A little Bradman pilgrimage
A little trivia note: I visited Petersham Oval yesterday. A good friend suggested we walk down there from her place; I wasn't sure why we were headed there (besides it being a cricket ground, and her knowing that I'm a cricket nut) but then was informed that it was the venue of Don Bradman's first-grade debut (the Don obliged with a 110 on debut). I'll post a photo of the commemorative plaque and moi very soon.
Yes, I know a very Indian thing to do: visiting Bradman-related venues in Australia. But in my defense, it wasn't my idea. And I didn't even know of it. So, there, I'm not such a Bradman nerd.
But I would like to visit Bowral someday.
Yes, I know a very Indian thing to do: visiting Bradman-related venues in Australia. But in my defense, it wasn't my idea. And I didn't even know of it. So, there, I'm not such a Bradman nerd.
But I would like to visit Bowral someday.
Labels: Australia, Don Bradman, India, indian fans, Petersham Oval
posted by Samir Chopra at 1:28 AM
10 Comments:
I made my grade debut there too but I never got a plaque or many runs! .
I went to the school on top of the hill and played many a match there.
'Twas a nice batting pitch in those days!
Hi, I like your site http://rousingcricket.blogspot.com/ and if you like my site http://watch-live-cricket-mach.blogspot.com
we can exchange our links each other.
Thanks
Regards
Antony
Nesta: I had no idea you played grade cricket! Who did you play for? (I also hadn't realized you were a Sydney-sider originally). Sorry I couldn't make it down to Hobart; I'd have loved to have gone down to the Bellerive Oval and had a beer there.
Antony: Thanks for the links.
It's not just Indians - I'm sure an older lady who grew up in Bowral told me she'd had a school textbook previously used by Bradman on several occasions. I was more surprised when my teacher dragged out some really old books, one of which had my mum's name in it.
That happened on that hill in Petersham, too. I never had as much cricketing ability as Nestaquin, but I have a soft spot for Petersham Oval still. Having said that, Bowral is a nice place to visit even apart from the Bradman heritage!
Jonathan,
I'm not sure why I've never visited Bowral because, to be honest, I'm a serious Bradman nerd (disclaimers apart). Perhaps I'll make a trip this time - I am in Sydney till the end of the month!
Petersham Oval is very nice; we spent some quiet time just chilling on the benches and checking out the lovely scoreboard (a true classic).
Bowral is a lovely spot for a day trip from Sydney and the reverence inside the Bradman Museum has to be experienced to be believed.It's like visiting the most sacred of tombs where nobody speaks above a whisper.
I'm not usually one to talk about myself but since you asked I began my Grade career at Petersham before they amalgamated with Randwick. I also played for Balmain in Sydney, Valleys in Brisbane, Midlands in Perth and University in Hobart.
My favourite ground in Sydney is Coogee Oval. The pitch and outfield were always in great nick, it is near the beach for a quick dip after a long day in the field, girls in bikinis sunbaking on the hill and great food only a block away.
Nesta:
Unfortunately, it doesn't look like I will be able to visit Bowral this time around. No fear; I'm sure I will be back to Sydney soon, and will do so then.
That's a pretty impressive grade career! If you played for Balmain, does that you were based at the Birchgrove Oval? I've used the nets there - what a fantastic sight! The nets now have lines painted on the pitches - very good for practice.
I don't think I've been to the Coogee Oval strangely. Now that you mention it, I'll have to check it out. I also really like AGB's old home at the Mosman Oval.
Cheers,
Samir
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And I forgot to add, when you do make it Hobart I've an Associate Pass in the Members at Bellerive for you. Just give me some notice through email. All the Best, Nesta.
Also, I grew up a few blocks from Birchgrove Oval and your mentioning of it has brought back a flood of memories.
I have played many a match at Birchy in junior, school and grade cricket, but when playing for Balmain Drummoyne Oval was the headquarters and First Grade ground. Good wicket and lovely surroundings there too!
Mosman Oval is a splendid ground but I was only ever met with bouncers, sledging and unconvincing handshakes when venturing over the Bridge. ;)
Cheers Mate.
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