NSW Premier Cricket 2021/22: Rd 1 matches, results, top players, Alan Davidson, Peter Philpott honoured

A match 100 years in the making and a tribute to Alan Davidson and Peter Philpott will be part of the return of the 2021/22 NSW Premier Cricket season on Saturday

Sydney grade cricketers will honour two of the greats of the game in the opening round of NSW Premier Cricket.

A minutes silence will be observed before play at every Sydney grade cricket match to honour two greats of the game on Saturday as NSW Premier Cricket kicks off.

Clubs have been asked to gather players and officials on the fields to observe the silence in honour of Australian players Alan Davidson and Peter Philpott.

Players will reflect on the contribution to the game of Davidson and Philpott.

Former Australian cricketing great Alan Davidson.

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Davidson, who hailed from the NSW Central Coast, played for Northern District and Western Suburbs in grade cricket and claimed 348 first grade wickets at an average of 13.69.

Philpott, was a Manly junior, who played grade cricket between 1950 and 1970, claiming 472 wickets at an average of 18.57.

PREMIER CRICKET RETURNS FOR 2021/22 SEASON

The sound of leather on the willow will return to ovals across Sydney this weekend as NSW Premier Cricket kicks off for first and second grade.

The first weekend of cricket is back after a Covid delay of more than a month with 20 clubs in the hunt for the Belvidere Cup.

Sydney are the defending champions following their win over Manly Warringah last season and will take on Sydney Uni in their opener.

But it is the match between St George and Parramatta which takes centre stage despite celebrations being muted due to the recent Covid lockdown and lingering restrictions.

It will be a big day for St George Cricket Club and its players when grade cricket returns. Pic: Hamish Solomons.

St George is celebrating their historic Centenary season by hosting Parramatta at Hurstville Oval.

“We had a whole stack of things planned,’’’ said club president Kevin Greene. “This game was actually suppose dot be played six weeks ago. But we are still recognising the occasion.’’

In October 1921 St George played their first ever match against Cumberland, who later became Parramatta, at the same Oval.

St George won the match in the first round of the 1921/22 season, batting first and racking up a total of 178.

Bowler Ted Adams saved the day for St George when he took three wickets in an over to dismiss Cumberland 7/148.

Sir Donald George Bradman played for St George.

Over the years numerous Australian players have represented the club.

These include Donald Bradman, Bill O’Reilly, Kerry O’Keeffe, Stuart MacGill and Josh Hazlewood.

Manly Warringah will host Northern Districts in their opener.

The club will also honour the late Peter Philpott who passed away this week at 86.

One of the most iconic photos in our clubs history. 12 year old Peter Philpott with the rather lanky Dave Hanlin after sharing an unbeaten, match winning 80 run partnership in Peter’s Green Shield debut vs North Sydney in 1946/47 #bleedbluepic.twitter.com/4OqKVjXCaD

— Manly Cricket (@MWDCC) October 31, 2021

Former professional cricketer Mike Pawley, a close friend of leg-spinner Philpott, will be at Manly Oval on Saturday before the game to say a few words.

A minutes silence will be held and black arm bands will be worn by players.

Also being remembered by cricketers and clubs on the weekend will be Alan Davidson, who passed away, age 92, last Saturday.

The late Ron Wright, the secretary at Parramatta Cricket Club for years, will also be honoured at the St George v Parramatta match.

Read more from AMANDA LULHAM HERE