Green Shield Premiers 2001/02 - Penrith Cricket Club

By Matthew Thompson

Anyone who has been associated with a premiership victory will know that it is a special feeling. It is an unparalleled achievement and an unforgettable experience, and it's those feelings that made January 20, 2002, such a great day. It was the day that Penrith won its second-ever A.W. Green Shield.

Leading into the Finals, we won five from seven matches, lost six from seven coin tosses, a factor that should be underestimated in the wash-up of our successes.

We were hardly challenged in our first three matches. A ten-wicket win against Northern Districts kicks off the campaign, followed by a nine-wicket victory against Gordon. A Danial Lindsay century allowed us to chase 230 against Sutherland in game three.

Our first loss came when St. George set us 243 for victory. We fell dismally short, eventually by 168. In hindsight, it was this loss, and one later, that provided us with two significant turning points and a 'reality check'.

Our easy wins over Hawkesbury & Blacktown, and our outstanding quotient, assured us of a Finals berth. The problem was that we still had one match left to play against Manly at Graham Reserve, and the side played like a team who were just waiting for the finals to arrive. It was categorically the worst effort of the preliminary rounds - blowing lacked direction and discipline, our fielding sank below its usually brilliant standard, and our batting... least said the better!

But looking back again with the benefit of that great commodity 'hindsight', it was this loss that probably won us the competition.

Greg Clarence played one of the best innings of the series (66 not out) to get us home, Fairfield in the Quarter-Final. We chase 142 on a slow, low wicket for the loss of 5 wickets. Onto the semis to play Campbelltown.

Our Semi-Final victory was the gutsiest win of the series. We batted first on a wet wicket and after being promoted to open, Ahillen Beadle shared in a 65-run opening stand with Matthew Milgate. We made 152 and bowled Campbelltown out for 116 in reply.

We made the trek to Manly Oval for the final, and batting first we made 6 for 255 after 60 overs. Despite the coach refusing to concede such a point, we were never going to be beaten.

We fielded and bowled like Premiers for the last 60 overs of our season, dismissing Manly for 134. Tim McKay took the honours with the ball with 4 for 37, AB claiming 3 for 28 from 12. What a win, what a team!

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Matthew Milgate

The 'rock' at the top of the order. Made two half centuries in all, but no better innings thant his 29 in the Semi-Final where 'Millie' batted through the first hour on a minefield and demonstrated his outstanding temperament. Was a perfect foil for his swashbuckling opening partner, and was a great team man. A huge future in the game.

Danial Lindsay

Danial was given the responsibility of opening at the start of the series, and became by far the best in the competition. His 378 runs @ 42 came at a strike rate of 89.1, including a brillant 101 against Sutherland and 58 off 56 balls in the Final. His keeping was solid, claiming 16 catches and 6 stumpings.

Ahillen Beadle

Batter at number three, bowled first changed and captained the side and fielded outstandingly well. 'AB' was brilliant with the ball, taking 16 wickets @ 12.6 and concedding 2.2 runs per over. He made 300 runs @ 42.85 and was always thinking as skipper. For mine, the highlight of Ahillen's campaign was his 31 in the Semi-Final after being promoted to the top of the order. Takes the 'dinner set' for Player of the Series.

Greg Clarence

The Vice-Captain made the best of his limited oppourtunites eventually scoring 266 runs @ 66.5. Greg's 66* in the Qualifying Final was an innings of maturity. as was his hard-hitting 63* off 65 in the Final. Looking forward to huge things next year.

Grant Sampson

One of the biggest disappointments was we didn't see Grant explode with the bat all this series. But, one of the highlights was his brilliant new ball bowling and stunning fielding. He managed seven wickets, but did not bowl in five matches after tearing a back muscle in the match against Hawkesbury. His gusty effort to return for the Final was no unnoiticed by his teammates.

Stewart Rhodes

Bowled some outstanding spells of controlled leg spin and play some hand innings. His 1/22 off 12 against Gordon was a class spell, as was his 3/22 against Fairfield in the Qualifying Final. Took 10 wickets @ 21.7 in all and batted sensibly for 26* in the Semi against Campbelltwon in a match-winning partnership of 35.

Daniel Kroll

Given limited oppourtunities but demonstrated his 'bucketloads' of ability when given a chance. Made 30* batting 3 against Blacktown, and was run out for 15 against Manly in the last match of the rounds just as he threatened to win us the game. A great fielder and will be an important part of next year's campaign.

Steven Gavin

Another playter wasn't given many oppourtunites, but did well. Had a good double of 2/30 and 17 against Hawkesbury and 26 against Blacktown batting at number 5. His contribution in the field was fantastic, and there was no better team man than "Sticks".

Bryan Morris

Did all the hard yards. "Borris" nagged away with the ball every game, and eventually claimed 13 wickets @ 14 for the series. and conceded 3.2 runs per over. Fielded well, and was a great moitvatior. An interral part of the side, and one of the best team men you could wish for.

Ed Brown

"Snapper" could never have been criticised for not giving 110% to the team. He learnt to bowl within himself as the series progressed. bowled ecnomically, building pressure on batsmen. He eventually claimed 14 wickets @ 15, and conceded 3 runs an over, bowling with good pace. His fielding was amazing, and is lightning across the ground. Will be a formidable force next season.

David Cahalane

Bowled huge inswingers with the new ball, and displated great control for someone his age. The pressure he built up with the new ball was a key part of our success. David claimed 9 wickets @ 19, and conceded only 2.81 runs an over. His ability to get an early break through was invaluable.

Tim McKay

He threw the ball up without fear game in, game out, and probably won us the final with 4 wickets. He took 10 wickets overall, and conceded onlu 2.86 runs an over with great control for such as little bloke. He was called upon to bowl at the top order and did it superbly. Tim is one of the nicest young men anyone could meet, and has an enormous future.

Dominic Sasse

Dom played 1 match this season, called in to replace Daniel Kroll on the morning of the Semi-Final. His enthusiam as a shadow player was a great asset to his teammates. He was always there to lend a hand and never complained. His attitude and willingess to be a part of the team, taught everyone something.

Mitchel Power

The same can be said for Mitchel, who was always there in support of his teammates. Everyone appreciated Mitchel's enthuisam at being a shaodwn player and hopefully he learned much from our success. He will be a great team man again next year.

And as if winning the Green Shield wasn't enough, we claimed the State Challenge in Bowral to make us officially the best Under-16 side in NSW.

We owe many thanks, but to all of the families of all the players, we appreciate what you did to make this happen. Whether it be saying hello, providing arvo teas or just being there for your son, it was great. Thank you.

To Lorraine and Richard Morris... their outgoing and caring nature is brilliant... thanks for all you did, espically putting on a BBQ for the Sutherland side whose hokmes has been threatened by fires. It sums you up. Thanks.

To Debbie and Bruce Lindsay, who also were fantastic with all their help... whether it be scoring or vaccuming, you were great.

Lastly... the giant "Henre" Barry Clarence. Mate, you held it all together with you dedication & commitment. There has never been a fairer and more generous assistant coach, and this is as much your Premiership as anyone's. I look forward to many a beer thinking about the great time we all had.

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