I was graded with Northern District as a 14 year old in the mid 70’s and went on to play First Grade with ND’s, Cap No. 275, then transferred to the Bankstown Club, Cap No. 151 followed then by moving to Gordon, Cap No. 430 in the late 80’s. I was fortunate to play 1st Grade with these three great Clubs throughout that decade. This is my Grade Team of the 80’s that I played with.
1. Neil Howlett – Northern District
Tall upright and elegant. Very unlucky not to play for NSW
2. Steve Smith - Bankstown.
Great opening bat and went on to play for NSW & Australia.
3. Mark O’Neill - Gordon.
Sparky made it look easy and was very close to playing Test Cricket.
4. Bob Vidler – Bankstown
Good bat led the Bankstown Club in those early 80’s and played for NSW
5. Peter Taylor – Northern District
This might surprise a few but Peter was a great middle order bat for the ND’s Club before going on to play as a Test Spinner for Australia
6. Randall Green – Northern District
I played a lot of cricket with this bloke in the early years. Great bat and could murder an attack
7. Steve Day - Gordon and Captain
I’ve gone with 7 bats in my 12 and this bloke was born to Captain. Great cricketing brain and could bat as well.
8. Phil Emery –Gordon and Wicket Keeper
Phil batted 3 for Gordon and was a great Keeper for the Gordon Club, NSW and played 1 Test for Australia. Great bloke as well.
9. Mark Clews – Northern District
Clewsy led the ND’s attack for many years and played quite a number of Shield games for NSW.
10. Brett McKirdy – Bankstown
Brett had some great years with Bankstown in that late 70’s & into the 80’s. NSW Colts Player.
11. Richard Stobo – Gordon
Stobs was a great bowler and always gave 100%. Played a number of Shield games for NSW as well.
12. Steve Whitfield – Northern District
Steve was one of those left arm fast medium bowlers to convert to bowling left arm orthodox later in his career. Did such a great job he ended up playing Shield Cricket for NSW. Great bloke Whitters as well.
That’s my team of the 80’s, so many great memories of those days.
