Flashback! The Bears win the 1984-85 Second Grade Premiership
In 1984-85, North Sydney won its sixth Second Grade Premiership, having already won the Poidevin-Gray Shield in the same season. We go back 40 years to reminisce about that side's successes, in the words of captain Brian McMahon in the 1985 Annual Report.
You cannot be more successful than being convincing Minor Premiers, followed by being convincing Premiers and Winners. North Sydney Second Grade achieved this in season 1984-85.
The past twelve months represents three North Sydney Premierships: Third Grade 83/84, Poidevin Gray and Second Grade 1984/85. Surely the most successful run in the Club's post-war history. It is sincerely hoped the natural progression continues.
The Second Grade was always expected to perform well. We are in the fortunate position of having a number of players between First and Second Grade of very similar ability. No other clubs could boast such strength.
Generally statistics do not explain a side's success. However they do in our case. Four batsmen (David Rodgie, Craig McEntyre, Doug Middleton and Andrew Kelleher, all averaged 40 or more. Three others (Michael McMahon, Ray Balcomb and John Doran) shaded 40. Peter Fitzgerald amassed 632 runs. Our pace bowling trio (Glen Murphy, Michael McKeand and Mark Baldwin) snared 40, 39 and 34 wickets respectively) Peter Fitzgerald was responsible for 33 dismissals and kept superbly all season.
Our batting line-up was obviously the strongest in the competition. A healthy mixture of brilliant stroke players and sound techniques. More importantly the pace bowling was most penetrative. In previous seasons we had struggled to bowl sides out. This was never the case this season - our bowlers were simply streets ahead of the opposition.
Without exception every member of the side was responsible for at least one outstanding performance. This simply explains a wonderful effort. Socially the side did not belittle the great bear tradition! Several marvellous performances were recorded at Percy's and Sheila's during the summer.
Special mention must be made to the players who didn't play in the Final. Ross Drury and David Rodgie were outstanding successes before promotion. Shane Clifford, John Doran and Keith Maclaine performed superbly on occasions. Stuart Reed, Jock Baird, Paul Silkman, David Pilkington, Vernon Kringas, Adam Dakes and Hank McInness all pulled their weight.
This report would not be complete without thanking a number of people. Ron Holland, our afternoon tea man and Number 1 supporter. We were happy to win the Premiership for you Ron - your efforts have not been forgotten. Ruth Kelleher did another immaculate job, scoring in the Semi and Final, not to mention her odd attack of the nerves!
Craig Williams and Larry Scott for lunches and supply of bats! Jack Chapman for his unerring support and of course Arthur Kelleher for just about everything that comes to mind.
Concluding we must thank our Groundsmen: Laurie, Rob Jurd, Peter Ah Khoi and Trevor Chappell look-a-like Gary, for their marvellous efforts.
We always played on fine surfaces and the practice wickets were the best we have encountered. We look forward to returning to the Number One Oval which we are sure will be in excellent shape.
I would like to express my pleasure, indeed honour to have been Captain of this Fine Side.
