My best Grade team - Matt Whitby 1990 - 2001

Matt Whitby | April 28, 2023

My First Grade career lasted over a decade and covered two clubs – Randwick-Petersham and Western Suburbs.

I have great memories and long-term friendships from both clubs, and regularly catch up with ex-team mates, with many an old story told and reminisced.

Here's my best grade team of players I played with, in batting order:

1. Anthony McQuire (Western Suburbs) - An attacking opening bat that played the cross bat shots as good as anyone. I played at the U-19s National’s for NSW with “Jerry” and he received Player of the Carnival, a year when a 17-year old Ricky Ponting also played. He played six one day games for the Canberra Comets and scored an aggressive 57 against the West Indies for the Australian Prime Ministers XI in 2000. Could have and should have played more First Class Cricket.

2. Jeremy Bray (Randwick Petersham) - “Words” was not only a top bat but a top bloke and one of the funniest, most authentic people I played with. Scored a match winning 160 odd in a Grand Final against a First Class Mosman attack in the late 90s, where he hit a huge six over cover first ball of the innings off 6ft 8in giant quick Phil Alley. This was the epitome of his free thinking, free hitting style of play. Ended up playing for Ireland in World Cups.

3. Peter Burkhart (Western Suburbs) - “NumNum” had a long and distinguished career at Wests, and remains involved with the Club today. He is the highest run scorer in the history of Western Suburbs District Cricket Club and scored 8,850 First Grade runs at an average of 31.83 with 12 centuries. Former Australian Cricket captain Michael Clarke said of Pete “he’s one of the best fieldsman I’ve ever played with”, which in my opinion was not hyperbole - he was simply brilliant at cover/point.

4. Michael Clarke (Western Suburbs) Captain- “Pup” was a class player at grade, First Class and ultimately Test level, where he finished his career averaging almost 50. I had the pleasure of coaching him in a U-16 Green Shield season, and he made his debut in First Grade at around 16 or 17 years of age. He was initially small in stature but his class and time he seemingly had was evident immediately; the rest as they say is history.

5. Graeme Hughes (Randwick Petersham) - Played the ball very late and timed it as good as anyone I played with and against in my career. After finishing the Rugby League seasons for the Bulldogs, he would almost literally pick up his Gray Nicholls Scoop bat for the first time since the prior season, turn up on the Saturday and proceed to score a regulation 80 or hundred. Played for NSW but if he chose cricket over Rugby League he arguably would have played scores of Test matches.

6. David Capel (Randwick Petersham) - “Capes” was a very capable and dedicated all-rounder, who had great statistics the one season we played together. He played 15 Tests and 23 ODIs for England and at First Class level scored 12,202 runs at 30 with a highest score of 175, and took 546 wickets at 32.

7. Corey Pearson (Randwick Petersham) - “Slug” was one of the most gifted and natural sportspeople I ever saw. He was an athletic and gifted glove-man and hard-hitting batsman, who also played in the aforementioned U-19 National Carnival in the 1991/92 season. He went on to play 173 First Grade Rugby League games for the Tigers, Dragons and Eels over a decade or so and was also a very talented junior Rugby Union player.

8. Warren Pepper (Randwick Petersham) - “Cec” has been chosen for pure pace and his unpredictability. On his day, when the conditions and his rhythm was on song, he was arguably as fast as Brett Lee et al. He bowled one of the scariest spells I ever witnessed, which interestingly was a second grade game, at North Sydney Oval. The next season the “Bears” recruited him into their First Grade team, which highlighted the impression he made that day.

9. Angus Fraser (Western Suburbs) - I only had the pleasure of playing one season with “Gus” in 1994/95 but he left an impression on me, the Club and ultimately the England selectors. He was not picked in the Ashes squad that tour, but his circa 25 wickets at an average of sub-10 culminated in his selection for the last test in Sydney, where he he took 5 wickets in the first innings.

10. Daniel Horsley (Western Suburbs) - “Horse” bowled a heavy ball at genuine pace. His run up was loping which built up to the crease. His action was beautiful and metronomic. Would also be captain of the “Nice-Blokes” Grade team.

11.  Wayne Mulherin (Randwick Petersham) - “Mully” bowled a heavy off-spinner with amazing flight and drift. If not for Mo Matthews, he would have played a lot more Shield Cricket.

12th man – David Townsend (Randwick Petersham) - “Towno” was entertaining and hilarious in the change room and post-game, where he held court. The best emcee and most natural public speaker I have seen. Played over two decades at the Randy-Petes and was a positive influence on culture.

Manager – the late Alan Nelson (Randwick Petersham) – “Nello” was punchy and boisterous and gave great rev-ups pre and post games. Did the same with the Bulldogs Rugby League Club. RIP.

Scorer – the late Mal Gorham (Western Suburbs) – “Pencil” was simply the best. RIP.

Umpire – Simon Taufel - cool, calm and accurate. Played the game which I think helps a lot, and is a top bloke.