Flashback - North Sydney win the 1985/86 Benson & Hedges Cup and 1986/87 Limited Overs State Championship
In 1986, North Sydney won the Benson & Hedges Knockout Cup, the first year that the First Grade limited overs competition bore that name, and earned the right to take on the ACT in the Limited Overs State Championship the following season, a rain-affected contest won by the Bears.
We re-print below the First Grade report in the 1986 Annual Report, written by Graham Spring and Trevor Chappell.
The 1985/86 season for the First Grade was one of the most successful for many years.
It was also the first season for the Benson & Hedges Knockout Cup to be played, in Sydney, and for North Sydney First Grade to win this, it is obviously a great sign for the future not only for First Grade, but for the club in general.
Congratulations are also extended to the Second Grade side for yet another Premiership cap, and also to the entire club for the Club Championship efforts. In reference to the final of the Benson & Hedges Cup that was played against St. George at Drummoyne Oval, for those that missed it, was one of the most exasperating games of cricket that both sides involved, have played in.
Two players in particular will surely never forget this game, namely Peter Fitzgerald and Vernon Kringas. Both of these players batted with extreme maturity and effectiveness in a match-winning partnership. Peter hit 14 runs off the last over, one huge six over point to clinch the Cup. A great effort by all players involved.
Not only did First Grade perform extremely well in the Benson & Hedges Cup, but also we finished equal Minor Premiers. In the Championship, if the draw had been fair to all clubs, I have no doubt that we would have won the Minor Premiership for this competition.
Our success this season is the start of a string of successful seasons to come, and is a tribute to all players and fringe players of the First Grade side.
A number of players must be mentioned for their outstanding performances during both competitions:
Craig McEntyre - Craig scored 556 runs in First Grade at an average of 34.75, and considering this was his debut in First Grade, it was even more memorable. Craig's match winning century against Balmain shows that he has potential and determination to certainly go onto further representative honours.
Rick Allen - Rick, as usual, brightened up the day with his usual dry witted humour. Not only was he persistent with his humour, but he also played a number of match-winning innings, none better his 80 odd, against Gordon on a very dangerous wicket, or his century against Petersham which was even more memorable considering his physical condition.
Trevor Chappell - For his valuable experience and magnificent 201 not out against Mosman. Trevor, the ultimate competitor has worked very hard over the last two seasons to put the First Grade side back at the top.
Michael McMahon - Mick had a very good year all round. He played vital roles in a number of games, which meant instead of us losing the close games as in past years, meant that we won these important and pressure games. This I am sure was an important cog in the wheel of our success this season.
Steven James - Steve also had a very good year and as usual performed very consistently with the new ball. Steve took 31 wickets at an average of 17.94, an excellent performance. Steve also performed with the bat when required. I am sure everyone will remember the great innings Steve played against Western Suburbs, when he scored 48 very valuable runs to turn what was an impossible position to a match-winning position. I only hope next season, Steve can inject a bit more enthusiasm into his bowling!!!! and not try and take the match ball home every week.
Unfortunately there is not enough room to mention in detail everyone's valuable effort during the season, but I would like to congratulate the following players:
Doug Middleton - For making up the formidable opening pair with Craig McEntyre. Doug frequently got the side off to a good start, which everyone knows is very important.
Doug Elphick - Doug has settled into the side extremely well during the second half of the season. Doug batted with authority and will be a valuable player next season.
Vernon Kringas - Was an inspiration to everyone on the field with his greyhound speed and enthusiasm. Vernon fluctuated from First Grade to Second Grade last season and will I am sure secure a spot in First Grade if he continues his batting success.
Peter Fitzgerald - Who Kept extremely well throughout the year taking 23 catches, and one stumping. He also chipped in when required with the bat.
Glen Murphy - Bowled very well throughout the season, taking 14 wickets at an average of 23.6.
I am sure Glen will continue to be an asset for the club next season.
Also Dave Rosa, Ross Drury, Andrew Kelleher and Tony Middlebrook deserve congratulations for their efforts throughout the season.
A lot of the success for First Grade last season would not have been possible except for the continued support from several people. special thanks to Ruth Kelleher for her extremely neat and accurate scoring, Arthur Kelleher for his behind-the-scenes support, Craig Williams for his much-appreciated organisation with the lunches, Ron Holland for helping with afternoon tea and also the drinks, Anne Rosa, Janet Spring and Carol Spring for their very valuable help with afternoon tea during the season.
To sum up, we have all enjoyed the success of the side and look forward to going one step further next season and winning the Premiership.
GRAHAM SPRING and TREVOR CHAPPELL
Graham Spring - Most runs - 567 in fact - the bowling average.
A brilliant fieldsman, surely one of the truly fine players now playing within New South Wales - Congratulations for a wonderful effort to a player of First Class ability.
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