Cricket at Knox - 1993
Tuesday, 5 March 2024
By Nick Cutler (OKG93) 

Like many people, it doesn’t seem that long ago that I was playing with some lifelong mates back at Knox. How time flies, and it certainly doesn’t feel like 30+ years! So many memories, laughs, and good times.

Having gone on to play a decent amount of grade cricket post-school, I look back on those days with a great deal of pride and fondness. It really was some of the best times on the cricket field I ever experienced.

Since leaving school, I have had the great pleasure of regularly catching up with teammates over the years, and there is never a shortage of funny stories, anecdotes, and I am sure a bit of embellishment from our times in the black and blue cap.

I was lucky enough to play 1st XI at the end of year 9 under Captain Andrew Kemmis (OKG91), and coach Andy Wilson. Mr Wilson, or “Willy” as he was known, was personally a great influence and one of my earliest real mentors, not only in cricket, but for life in general. Willy had the unique ability to steer you in the right direction, to get the best out of you individually and as a team member. Much of what he taught me about cricket, I took into the realms of grade cricket at Gordon DCC.

I certainly think it helped that Willy had a great sense of humour, as looking back, he probably needed it with us.

With a side consisting of Matt Nicholson (OKG92), Scott Curwood (OKG91), Brendan Arlington (OKG91), and Andrew Kemmis, we managed to have a great year, winning the CAS. We then played in the NSW state championships at Bathurst for a week (for the Dexion Shield), where all the leading teams from Combined High Schools, Country Schools, and Catholic Colleges played.

One of the funniest memories was Coach Wilson doing a hot lap of Mount Panorama, egged on by the boys to break the mini-bus record. I am not sure if we broke any records; let’s just say Willy left a bit of rubber on the mountain.

One of the great pleasures of playing at Knox was playing with lifelong friend Matt Nicholson. Nicko and I had played plenty of junior cricket together (via the various rep teams at Gordon). When I was fortunate enough to have a good day playing against St Aloysius and took 9 wickets, it was my old mate at the other end who snared the remaining one. 

In jest, I’ve never let him forget the fact that he ruined the perfect day, but he is also always quick to point out, I owe him a few runs I let through off his bowling in the field, or more than the odd catch I dropped (there were plenty).

Ex-School Master Tony Gifford (who was umpiring that day) also taught my dad (Stephen, Class of ’62). It just so happens Dad was playing in the First XI 30+ years earlier when his teammate Phil Scamps (OKG62) proceeded to take 10 for 17 (still a school record). Tony Gifford was the coach at the time.

It’s safe to say that when a bottle of pinot is shared with the old man, we rarely get through a few glasses without him stating that he and the late and great Tony Gifford were the ONLY two people to witness the best and second-best bowling figures for the school (live) some 28 years apart.

It was only a few years later I found myself traveling to Melbourne, Boxing Day 1998, to see Nicho take on the Poms in the Ashes. Honestly, I think we all knew Nicho was destined for higher honours. It was a such a great few days and proud moment to experience this. To see him take his first test wicket – Nassar Hussain caught Healy, bowled Nicholson – was next level. 

In my last year at the school, I had the honour of captaining the First XI. We had a good side, but not brilliant by any standards. We played at a tough, grade-like standard and managed to be CAS premiers again (taking us to the NSW Schools Championships). 

I can’t remember the opposing school, but one we came up against was littered with schoolboys either playing 1st or 2nd grade for Penrith or Fairfield at that time! Angus Bayliss (OKG93) and Tim Koroknay (OKG93) had a day out and somehow got us home. It was literally a schoolboy side knocking off an accomplished team of 1st and 2nd grade cricketers.  It remains one of the best victories I enjoyed on the cricket field and showed what character the team had. 

Another fun (well not at the time) memory was being bounced by (now Knox teacher) Julien Manuel. Back in 1993, Jules was a slippery & fiery quick from Trinity. I am not sure if Julien teaches English, but he certainly gave us a new understanding of the English language that day.

As I watch the modern game today on TV, and with a flood of 20/20 cricket being played, I often think about the game we played back then versus the new game we see today. Angus Bayliss, who was Vice-captain in 92/93, was a perfect fit for the 20:20 game. I have no doubt he would have been able to make a complete career out of the game, bowling his left-arm off-spinners. He was a great competitor and continued to be one of the hardest & best spinners to play in the Sydney First Grade scene.

Having spent a few years playing in the First XI and successful ones at that, it's always nice to think back on the good and successful times we had. May the stories and frequent catch-ups with old teammates continue for years ahead.