Sydney Grade Cricket

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Sydney Grade Cricket is a cricket competition played in Sydney, Australia. It has been described as "the most competitive form of Cricket in the world outside first class cricket." [1] The competition began in 1893 when a number of clubs which had been playing for many years on an ad hoc basis voted to create a formal competition structure. [2]

The competition consists of 20 clubs from 1st to 5th Grades playing against each other over 15 rounds. The 2006-07 season includes five one day games and ten two-day games for most grades with first grade playing an additional one-day and two-day game[3]. The two day format final is played over three days with a chance for four innings to take place.

All of the current NSW first-class cricket players are signed to one of the grade clubs. This includes those players who also represent Australia although the demands of the international schedule mean the Australian players rarely get to play at grade level these days.

[edit] Clubs

Clubs in the 2006-07 season of Sydney Grade Cricket are:

Bankstown - One of the most successful clubs in recent years, home of the Waugh brothers.
Blacktown - Nicknamed the Warriors. Sydney's newest club founded recently in the 2002-2003 season due to outstanding performances in the Shires competition (a lower division) but have struggled to make a name for themselves. Although, many believe Blacktown to be a force in upcoming years due to increased player signings from other clubs. Home of Australian test off spinner Gavin Robertson and NSW paceman Don Nash.
Cambelltown-Camden - Nicknamed the Ghosts.
Eastern Suburbs - Founded as the Waverley Cricket Club in 1894, it changed its name in 1996 to reflect a broader regional basis. Nineteen Australian players have played at the club, including the Gregory brothers, Jack Fingleton, Greg Matthews and Nathan Bracken.[4]
Fairfield-Liverpool - Nicknamed the Lions. Home of NSW paceman Doug Bollinger.
Gordon - Founded in 1905, the club has six first grade titles. Thirteen players have gone on to represent Australia including Victor Trumper, Bert Oldfield and Adam Gilchrist.
Hawkesbury - Nicknamed the Hawks. Their home grounds of Owen Earl and Bensons Lane 1 and 2 are infamous for the number of mosquito flies and shocking heatwaves that occur.
Manly-Warringah - Had strong performances last season being minor premiers in both formats and winning the one-day competition. Also won the 2005-2006 club championship title.
Mosman - Former Australian cricket captain Allan Border is probably the most famous former Mosman player. Also home of Australian test paceman Brett Lee.
North Sydney - Formed in 1893, it was a foundation club in the grade competition. The club is based at North Sydney Oval, a regular venue for first class cricket in NSW. Players have included Keith Miller and Stan McCabe.[5]
Northern District - Home of Adam Gilchrist.
Parramatta - Formerly Central Cumberland, the club was founded in 1843 and a foundation member of the grade competition. It claims to be the oldest living club in NSW & second oldest in Australia. Home of Richie Benaud, John Benaud, Doug Walters - winner of 3 First Grade Premierships.
Penrith - Like the local rugby league team, the Penrith cricket club are known as the Panthers.
Randwick Petersham - Nicknamed the Randy Petes. Home of former international batsman Simon Katich.
St George - Established in 1911, the club was the home of Sir Donald Bradman and Bill O'Reilly.
Sutherland - One of the newer clubs in the competition, the Sharks were formed in 1965. It is the home club of Glenn McGrath and Phil Jaques.
Sydney University - Founded in 1864, it was a foundation member of the grade competition. It has four first grade titles and twenty test players including Tom Garrett, Greg Matthews, Imran Khan, Stuart Clark and Stuart MacGill.[6]
University of NSW Grade Cricket Club
UTS Balmain Grade Cricket Club
Western Suburbs - Home of Michael Clarke, Australian test batsman. Ironically another player by the name of Micheal Clarke opens the batting for the first grade team.

[edit] AW Green Shield

Considered the toughest under 16 competition in the world, AW Green Shield, or Greenies as it is more commonly known, comprises u/16 teams who represent their grade sides in an Under 16 competition consisting of 7 preliminary rounds, qualifying finals, semi-finals and a grand final.