NSW Premier Cricket: Randwick Petersham keeper makes history, breaking 67-year record

Often overshadowed by his famous Big Bash League brother, a tenacious and loyal Randwick Petersham wicketkeeper has broken a 67-year-old Sydney record. FULL STORY

Long serving Randwick Petersham player Anthony Sams now holds the record for most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in Sydney first grade cricket. Photo by Jeremy Ng

For Anthony Sams, the dream of playing state cricket is long gone, but his unwavering loyalty has now been rewarded with a place in the history books.

Two decades in the making, the Randwick Petersham wicketkeeper made history at Coogee Oval on Sunday, becoming the most successful gloveman in Sydney first-grade history after claiming his 543rd dismissal.

Level with Ernie Laidler ahead of his side’s limited-overs semi final with Gordon, the Bankstown junior broke the former St George keeper’s 67-year-old record with his only catch in the 124-run victory.

“I really didn’t know much about it until the end of last season when our club historian said I’m closing in on a record dating back to the 1950s,” said Sams, 36, whose journey commenced at Panania RSL, the same junior club as Steve and Mark Waugh.

Currently head of performance at AFL club North Shore Bombers, fitness has rarely been a problem for Sams since making his first-grade debut for Bankstown as a 17-year-old batsman.

Anthony Sams has played more than 300 first grade games. Photo by Jeremy Ng

“I’ve been pretty lucky, I don’t think I have missed a game through injury for over 10 years,” he said with a nod to younger brother and Sydney Thunder star Daniel, whose recent fielding mishap continues to go viral.

“I’ve broken just about all my fingers over the years, but you just play through breaks and dislocations, it’s part and parcel of being a keeper. But unlike Daniel, I am yet to knock myself out on a cricket field.”

Having shared the field alongside famous Randy Petes teammates including David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Simon Katich and Nathan Hauritz, the right-hander was once on the cusp of NSW selection.

“I got as close as you can get without getting a gig,” he said.

“I played NSW 2nd XI and was in the Sydney Sixers Academy. I guess it’s why I broke the grade record, because I wasn’t playing rep cricket.

“It’s funny how things turn out. I left Bankstown when I was 21 because James Allsopp kept me out of first grade, but without him as a mentor in the early days I probably wouldn’t be where I am now – he’s the best keeper I have ever worked with.”

A quality batsman, Anthony Sams has scored over 600 runs in first grade for Randwick Petersham in 2024-25. Photo by Jeremy Ng

The durable gloveman named former NSW pace bowlers Burt Cockley and Scott Coyte as the quickest he’s kept to. But when it comes to a key contributor to his historic milestone, Sams singled out a good mate.

“In my opinion, Adam Semple is the best all-rounder never to play for NSW,” said the veteran of more than 300 top grade games.

“We won lots of trophies together at Randy Petes and I got lots of dismissals off his bowling.”

Currently engaged and as busy as ever off the pitch, Sams is uncertain if he will strap on the pads beyond this season.

“At this stage I’m not sure what the future holds. The body is fine, but work commitments and other priorities are starting to take over,” he said.

“When I do give it away, I’d like to do it on my terms. I don’t want to be touched on the shoulder and have people waiting.

“I owe a lot to Randwick Petersham. Bill Anderson recruited me and has done a lot for me, as has club president Mike Whitney, so I don’t want to let them and my teammates down.”

LIMITED-OVERS CUP: SEMI FINAL RESULTS

Randwick Petersham 9/279, 50 overs (Waugh 139, Sams 78; Bladen 4/38, Delany 2/42) defeated Gordon 10/155, 33.5 overs (Cahlin 69, Crawford 36; Callanan 3/30 (hat-trick), Ayre 3/33) by 124 runs at Coogee Oval

St George 10/132, 40.5 overs (Rodgers 65, Bartier 33; Thornley 4/22, Sullivan 3/20) lost to Parramatta 9/133, 47.3 overs (Calvert 34, Kant 14, Bertus 14; Francis 4/17, O’Riordan 3/27) by one wicket at Old Kings Oval

GRAND FINAL

Parramatta v Randwick Petersham, Sunday, February 23, venue to be decided