St George DCC 1942-43: Record Achievement Gained
The season of 42-43 during the height of the 2nd World War turned out to be a very decent one for The Saints who were just barely 30 years old as a Grade Club. We delve back into the archives and discover a little more about the achievements and state of play during the war time years.
St. George again made cricket history in the season 1942-43 when it won the club championship and first grade premierships for the fourth season in succession.
The second grade team in winning their competition by a margin of 37 points, also created a record in grade cricket.
W. J. O’Reilly, who again displayed outstanding ability as a bowler, captured 109 wickets at an average of 8.6. Ross Longbottom also bowled with success in taking 70 wickets.
O’Reilly advanced his wickets’ aggregate in first grade to 541. Ernie Green had 363.
A. Morris, who was again the outstanding batsman, scored a total of 753 runs at an average of 47.
L. Byrne also batted well to score 664 runs in impressive style. Norm Fisher scored 401 (av. 36) and Cristofani was again in the runs with an aggregate of 319.
H. Stapleton took 20 wickets (av. 8.9), R. Lindwall 30 at 16.6, and R. Cristofani 19 at 13.1.
In addition to taking eight wickets in the first grade, slow bowler Ernie Green recorded outstanding performances in second grade, where he captured 111 wickets at an average of 10.27. Against North Sydney he took all ten wickets in one innings for 19 runs.
This season saw the introduction of a complete programme of one-day district matches in addition to an excellent war-time cricket competition for the public.
Ernie Liddler was selected in the N.S.W. Cricket Association team against the Services XI and gave a pleasing display.
An outstanding feature was the display of second grade wicket-keeper E. Johnson who dismissed 45 batsmen. He caught 12 and stumped 33.
Legendary Saints wicket keeper, Ernie Laidler
Third grade won 20 of its 24 matches and finished in second place. The team was very well served by J. Holloway, who in taking 56 wickets at an average of 9.1 obtained two hat tricks during the season. Other successful third grade bowlers were R. Duncan, 56 wickets at 11.1, and C. Hubble, 46 wickets at 11.9.
12-year-old K. Rogers, who captured 24 wickets, starred in the Shire team.
The season was also a record one financially. The club finished with a credit balance of £187, but donated more than £150 to various patriotic funds.
The club learned with regret the passing of Mick Clifford, who had paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of his country. He was a member of the R.A.A.F.
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