Under 19s against Australia U19 in 1983. I didn’t thing he would be a team mate for a couple of season not long after. He performed well at International level for England as well
11. Harry Frei Toombul and Queensland
The king of Swing! Amazing talent, lion hearted competitor, passionate. You always knew how he felt on a cricket field! It didn’t matter if you were the batsman, fielder or umpire! I loved playing with him
12. Richard Stobo Gordon and NSW
Unlucky to be omitted from the starting 11. Stobs always gave 100% and thought more about the game than any other fast bowler that I know. His nagging length was amazing and consistent.
Notable Omissions
13. Malcolm Francke Valley , Toombul and Queensland
One of the best leg spinners that I played with or against even at the later stages of his career. Loved taking wickets and his celebrations were special and entertaining, had to leave him out a spark and Skuzza can fill the spinners role
14. Terry Davies Mosman and Glamorgan
The consummate professional – learnt a lot from him
Coach - Jim Taylor
Former 1st class umpire turned coach. One of the most forward thinkers who kept things simple. His knowledge gained from “viewing from the best seat in the house” was amazing. He was ahead of his time.
Umpire.- Peter Parker
By a mile- hardly ever got it wrong. Had great presence on the field and great control over the players. Became and is a good friend still today
Scorer - Judy Harris
Daylight Second and third. Had the ability to score, knit, do wagon wheels, talk. Her lollies collection kept players happy as well. Also fed a lot of us after training mid-week.
