A brilliant century by 16 years old Garry Benstead and a 125 opening partnership between Benstead and 17 years old Jeff Quine took the top honours in the opening day of the 1964-'65 Illawarra first grade cricket competitions on Saturday.
Sent in on a spongy wicket by Woonona skipper, Don Geary, Benstead and Quine quickly adapted themselves to the conditions and scored freely.
As the youngsters passed the hundred mark old Thirroul-ites made for the record books to ascertain the last century opening partnership.
They had to search back fifteen years before it was found.
Then, when the confident Benstead reached his century it was found that it was the first 1st grade century since Mick Woods 11 seasons ago.
Don Geary inspected the wicket and after winning the toss had no hesitation in electing to field.
"The wicket was spongy to walk on and was anything but a batsman's wicket," he said.
"The wicket was completely replaced some months ago and has not consolidated," stated Dennis Bushby. "There was no lift in the pitch and balls kept low and were inclined to shoot."
The youngsters Benstead and Quine, displaying plenty of confidence and aggression, featured by splendid running between the wickets, were together at afternoon tea with 125 on the board.
Benstead was 55 and Quine 45.
In the opening over by Larry Smith, after the break, he had Quine tied up and finally shattered his wicket without addition to the score.
Former Wollongong batsman John Shaddock joined Benstead and took the score to 190.
Shaddock was finally bowled by Smith at 21 and Benstead at 110 was caught by Geary off Smith.
In his most impressive innings Benstead hit nine fours.
COLLAPSE
Following Benstead's dismissal the remaining Thirroul wickets fell cheaply.
Larry Smith was rewarded for his bowling effort with six for 54 off 4 overs, including two maidens.
Thirroul's innings ended at 237 and Woonona will commence its chase from the start of the second day next Saturday.
This article is also available in an original scan here.
100 Years Of Cricket will bring you historical articles, photos, scorecards and season summaries as they become available.
This article has been viewed 663 times!
