My best grade team - Paul Ryan 1986-2004
Greengate Hotel Killara is where many local dads gather most weeks to catch up on the weekly events and solve the problems of the world. In many ways, it’s similar to the dressing room after a full day of cricket, plenty of banter with a beer in hand.
I was asked some of the players I played with during my grade career, and it got me thinking about picking the best team from players I played grade cricket with.
To set the scene I made my first grade debut for Western Suburbs in January 1986, I joined Mosman in 1988/89, went back to Western Suburbs 1992/93 and then to St George 1994/95. I finished up at seasons end 2003/04.
I’ve also established a support crew to help us get through the season and any possible pre-season or end of season tours.
So here goes, my best grade team in batting order.
1.Brett Van Diensen – St George.
Dynamic opening batsman who played for New South Wales and was also a very good medium pace bowler and a very good slipper. I so wished he played more first-class cricket.
2. Jeremy Bray – St George.
'Words Bray' scored the most incredible 159 in the 2nd innings of the 1996/97 Grand Final against Mosman. Mosman's attack included Phil Alley, Brett Lee, Shane Lee and Craig Hughes. 'Words' also got a hundred for Ireland in their debut World Cup game against Zimbabwe in 2007. Also, a very good slipper.
3. Dirk Wellham – Western Suburbs and Captain
I remember staying up late as a 13-year-old watching Dirk make a hundred on test debut for Australia in 1981 and to get the chance to play with him was a thrill. A Sheffield Shield winning captain and a terrific batter who was always willing to offer a quiet word of advice.
4. Graeme Rummans – St George and Vice-Captain.
Rummo played 38 first class games for New South Wales and Victoria and has more than likely won more Premier/Grade Cricket Premierships than any other grade cricketer in the country. He's a winner.
5. Brad McNamara – Western Suburbs and St George.
Buzz played 59 first-class games for NSW and always dominated grade cricket with both bat and ball. A team mates, team mate - everyone loved playing cricket with Buzz.
6. Greg Matthews – Western Suburbs
Greg was at the peak of his powers when I played with him in 1986 and 87. He’d score a test century and then be playing with Wests a week later with the same determination and commitment. Keeping to Greg was so much fun.
7. Scott Thompson – St George.
Very talented all-rounder who played 17 first-class games for New South Wales. Bowled with real pace and would put in all day. He’d be always saying “where would you rather be, working down a coal mine”.
8. Nathan Pilon – St George and Wicket Keeper.
Former NSW and Victorian Keeper and selected in St George Cricket Club Team of the Century as Keeper. Pils was a very talented batsman who scored over 1,000 in one season
9. Gary Bensley – Mosman
I loved playing with Benz and he had a great influence on my cricket. An incredibly gifted all-rounder who played for NSW and he was a competitor’s competitor. He played one game for NSW and it could’ve easily have ben so many more. 539 first grade wickets and 6,603 runs are testimony to a wonderful cricketer and team mate.
10. Greg Rowell – Mosman.
Former NSW, Tasmania, Queensland and Australia A Fast Bower. Bird was incredibly dedicated, and was a keepers dream as his leg cutter was a ripper. He loved batting and had many a good 50 nipped in the bud.
11. Stuart MacGill – St George.
208 Test Wickets. He had some fun at Grade Cricket.
12. Jimmy Turner – St George.
I loved playing with Jimmy. 249 first grade wickets say he could bowl, and he was probably one of the most improved players I played with. As captain, he became the go-to bowler whenever we need a wicket, and he did so more often than not.
An incredibly strong batting line and with Greg Rowell and Scott Thompson opening the bowling and backed up with mediums Gary Bensley, Brad McNamara, Brett Van Diensen and the spin of Stuart MacGill and Greg Matthews you’d go a long way to find a better and balanced bowling attack.
So there’s the team, now for the support crew.
Wayne Turnbull - Coach (St George). WT was a well-organised premiership-winning coach
Murray Bennett – Manager (St George) A great leader and like Benz, had a significant influence.
Mal Gorham – Scorer (Western Suburbs) The late great Pencil. Just a brilliant scorer and friend to all.
Michael Swan – Logistics (Western Suburbs) Former First Grade Captain and successful business owner who'd ensure an enjoyable tour.
I was very fortunate. A great team and great people.