 First Grade Report
Our cricket season came down to the last 90 minutes of a three day match to decide the premiership. Epic.
It is still quite hard to believe that we very nearly won the Belvidere Cup. As I sit down to reflect on the season and pull together an intelligent piece of literature that gives the events justice, I find myself hardly believing that we were as close as a team can get to achieving the holy grail.
It’s not that I didn’t believe that it could be done, nor was it a case of doubting the ability of the players. What strikes me is that in winning a grand final, a team needs things to happen that are beyond the control of a player and of a captain. After a lot of years of playing First Grade and believing that success only could be measured with a trophy, I can whole heartedly report back to you that the result doesn’t matter. We were winners that crisp autumn Sunday afternoon at Bankstown, and I have no doubt that the opinions of the people who matter the most, ourselves, our families and the Gordon Faithful would standby this.
What we learnt was that to get to a grand final you just have to let your fears, insecurities and doubts go and trust in your ability and each other’s ability. Trust that when the time comes to perform you have the game and the temperament to overcome. You can’t be second guessing your front foot defence, or questioning your run up. You just have to go and let it all hang out, with no fear of failure from yourself or your peers, confident and completely unafraid. As a captain and a player in a team that can achieve this, this is sporting nirvana. We achieved this, the finals campaign was exhilarating and ground breaking in many ways. No trophy, but the experience was something even better. To do this with friends with whom you have trained, played, endured, and shared life’s milestones - really, I ask you is there anything more that sport can offer?
The first grade side would have grossly under achieved had we not been final contenders. We had a lot of first grade experience in players like Dylan Connell and James Packman, we had Matthew “the Oracle” Nicholson, we had a future Australian leg spin bowler in Beau Casson and we had Craig Simmons the Club’s record-breaking batsman. We also had the evolving players grow and mature - McDonald, Hokin and co. So we should have been there, no doubt. But sport has a tendency to be unpredictable and does not read form guides. Cricket games are not won by team lists. Gordon at stages in the season was struggling, which is not unlike previous seasons. When it really mattered we and the cricketing gods somehow found enough to win.
A standout was the Blacktown match. I recall sitting on the sidelines at Chatswood Oval watching the side take on Blacktown. We had just lost to Mosman, the cellar dwellers, the previous week and an outright victory was essential. There was no Nicho, no Buzz, and the need to take 20 wickets. We got the result, a magnificent result with contributions from all players. Dylan took 10 wickets for the match, Brendan took 5, Simmo smashed 80 off 61 balls, Reece crafted a patient 51 and Rocket blasted a quick fire 37 off 24 balls and Bevo ground out a gritty 35 runs. This game exemplified much of the season. Games were won by collective contributions. If you look back at our victories, the defining innings or bowling spells were shared right around. It was this match that started the momentum; we then crushed Manly to get ourselves to 4th on the ladder and into the finals.
Two seasons ago I reported about a winning streak that could only be described as beautiful cricket. The Sydney University, Randwick–Petersham and St George matches of the finals eclipsed that streak. We played a level of cricket that was outstanding and went beyond anything we as a team had achieved in the previous seasons. To analyse how we achieved that would not do it justice. A lot of it could simply be put down to a group of people wanting the same things and wanting to see how far we could push the envelope. And to do it without any fear.
I wrote last year that I couldn’t think of a better bunch of crabs to run through brick walls with. To the crabs, a wonderful time and whatever happens to the team in the future, I will look back at this season with fond memories. The team as we know it.
| Matthew Nicholson – How do you summarize the contribution the Oracle makes? Matthew retired from the NSW Blues this season. His career statistics are a true indictment of the player, captain and person he is. Matthew played for Australia and took 4 wickets, has bowled 22520 balls at a first class level, taken 398 wickets, played 117 matches, scored 2809 with a century. The man defines professionalism, longevity, and focus. As a cricketer there is not much more that needs to be said - he has achieved all one can hope to achieve, apart from the Belvidere Cup, I suppose. We are all fortunate to have played alongside him and been able to learn from him. The Nicholson family has grown. He may be back, he may not - as a friend more so I hope he is. But if he isn’t, we wish Matt, Nat, Jet & Taj all the best. |
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Craig Simmons – The postman delivered once again like he always does. I think it is an absolute travesty of justice that Cricket NSW has not factored Craig into their long term plans. I have played against the Blues players earmarked for future glory and I am adamant they will be shadows to what Craig will become elsewhere. Craig will be successful and all in the team will be quietly smiling to themselves when he comes back to the SCG and hurts the Blues on the scoreboard. He broke the Club record again, scoring 958 runs at an average of 43.5, took 17 wickets bowling guns barrels, took 14 catches and drank 769 cans of coke over the summer. Incredible! |
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James Packman – Sometimes you just have to wait to be treated. We waited and were treated. Jammer scored a beautiful 122 in the grand final. It was dogged, gritty and tough. James batted us to within a whisker of winning the match. By his own admission, the season proper was dry but he performed when we needed it most. A big season for Jammer also off the field - he got a job. Okay, you can pick your jaw off the ground now. |
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Beau Casson – As I write this report the Buzzman is flying over the Pacific to take his place in the Australian Squad to play the Windies. Our teammate could well be playing for Australia. I am as excited for him now as I was when I read the paper. Buzzman is an honest, humble, professional and hardworking person and deserves this. He hates to lose and is as competitive as they come. A real role model for any aspiring cricketer. Well done mate, we may see less of you next season but it won’t be all bad - at least I will be able to use a dry helmet. I know we are close but having you sweat bullets in my helmet is somewhat uncomfortable, particularly as it is cold and soggy by the time I get to use it. You owe me tickets to a Test Match at Lords. Okay. |
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Rod Hokin – After a long search, Rocket has found his place as a cricketer. He and Nicho have worked hard at his game and found the style that suits him. Rocket’s statistics are sound, he will eclipse this next season no doubt. But with Rocket it is not about stats. He is a player who can win you a game - his batting is destructive and brutal and when it comes off we win. With that type of game, yes we are going to see some dry spells but he alone is worth 18 points to the team. Stay where you are Rocket, keep practising those amazing pirouette swats. Can’t wait to see your game next season.
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Brad Rasool – The Dazzler is unique to the side. Unlike nearly all of us in the team he is chilled, unpretentious, quiet for the most part, humble, and good at poker. He has also been on a journey to find his place as a cricketer. We have seen him dazzle us but like his character and personality, I think he his more attuned and better suited to being a gritty, stoic, thoughtful player. His style complements Packers, Rocket and Nicho in the middle order. Brad is eager to improve his play, he is hard on himself (a little too hard sometimes). With the increased maturity seen this season in his game we will see him develop into a player capable of continually grinding out consistent, big scores. |
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Reece Bombas – With much happiness I write about Reece. Reece cemented his spot in the team after a season of personal trials and challenges. I, along with a lot of others, know how good Reece can be and am just thrilled to see him come through. Bomber has a tremendous temperament and is a naturally gifted batsman. Few can be as lucky to have the two. He delivered at the back end of the season for us as our No.3. It is where he belongs. Reece will be the competition’s leading run scorer within 3 seasons.
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Brendan McDonald – B Mac arrived this season. Brendan took 43 wickets at 24.3, which is outstanding. Along with Dylan he was the backbone of our bowling attack. It has only been a matter of time for Brendan to evolve in this way. To the unfamiliar, one may fall into the idea that he is all show business. I know Brendan and this is not true. His shop front may resemble something on Darlinghurst Road but in that shop is a hard working business. He works hard during the week, he follows up and works hard at training, reflects on his game, is hard on himself and continues to look to improve his game. He learnt a lot this season and learnt his greatest lesson during the grand final. He will be even better next season.
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| Ian Beverley – Bevo is a person you want to have in the trenches with you or when you are out at Cargo Bar. He has a real tenacity and dogged determination. As well as that he attracts the fairer sex with his respectful and polite demeanour. Girls, he is one to take home to mum. A solid year with the gloves - 32 catches 9 stumpings and stepped up to open the batting when we needed it. Big innings for us against Randwick & Sydney University. |
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| Dylan Connell – Big D is a Legend. Dylan won us 2 games. With the bat, alas! Bensons Lane will go down as Dylan’s greatest triumph. Needing 16 to win, Dylan stroked two lofted off drives to the boundary to hit the winning runs off 11 balls. Champion effort! But the story goes much further. If there was a players’ player award, I believe that it would have been won by Dylan. He carried our bowling attack when we lost our representative players and had injuries. He himself worked his way back to top form following a serious neck injury. Dylan consistently nicked out the top order of our opponents, including Simon Katich. Dylan’s season stats are excellent - 36 wickets at an average of 23.2. You won’t find much better than that in the competition. He has been a core member of this team for a long time including the days when we were not so successful. Congratulations mate on a great season, the team and the Club gives you a big pat on the back for all your effort on and off the field. All would agree that the social events you have organized with Dave Millar have contributed to the buzz around the Club. See you next season and don’t forget the poker cards. |
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To our younger members of the team, Chris Archer and Matt Jones, these two players are on an enormous learning curve. Exciting times for Chris and Matty next year. Keep up the hard work, stay open to guidance, seek out advice and keep training hard. Chris’ fielding was outstanding, the best in the Club for me. Matty’s love life needs help - lucky Chris is also a relationship counsellor.
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In writing this report I look down at the players who were part of this wonderful season and clearly recall the contribution each person made. Not all players were able to be in the finals team but the contributions were significant. Without these players I am adamant we would not have achieved. An example of the contributions from our squad players was the match against Sydney University in November. It was critical - we were in 17th position on the ladder, having lost five out of our first 6 matches. Sydney Uni was in 3rd position. Adair Durie knocked over the top order and Benny Garrett combined with B Mac to put on 63 for the 7th wicket to help us win the match. From here we got our roll on. Adair also got us home against the Hawks with a 16 run partnership with Dylan so to Adair thanks for the 12 points. To Benny, Adair, Digger Dowsley, Nick Metcalf, Jack Ritchie, & Jules the Hun thank you. Thanks too for the games of poker in the dressing rooms.
Ian Packman – Not a bad word can be said about Packers. He again had an outstanding season as team manager. Packers is a key cog in the team’s operations. Packers is ever reliable and positive even when we are not travelling well. Thanks mate, enjoy the success - you deserve it as much as any of us.
Jim Cattlin – I never played cricket with Jungle - he is a little older - but I am sure he was a feisty cricketer who just rolled the sleeves up and got a job done. Jim’s efforts were no different off the field. He put in a lot of effort for the team organizing, relieving, fixing & sorting. Thanks mate - love the spirit and the competitive drive.
Ken Conway – Kenny another fine season. The most disappointing part was Kenny missing the grand final. If anyone deserves to enjoy the team’s success it is Kenny. He has endured pain, frustration, and other team scorers but has never said a bad word or taken his anger out on the scorebook. His work is immaculate. Behind Mother Theresa he should be sainted for his patience, perseverance and serenity. Just behind Iqbal Ahmed as the all time nicest person.
To Michael, Melanie, Kate & Marcus, on behalf of the team we thank you for your enduring support, faith in us, and your smiling faces when at times things seemed a little bleak. The Stags have a troop of mascots in you. Thanks guys - see you next season.
To our mums, dads, wives and partners who again supported us - never forgotten, always appreciated but at times unheralded. Thanks.
To the players of the Club. We had another good season - well done. We trained hard together and enjoyed each others’ company off the field. In my time at the Club this is the best shape it has ever been in. It has been a pleasure to watch a lot of the younger players evolve and improve as well as watch some of the older players evolve and perhaps not improve but at least make us laugh. Keep up the effort for without it we will lose what we have.
Until next season, keep safe and happy.
Ed Zelma |
