The most influential man in the NSW Cricket Association between the two World Wars was Sydney Smith. By the time he turned 40 in 1920 he had held every senior post in the Association except the role of President which he was later to hold for 30 years.
He joined the Petersham club in 1901-02 and immediately assumed the role of Hon Secretary, holding the position for 15 years. When Smith joined it was a 2nd Grade club not being admitted to 1st Grade until 1907-08. It seems that such elevation was achieved largely through the efforts of the energetic and enterprising young Syd.
