Round 6 vs Bankstown (30/11/85 & 1/12/85)
(by Paul Bourke “Bourkey” First Grade Cap No 3.)


Campbelltown made an encouraging entry into the Sydney First Grade Competition in the 1985/6 season. Round 1 saw a solid win (by 81 runs) over another newcomer Hawkesbury, and Round 2 resulted in a draw after Day 2 was washed out. This game was evenly poised against Fairfield who were also in their debut season. Round 3 against the strong Penrith team exposed several deficiencies in our play but rain saved us to escape with a draw. Round 4 against Parramatta really rammed home how far we were off the pace against a solid, competitive side. To lose 7/11 in the last hour of play on a good batting wicket illustrated the lack of depth in our batting line up as we were beaten outright.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/418/campbelltown-camden-district-cricket-club/blog/2143/the-match-that-signalled-the-arrival-of-campbelltown-first-grade-team

This game was pretty intense. John Sullivan bowled really well (and quick) and the combination of Tom Shiner and Barry Thebridge was hard to score off. Bridge usually flighted the ball but was pretty flat that day on a deck that turned. Tommy was quicker through the air than most leggies of his era and bowled a great toppie. I had played at Penrith with both of them (and Craig Peck too), so I knew it would be a challenge. A funny moment was an exchange I overheard between Tom and umpire Rocky Harris--an excellent umpire and a character too. Fielders were packed around the bat and there was lots of chat and appeals. After one unsuccessful shout, Tom looked at Rocky with a smile and said 'One in three today Rocky?' Rocky's reply was a knowing grin and a shrug. At the end of the over I asked Rocky what it meant. Apparently, in some previous games, the appealing by the Campbelltown bowlers and close fielders was so relentless Rocky had told Tommy he was only going to look at every third one until they calmed down! The knock by Pecky was a cracker. He was a non-stop talker at the crease, and as hard as you tried not to laugh or get involved, it was impossible. Rod Bower showed all his class in top scoring for us.