Each year the previous season’s 1st grade premiers play against a team selected from the other Premier Cricket teams under the banner of the SCG XI. In 2022, coinciding with the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Tigers, Sydney 1st grade in both men’s and women’s divisions were able to play the Premier’s Plate at home. The timing was impeccable.
About 400 people turned up for a joyful, sunny day at Drummoyne Oval on 4 October 2022 to celebrate 125 years of Tigers through all its manifestations. After fears of rain, we were blessed with sunshine, a drying breeze and a good-natured crowd where it felt half of them were old friends and the other half would be new ones. Plenty of food, the odd drink for some and two bright and breezy T20s going down to the last ball rounded out the day.
Many families had three generations present, many old friends gathered to reminisce and make new plans, and many volunteers saw the fruits of their labour on show. Players from other clubs, representing the SCG XI, saw, and perhaps wondered. It was a fantastic advertisement for a historic, and strengthening, club.
Sydney Cricket Club v SCG XI (women)
SCG XI 5/138 (R Dick 40, S Horley 37, S-J Johnson 3/13, G Lockhart 1/21) beat Sydney 6/135 (S-J Johnson 54, S Dimeglio 25, R Dick 2/11, S Horley 2/20)
Sydney Cricket Club v SCG XI (men)
Sydney 161 (W Fort 56, N Doyle 55, T Pinson 3/35, D Malone 2/24) beat SCG XI 158 (C Litchfield 56, D Mortimer 47, T Mullen 1/20, H Manenti 1/27)
