Graeme Cunningham had the thrill and rare distinction of making a hundred on his 1st Grade debut. It was round 8 of the 1993-94 season when the 18 year old right-hander was called into the Petersham- Marrickville side for the clash with North Sydney at Petersham Oval. He had won his opportunity with some excellent lead-up performances in 2s where he had already brought up a sensational 103 against Sydney University as part of his 294 runs in just six matches.
Batting first, a solid start had been made but the side appeared to be losing its way at the loss of the fifth wicket with just on 150 on the board. Sent in at no. 7, the youngster joined John Affleck but rather than be guided by the cagy veteran, he opted for his normal attacking game hitting the bowlers to all parts of the field as he racked up a brilliant 109* in a final score of 7-346. In just over two hours he had belted nine boundaries and three massive sixes in an innings which brought raptures from good judges. The country boy was well and truly part of the big smoke.
