 Podivan Gray Annual Report
There were plenty of ups and downs during the PG campaign for 2006-07 – 3 wins and 4 losses doesn’t quite how much of a force Gordon was in this competition. A frustrating “loss” to Penrith in Rd 1 (on run-rate) and a heartbreaking Rd 3 defeat on the second-last ball against ND’s left the Stags playing for pride for the best part of 3 months, despite having been soundly dominant throughout those early stages of the season.
PGs boys enjoying an off-season breakfast
The situation did, however, provide us with a great opportunity to judge how much these players wanted to represent Gordon in this fine competition. Apart from a small hiccup against Manly, the performances in the last 3 rounds showed strong levels of commitment and a superb win with a bonus point against a more favoured (and cocky) UNSW side was an indication of the way this side set out to play its cricket.
Some comments on the players…
In his final year of 21s, valuable contributions to the side’s performances in every round made Nick Medcalf the PG Player of the Year for 2006-07. Either opening or bowling first change, he was the most reliable of our seamers and regularly claimed the big scalps. Batting in the middle order, Nick’s maturity shone through as he calmly responded when asked to steady the ship on a number of occasions. His effect on the team was far greater than his solid statistics show, and with passion, discipline and determination that can only be admired, we all hope that Nick will secure a regular place in Gordon’s first grade outfits in the coming years.
Despite missing the last two games, Brad Rasool definitely lived up to the massive expectations that an opening batsman with his talent will always carry. His 155 against North Sydney was one of the most brutal displays of powerful hitting to be seen in U21s cricket and could so easily have been Brad’s third double century of the season, had a dubious catch on the boundary not been claimed. Another ton against a strong Manly attack, as well as a superb 63 against UNSW left us hoping desperately that the overabundance of blond hair in Stockholm will not keep Brad away from any games during what is sure to be a huge final year of PGs for him in 07/08.
Consistency was the key for Reece Bombas, who was the perfect foil for Brad at number 3. Scores of 60 and 80 in the first two games set Reece off to a fine start and his 106* against UNSW was a quality innings of patience, control and class that fittingly earned a standing ovation from the Killara Members area and helped to set up an awesome win. Reece rose to the challenge when given a taste of captaincy in the final round against Easts and with two years’ PGs still to play, there may yet be plenty of opportunity to add more wins to his tally. We hope that Reece is not given any more opportunity to add to his wickets tally.
Perhaps the biggest surprise package of the season was Emile Van Schalkwyk, who came along in Rd 4 and impressed everyone with his attitude and on-field presence. Asked to take the new ball against a strong and confident UNSW batting lineup, Emile (playing 4th grade at the time) removed the two star first graders in a match-winning opening spell that even managed to prompt Sam Buono to say his first positive words for the season.
Other young players to make their mark included leg spinner Nick Cheadle and keeper/batsman Harry Evans, whose face-saving partnership of 57 against Campbelltown manufactured a defendable total from a frightening position. Both should provide the Gordon supporters with plenty to cheer about in years to come. Important contributions from Josh Ling (with bat and ball!), spinner Chris Archer and the fiery paceman Umayr Amir also did not go unnoticed throughout the season.
Many thanks to manager Lenny Bombas and scorer Bob Archer for their unwavering support during the summer (and for ensuring that the coasties all made it on time!). Thanks to Adam Cubbage, Ian Higgins, Chris Lee, Steve Colley, Will Sweeney and the other players who gave up their Sundays played at various stages because they love playing for our fantastic club.
I’d also like to thank skipper Matt Makepeace for his efforts during the season - unfortunately we did not see Peace’s talent emerge during the PG campaign, but we all know what he is capable of and hope to be watching when his form returns! To Peace, Medders and Josh, enjoy your Sundays next season and I hope you enjoyed your last crack at PGs.
Finally, it was a pleasure to be associated with such a fine group of individuals and to again be part of the competition that gave me so many great memories as a player. I look forward to seeing bigger and better things from the Gordon PGs in the years to come!
Adam Reid | 
