So this kid Haworth turned up from Coffs Harbour, where his uncle held every possible batting record. He was 18 years old, left-handed, and quiet. Said nothing to anyone, just went into the nets and blocked everything. He could obviously play a bit, because no one could get him out, but it wasn’t clear where he’d ever score a run. He was short and skinny, and had no muscle anywhere that you’d notice. We thought he might be able to take the shine off the ball in Thirds, so we picked him there. He would have been in Fourths, but someone thought his off-breaks might be handy.
The first game was against Petersham. After the first day, the players from Firsts and Seconds were having a beer when a report came in from thirds. Haworth – who was now “Flea” – had top-scored, with 75. “Probably took him 75 overs”, someone suggested.
