Port Jackson Over 50/55s Season Report
- 7 days ago
- 23 min read
Summer 2025/26 was, without question, a most significant season in our Port Jackson Vets Cricket history. The Over 50s and 55s programs are humming along.
Membership in our 50s/55s cohort grew by over 65 players – an extremely gratifying number that reflects success in our consistent, multi-channel marketing efforts and the genuine word-of-mouth momentum that the ‘Port Jackson’ name now carries across greater Sydney cricket.
We welcomed participants from seven new clubs around the Sydney metropolitan area into the Port Jackson fold for the first time this season. They joined the growing number of clubs who recognise the PJ pathway as the natural next step for their vets cricketers to play tournament cricket at a good standard and to compete for NSW and Australian representation.
On the field, the season's centrepiece events were the NSW State Over 50s Championships in Dubbo and the NSW State Over 55s Championships in Tamworth. Port Jacko’s sent four sides to compete in Dubbo and three up to Tamworth. We fielded over 70 nominees for the 50s alone. In Tamworth, our 55s cohort produced its finest results to date, claiming both the Division 1 and Division 2 State titles outright. In Dubbo, despite weather disruptions and a disappointing early close loss for our flagship Red XI, the Blue XI under Dave McDonald took out the Division 2 chocolates, and the tournament was a resounding success for the organisation as a whole.
This season also carried a deeper meaning. Our much-loved clubman Adrian Schwager passed away approximately twelve months ago, having faced an aggressive cancer with remarkable grace. The Cricket NSW Masters Association struck a Div 2 Over 55s State Championship trophy in his name, namely the Adrian Schwager Cup, and the trophy was lifted in Tamworth by Tom Reaney's White XI in its inaugural year. This held extra special meaning as Tom is related to the Schwager family by marriage and several of Adrian’s close mates were in the winning side. In addition, a memorial match to be held annually in Gloucester, NSW is also being arranged. Schwags is missed deeply and honoured proudly.
Growth & Participation
Membership Growth
Our Over 50s and 55s membership increased by more than 65 players this season. That growth that is the direct product of deliberate, sustained outreach through Club Secretaries of a wide array of Masters aged clubs but also associations that traditionally have a range of ages playing such as City and Suburban Association. Our marketing efforts have also extended beyond the Sydney Masters and Classics competitions to encompass Shire associations, and a range of local weekend competitions across greater Sydney. The PJ brand is increasingly recognised as the premier pathway for veteran (or master’s aged) cricketers in NSW, and this season's numbers are a clear validation of that. Of particular note is the contribution of the North West Sydney Hurricanes (Norwest CC), who fielded 17 players across our 50s and 55s representative sides this season, up from just a handful of representatives in previous years. The addition of Norwest
President Dave McDonald to our 50s/55s sub-committee has been an inspired move, and his club's engagement reflects the reciprocal loyalty that comes from genuine investment in the Port Jackson system. But other Clubs area also embracing the idea with nominations from Hawkesbury, Old Iggies, Mosman, Roseville and Castle Hill RSL all rising strongly.
New Clubs
A total of seven cricket clubs new to the Port Jackson representative experience sent players through our doors for the first time in 2025–26. This continued expansion reflects a virtuous cycle: players who compete alongside new mates at State Championships return home to their own clubs and share the experience, which in turn brings more clubs and more players into the fold the following season. The PJ pathway is becoming embedded in the culture of veterans cricket across Sydney. As a guy who has been involved with Port Jackson since the early days, this is very gratifying as it’s why we exist.
Committee Growth
The 50s/55s sub-committee was also strengthened this season with the inclusion of Dave McDonald (Norwest), alongside existing contributors Tom Reaney (Briars), Ange Barbaro (Nepean), Tony Phillips (Hawkesbury) and others. The 50/55s Committee is also indebted to the winder Port Jackson executive committee where it’s a joint effort from several guys to assist where required.
Port Jackson T25 Gala Day
The T25 Gala Day – a format pioneered with great take-up last season on Australia Day 2025 and now firmly embedded in the Port Jackson calendar, was delayed or rescheduled this season to take place in Springtime rather than on Australia Day. This is because of a crowded NSW Championships calendar in each February now and we feel that the T25 Gala Day, whilst a huge success in 2025, is best placed at the start of the season so we can get a good look at new players and nominees at that time and include them in PJ events as the season goes on. The format will remain deliberately inclusive: four balanced sides, concurrent matches, a winner-versus- winner and loser-versus-loser structure, followed by a shared barbecue. The day is designed to attract cricketers aged 48yo to 55yo or thereabouts, who have not previously been part of the Port Jackson system. 2025 saw a big uptake in nominations for the State Champs directly from guys who had been introduced to PJs at the T25 Gala Day.
NSW State Over 50s Championships – Dubbo, February 2026
Port Jackson submitted four representative sides to the 2026 NSW State Over 50s Championships held in Dubbo, drawing on a pool of over 70 nominees. This depth of selection is a remarkable testament to our growth. The tournament was well-organised by the Macquarie Valley committee and their volunteers, who managed a challenging weather event with professionalism and good humour throughout.
Weather, as it seems determined to do at these events, played its part. Rain shortened matches, affected pitch conditions, particularly for those unfortunate enough to lose the toss and bat second on difficult surfaces. Unfortunately, in some cases, the wet forced restructured formats mid-tournament. Our thanks to the organisers for their flexibility and tireless commitment to keeping cricket happening. It needs to be said that PJ’s own Dave Newham did an extraordinary amount of work up in Dubbo on running the tournament.
Division 1 – PJ Red XI | Won 1, Lost 2
Dave Newham of Macarthur also captained the Port Jackson Red XI in Dubbo, andas noted above, he did so while also wearing a Masters Cricket NSW hat as one of the tournament organisers, a dual role that placed enormous demands on him. The committee wishes to acknowledge that contribution explicitly: Davey's efforts in Dubbo, across both roles, were exceptional and not something we should take for granted in future tournaments at any age level. The context for the Red XI's results cannot be separated from the conditions they faced. As a Red XI scribe noted, the Dubbo 50s tournament was played in some of the most challenging weather-related circumstances in recent memory:
"It's no surprise to anyone that the weather played a big part in how the matches played out. I reckon you could go another 20 years and not have that much rain on the same dates in Dubbo. A huge amount of effort went into rescheduling and emergency ground and pitch preparation in order to get us playing. Massive kudos to the Macquarie Valley cricket guys and Dave Newham for their efforts in that regard."
"It was sensational to see the very collegiate approach from all four Port Jackson teams in Dubbo, as well as those from all over the state when it came to moving covers and getting behind the super-soppers to ensure that teams – more often unrelated to those helping than not – managed to complete their matches. Pretty much what it's all about."
"I am of the belief that a number of the games that went ahead, ordinarily wouldn’t have, owing to wet pitches, run-ups and so on. But everyone was there to get on and play some cricket."
"The pink ball under lights was almost impossible to see – hard for umpires and also for fielders in the deep with over-50 eyes. There were some quite comical moments as a result."
"With regards to the PJ Reds, the approach to the game reflected the quality and commitment of the playing group. There were some terrific blokes and storied cricketers in the team. Matt Turner (Briars/SLL) is a fine wicket keeper and shared that job with Mick MacLennan (Georges River). Day 3 was where the conditions finally matched what we are used to in our Classics games – it was dry weather at last."
"Having Tony Phillips (Hawkesbury) there as our Port Jackson Chef de Mission was excellent. TP made an effort to get around to all PJ games and ensure a good time was being had by all."
Player highlights, Red XI (50s):
Marc Roser (Nepean) – best bowler of the tournament for the Reds. Consistent and effective across all three days, regardless of conditions.
Paul Watkins (Mosman) – best batter, and arguably with Jimmy Cornforth (Macarthur) the best overall performer. Paul is classic batsman in his first outing for Port Jackson, smooth and composed at the top of the order throughout.
Jimmy Cornforth (Macarthur) – batted beautifully and was a whippet in the field. Subsequently selected for the Cricket Australia Masters 'A' side – a fine individual honour.
Matt Turner (Briars/SLL) & Mick MacLennan (Georges River) – shared wicketkeeping duties across the tournament.
Nirav Goradia – batted unselfishly to match the context of the game and fielded strongly, making the most of limited opportunity.
Learnings for the future:
In my view (and I take this as my responsibility as a key Committee role), as we start tget more and more nominations, we need to pick teams early and ensure through our trainings at Cricket Central that our team managers and skippers understand the make-up of the sides and everyone's potential roles well. That way we can slot everyone in where required in the heat of battle. We'll seek to have a team(s) dinner prior too, for some bonding and knowledge between players. Overall like in all these tournaments, a batter who can take the game away from oppositions, especially in shortened matches, is an ace in any side. Again, I’d like to thank Dave Newham, Tony Phillips, and every member of the Red XI squad for their efforts in Dubbo. The results column does not tell the full story of the week.
Tournament record Won 1 | Lost 2
Best batter: Paul Watkins (Mosman) – consistent at the top of the order throughout
Best bowler: Marc Roser (Nepean)
Best overall performance: Paul Watkins
Honourable mention: Jimmy Cornforth (Macarthur) – bat, fielding & CA Masters 'A' selection
Division 2 – PJ Blue XI | CHAMPIONS
The Blue XI, captained with distinction by Dave McDonald of the NWS Hurricanes, was the standout performing side across all four PJ teams in Dubbo. After navigating rain- affected matches with composure, the Blues took out Division 2, a fully deserved result that reflects the quality of the playing group and the steady leadership of their skipper.
The following is Dave McDonald's captain's report:
"Day 1, due to the rain, saw us only play a T20 against Far North Coast. We simply bowled and fielded poorly against an excellent batting side. The target was way too large, and we struggled to get close from the start."
"Day 2 was completely washed out, meaning Day 3 moved to T25 matches. That morning we faced Hunter Newcastle and batted solidly to post a great total, thanks to Andrew Jackson (Lindfield) and Scott Tuckerman (Hawkesbury). We bowled very tightly and fielded very well to ensure Hunter were with never in the hunt. Ben Callaway (Old Iggies) and Scott Tiley (NWS Hurricanes) our best with the ball taking 3 each.”
"We headed off to Lady Cutler for the final, but it was too wet and we had to head back to synthetic for the final against PJs White. We won the toss and elected to bat. Yet again Andrew Jackson led from the top, Tuckerman again steadied the ship in the middle, while Andrew Robson (NWS Hurricanes) blasted a quick 30 to see us to a very competitive total. Just like against Hunter, we bowled very tightly despite not taking many wickets, Callaway again our best. Our catching was the difference with three absolute blinders, which backed up another consistent bowling effort to lead us to an 18 run win. An absolute honour to lead these fine gents and lift my first trophy for Port Jackson."
– Dave McDonald, Captain, PJ Blue XI
Match results, Blue XI:
Rd 1 – T20 vs Far North Coast (Div 2):
FNC 6/180 (McDonald 2/28) def PJ Blue 95 (Jackson 19)
Rd 2 – T25 vs Hunter Newcastle (Div 3 S/F):
PJ Blue 8/145 (Jackson 40*, Tuckerman 30) def HN 9/104 (Callaway 3/21, Tiley 3/22)
Div 3 Final – T20 vs PJ White:
PJ Blue 6/134 (Jackson 30 ret, Tuckerman 31 ret, Robson 31 ret) def PJ White 4/116 (Callaway 2/22) STATE CHAMPIONS
Division 3 – PJ White XI | Finalists
The White XI, led by Brett Schlyder of the mighty Hawks with Pete Burden of Georges River as manager par excellence, was a compelling story of a group of relative strangers who quickly became a team with an identity all their own. Quickly christened the 'MAFS Appreciation Society' (MAS) – in honour of their captain's very
particular television viewing preferences, the Whites embodied everything that is best about the Port Jackson experience: excellent cricket, outstanding camaraderie, and a sense of humour that never wavered.
Pete Burden’s summary/ match report:
"First and foremost, our gratitude to the Macquarie Valley organising committee and all of their volunteers. They put on a great tournament against the odds of Mother Nature's rain. I look forward to next year in Dubbo – a great place for cricket. May we thank the PJVC organisers and selectors for all of their efforts, and Cricket Masters NSW. Without these groups of volunteers, we do not get to enjoy this tournament."
"As for PJ White, we came together generally as a group of unknowns, both as cricketers and personalities. Whilst an eclectic bunch, we gelled into a mob. The camaraderie, banter and support was terrific, to the point that some fellas went home with new nicknames. All of our fixtures were enjoyable as everyone had a go and had fun. Post-game – and sometimes during the game – the shenanigans were a highlight. In future, PJ White will be known as the MAFS Appreciation Society due to our fearless leader Brett Schlyder's unadulterated fascination with the show, to the point of badgering one and all to partake in its viewing and discussion during breaks in play, at the pub or anywhere else."
– Pete Burden, Manager, PJ White XI
Match results, White XI:
Rd 1 – T45 vs Macquarie Valley (Div 3):
MV 5/180 def PJ White 7/172 (Pathiranage 40*, Clive Cachia (Lane Cove) 40*; Mark McDonald(NWS)- 2/32
MoM: Chamara Pathiranage (NWSH)
Div 3 S/F – T25 vs PJ Orange: PJ White 6/171 def PJ Orange 6/139 (Schlyder 37; McDonald 2/14, 2 run outs)
MoM: Brett Schlyder (Hawkesbury)
Div 3 Final – T20 vs PJ Blue:
PJ Blue 6/134 def PJ White 4/116 (Schlyder 30*, Pathiranage 30*, Cachia 30*; Marty Payne (Roseville) 2/24, Anthony Mervin (Castle Hill RSL) 2/24
MoM: Brett Schlyder
Division 2 – PJ Orange XI
The Orange XI, captained by Michael Phillips of Norwest Hurricanes and managed by the indefatigable Chris Stolk (Warringah), brought together a mix of returning Albury carnival players and several first-time PJ debutants from a wide variety of Sydney clubs. It was exactly the kind of side the Port Jackson program exists to create; new friendships, new experiences, and new ambassadors for the PJ brand. Vice-Captain Ahmed 'Doctor' Shahir (North Richmond) provided outstanding support throughout.
The Orange XI were arguably the unluckiest side in Dubbo, facing a sequence of weather and toss-related adversities that would have tested the spirit of any team.
They passed that test with credit.
Michael Phillips' captain's report:
"Thank you to the PJ's management and selectors. A mix of some returning Albury carnival players combined with several new PJ debutants balanced out a nice new team from a variety of Sydney clubs.
Day 1 at Lady Cutler: the match was significantly delayed due to the square being deeply covered in water on one side, with the prepared wicket deemed unplayable. With the outstanding assistance of local Council, we were able to play a reduced 35-over game on a different, unprepared wicket. Challenged by the unknown surface and weather uncertainty, the toss was vital... Central North won it and sent us in. It was tough batting on an unpredictable and often unplayable damp wicket; we finished 7/139. Central North had the advantage of batting second with wicket knowledge
and made 4/140.
Day 2 was unfortunately completely washed out.
Day 3: turf wickets closed, moved to synthetic at John McGrath Fields. Format changed to two T20s.
Game 1 vs PJ White – a very early start on a wet ground. Another vital toss; PJ White won and elected to bat. We lost our lone specialist opening bowler having to leave the field due to sickness and really struggled with the wet ball and
outfield.
PJ White 6/171 defeated PJ Orange 6/139.
Game 2 vs Hunter Newcastle: they say things run in threes, and yet again we lost the toss with Hunter batting first. An injury saw us lose our opening batsman and the team was rotated to ensure all players received an opportunity to contribute. Hunter Newcastle 7/162 defeated PJ Orange 7/134.
My personal thanks to the most passionate team manager Stolkey and Vice-Captain Ahmed 'The Good Doctor' Shahir for their outstanding support under difficult conditions with a new and unknown team."
Michael Phillips, Captain, PJ Orange XI
Match results, Orange XI:
Day 1 – 35 overs vs Hunter/Central North (Div 2)
PJ Orange 7/139 def by Central North 4/140
Day 3 Game 1 – T20 vs PJ White
PJ White 6/171 def PJ Orange 6/139
Day 3 Game 2 – T20 vs Hunter Newcastle
Hunter Newcastle 7/162 def PJ Orange 7/134
NSW State Over 55s Championships – Tamworth, February 2026
Overview – A Historic Double
The words do not come easily to overstate what was achieved in Tamworth this year. Port Jackson's 55s program has been building to something special over the past several seasons, and in 2026 it arrived. We sent three sides to the Riverside Ovals in ‘Tamvegas’ and brought home both the Division 1 and Division 2 trophies. It is the finest result in the history of our 55s program and a tribute to the depth, quality and culture of the men who represent this club. Conditions in Tamworth were excellent. The Riverside Ovals, now a familiar and beloved home for our 55s representative cricket, were in magnificent shape and the organisers again delivered a tournament of the highest standard. Thanks especially to Greg Kellett and Steve Wilson there and their band of helpers. The social fabric of the event IE, multiple games running concurrently, a central hub, shared lunches and the pleasure of bumping into old friends from across NSW, was everything that makes these tournaments so special.
Division 1 – PJ Red XI | CHAMPIONS (3rd title in 4 years – & the other, a losing final)
Michael Hall (Mosman) captained the Port Jackson Red XI to a third Division One State 55’s Championship in four years. A feat that places him firmly among the finest captains in the Port Jackson’s history. Back-to-back titles, and three from four: the consistency is extraordinary and a testament to the culture Hally has built in this side.
Three players have now won all three championship titles alongside their skipper: Damien Heffernan (Lindfield) and Nick Garling (Old Ignatians) join Hall in that remarkable triple title distinction. Eight players went back-to-back as State Champions this season: Michael Hall (c), Trevor Whittall (Macarthur), Neil Barnett (Warringah), Mick Tarrant (CCNSW), Scott Wells (CCNSW), Matt Hardman (Lindfield), Damien Heffernan, and Nick Garling.
Match results, Red XI (55s):
Day 1 – vs Illawarra Bats, Bicentennial Park
PJ Red won Neil McLeod (Old Iggies) 5/23 & 40* | Andrew Varasdi (Mosman) 43*
| Scott Wells (CCNSW) 42* | Steve Geyer (Old Iggies) 42*
Day 2 – vs PJ Blue XI, Riverside Oval 1 PJ Red won
Bowling: Matt Hardman 3/4 (5ov), Andrew Morgan (Hawkesbury) 2/19 (6ov), Mick Tarrant (CCNSW) 2/19 (7ov)
Batting: Trev Whittall (Macarthur) 40* | Neil Barnett (Warringah) 32
Day 3 – FINAL vs Riverina-West, Riverside Oval
PJ Red won the WARWICK HAYES SHIELD
PJ Red ~280 | Riverina-West all out ~110 Neil McLeod 75 (incl. sixes into the local swimming pool), Whittall 46, Morgan 42*, Geyer 43, McLeod 3 wkts, Morgan 2 wkts
Player of Tournament: Neil McLeod
Day-by-day account:
Day 1 at the picturesque Bicentennial Park against the Illawarra Bats set the tone for what was to come. Neil McLeod (Old Ignatians) produced a stunning all-round performance – bowling figures of 5/23 were complemented by a composed 40 not out with the bat. Andrew Varasdi (Mosman), Scott Wells (CCNSW) and Steve Geyer (Old Ignatians) all contributed not-out innings of 43, 42 and 42 respectively, signalling the depth of batting available to the Reds throughout the tournament. At one point the PJ Reds who lost the toss and were bowling, had Illawarra 0/95 in the first 15 overs and it looked like a tough day. But the bowlers fought back strongly to take 5/36 in the middle 15 overs. In the end our batting was far too good for the boys from south of Wollongong.
Day 2 brought the intra-club clash against the PJ Blues at Riverside Oval 1. Matt Hardman (Lindfield) was devastating with the ball, returning the remarkable figures of 3 wickets for 4 runs from 5 overs to dismantle the Blues' upper-middle order and remove any threat of a competitive total. Hardo had 3 for 1 off 4 overs at one point.
Andrew Morgan (Hawkesbury) and Mick Tarrant (CCNSW) each took 2/19 to complete a clinical bowling performance. In the run chase, Trevor Whittall's (Macarthur) dashing 40 not out and a solid opener’s hand of 32 from Neil Barnett (Warringah) settled the matter briskly.
Day 3: the Grand Final against a well-fancied Riverina-West side. Batting first, the Reds produced one of the great Port Jackson Vets tournament innings. Neil McLeod was simply extraordinary – his 75 included several enormous sixes that cleared the boundary and, by all accounts, disturbed the peace of the adjacent swimming
facilities. Trev Whittall contributed a lusty 46, Andrew Morgan an unbeaten 42 with a couple of huge 6’s, Steve Geyer 43 (in style), and good breezy contributions from Wells, Hall and Garling helped the Reds post a total in the vicinity of 280 – formidable on any ground and in any Final. The bowling was equally dominant: Riverina-West
were bowled out for approximately 110, with McLeod (3 wickets) and Morgan (2 wickets) leading the way, backed by outstanding fielding throughout a very hot afternoon. The support from the Port Jacko’s White XI boys guzzling cans on the sidelines was appreciated!
Neil McLeod was named Player of the Tournament for his multiple match-winning performances across all three days – with both bat and ball. It was a richly deserved honour. The committee congratulates every member of the Red XI squad and thanks
Michael Hall for the exceptional leadership he has provided across four seasons of State Championship cricket. Hally is a legend and it’s always an extreme honour to be in his company, let alone to take the field of battle with him.
Division 2 – PJ White XI | CHAMPIONS (Inaugural Adrian Schwager Cup Winners)
This one meant a lot.
Tom Reaney (Briars Sporting Club) led the Port Jackson White XI to an undefeated Division 2 championship – and in doing so, became the inaugural winners of the Adrian Schwager Cup, presented by the Schwager family, who had come across from Wee Waa to watch the final day play out. That this trophy was lifted by a Port Jackson side, in Tamworth, in front of teammates and opponents who knew and loved Adrian, made for a moment of profound meaning. The committee is deeply grateful to the Schwager family for their generosity in establishing this perpetual trophy.
Tom Reaney's captain's report:
"A very successful undefeated tournament for PJ White – Division 2 Adrian Schwager Cup Champions. Which, with the pedigree of the playing group selected, was expected; however, it still required every one of the thirteen squad members to contribute across three days."
Game 1: PJ White 6/212 defeated Greater Illawarra 10/199. This was expected to be – and became – the crucial win to set up the trophy. Greater Illawarra would go on to score 311 and 322 in their next two games, comprehensively beating their other opponents. Restricting their 44.4 over chase to under 200 speaks volumes for the depth and fortitude of this team and bowling attack, especially after a 70-run opening stand. Chaffey Park is the largest field in Tamworth and the heat encountered across the 90-over day was intense.
Game 2: PJ White 5/274 defeated MNC/FNC 4/199. They were an unknown force, and when we were sent in, required initial restraint before launching yet another well- constructed total across the board. While it became obvious, they were a batting team, we took to the field knowing it was more than a competitive total and ours to lose.
Game 3: President's XI 9/178 beaten by PJ White 3/179 off 34.5 overs. Inspired opening spells by John Rose (Castle Hill RSL) and Marty Payne (Roseville), and yet again tight middle overs from spin twins Dale Walker (NWS Hurricanes) and Lance Soles (Ku-Ring- Gai), (pun intended), meant the opposition could never really get going. The chase was never in doubt. A deserved and emphatic win and a fitting way to conclude the championship."
– Tom Reaney, Captain, PJ White XI
Player highlights, White XI:
Scott Boyd (Hawkesbury) – retired in each of the three games (121 runs from 129 balls batting at No.3), outstanding in the field. 'The lock and man for the mission.' One of the overall best players of the entire tournament was Boydy.
John Rose (Castle Hill RSL) – genuine opening bowler and leader of the attack. Took the game away from upper orders on Days 2 and 3 and showed he can also bat when required.
Paul Markham (Georges River) – the rock the innings could be built on. Reward for application and effort.
Dale Walker (NWS) & Lance Soles (KuRingGai)– the spin twins, bowling through the middle with 9-over spells in each game, freezing opposition run chases on Days 1 and 2.
Michael Toal (Old Iggies) – fulfilled his crucial 'chameleon' role: a stabilising 30 off 35 with the bat and key death bowling spells to seal the Day 1 win.
Gwalani Mukesh (NWSH) – a find and a character! “Macca” agreed to travel at 10pm the Friday night, stepped in when needed and did everything asked without complaint. And he can play the game too...
Todd Randell (NWS legend), Thomas Verghese (Mounties), Ravi Raveendran (Wenty Leagues), Martyn Payne (Roseville), John Marinovich (Collaroy) – all contributed across the three days and each brings valuable attributes for PJ's 55s programme going forward.
Tom Reaney (Briars / C) – I certainly wish to record that Tom leading the inaugural Adrian Schwager Cup-winning team is a fitting honour for a captain who has given so much to Port Jackson.
Division 1 – PJ Blue XI (55s) | Won 1, Lost 2
The PJ Blues 55s, captained by Ange Barbaro of Nepean and managed by Ben Frawley of Old Ignatians, were seeded 7th heading into Tamworth but immediately made their mark as the tournament's giantkillers. The squad was, as Ben Frawley reported, a team full of talented and competitive lads who brought great energy and camaraderie across three days of cricket.
Day 1 – vs Central Coast Cyclones (2nd seeds, Riverside Oval 1)
PJ Blues won
Luke Downie (Nepean) 51*– hit a six off the second-last ball to seal the win.
MoM: Luke Downie
Day 2 – vs PJ Red XI (Michael Hall, 1st seeds)
PJ Blues lost
Matt Hardman (PJ Reds) took 3/0 off 8 balls, devastating the Blues' upper-middle order.
Day 3 – vs Central North (Div 1 champions two years prior)
PJ Blues lost
Best bowlers: Graham Lawrence (Lindfield), Rick Turner (Ku-Ring-Gai), Tim Croft (CCNSW) Paul Mulvany (Roseville) with 57* – highest scoring innings of the tournament for the Blues
Player highlights, Blue XI (55s):
Luke Downie (Nepean) – the match-winner of the tournament for the Blues. His 51* in Game 1 was capped by a maximum off the second-last ball to take the Blues past the Cyclones' target. A memorable innings.
Paul Mulvany (Roseville) – posted the best innings of the tournament for the Blues with 57 not out and looked accomplished in both outings. A player who clearly has plenty more to offer at this level.
Graham Lawrence (Lindfield) – the most composed performer across three days. Averaged 30 with the bat and bowled very well, contributing consistently on multiple fronts.
Mark Ham (Roseville) – a stylish 45 on his first Port Jackson tournament appearance. An encouraging debut that augurs well for future selections.
Rick Turner (Ku-Ring-Gai) & Tim Croft (CCNSW) – both stood up with the ball on Day 3 against a formidable Central North side.
Injuries took their toll across three days and hampered the Blues' ability to field their strongest combinations as the tournament progressed.
The committee acknowledges Ange Barbaro (Nepean) for his leadership of the Blues and extends particular thanks to Ben Frawley (Old Iggies) for his management and for capturing the spirit of the side so well. Beating the second-seeded Central Coast Cyclones off the second-last ball of the match is exactly the kind of moment that lives long in the memory of everyone who was there.
NSW State Representation & Nationals
Port Jackson's footprint within NSW representative cricket continues to grow. Players from across our 50s and 55s program were selected in strong numbers in both the NSW Over 50s and Over 55s squads for their respective National Championships.
In the National Over 55s Championships held in Bunbury, Western Australia, Port Jackson's own Michael Hall captained the NSW 1s “Blue’s” side, and NSW claimed the Division 2 Nationals title, with several long-serving PJ players prominent throughout. We are enormously proud of every Port Jackson player who wore NSW State colours this season. And there were 11 PJ players repping NSW in the 55s Nats in Bunbury WA for NSW and another 8 in Brisbane in the 50s. Further to that, Simon Neich skippered the Div 1 NSW Blues 50’s in the Nationals in Brisbane too. To have two Port Jackson men skippering NSW in National Championships was most gratifying. Simon was also selected in the Australian Over 50’s side in an international series of matches, so a huge congrats to Simon there. He might have scored a cheeky century for his country too....
We are also honoured to report that Port Jackson has recently received an invitation to participate in the annual Johnny Martin Cup in regional NSW. Further details on this invitation and our participation plans will be communicated to members in due course. It will be a winter tour to Gloucester in NSW.
In Memoriam – Adrian Schwager
There is no way to write about this season without pausing to acknowledge the loss of Adrian Schwager. Adrian, who ran a large cotton and wheat farming business in Wee Waa, NSW and played most weekends for Old Ignatians’ CC in Sydney Masters and Classics, was a regular and beloved presence in Port Jackson sides for five or six seasons. He was a man of warmth, generosity and good humour, the kind of cricketer and person who made every team better simply by being in it. Schwags as he is affectionately known, was far more interested in knowing You than telling you anything about Him.
Adrian was diagnosed with a very brutal and aggressive cancer late in 2024 and lost his battle within just a few months of that diagnosis – a timeline that left us all in shock. In the final days before his death, he was able to watch the livestream of last year’s NSW State Championships at Riverside / Tamworth, where he kept up ball by ball with
Port Jackson's 55s matches from his bed at St Vincent's Hospital, thanks to the efforts of (the now late) John Jewiss (Central Coast / NSW) and Steve Wilson (Tamworth / NSW), who set up the Frogbox streaming system for that purpose. He was in that Port Jackson side just a year earlier. He told us it made him feel as though he were right
there with us. The whole Port Jackson family got in front of the camera to send him their love – as did many of his NSW country regionally based mates, which is where his heart really lay. We are grateful beyond words that cricket could give him that.
The Cricket NSW Masters Association has struck the Division 2 Over 55s State Championships trophy in Adrian's name – the “Adrian Schwager Cup”. It was presented for the first time this year in Tamworth by members of the Schwager family, including his widow Natalie and his three sons Nick, Josh and Joe and their gorgeous
wives & fiancées. A as reported herein, it was won this year by Port Jackson White. It will be contested in perpetuity and will carry his name into the future of Masters cricket in NSW.
A memorial match in Gloucester, NSW – a place very dear to Adrian and to many of his playing mates from the 50s and 55s – is also being arranged by a working committee of Port Jackson and NSW Country representatives. It will be held in winter each year. More details will follow as they are confirmed. We ask all PJ members to support this event when details are announced.
Rest easy, Schwags. This one was for you. We love you mate.
Looking Ahead – 2026–27 & Beyond
The momentum at Port Jackson Veterans Cricket is as strong as at any point in our history. The numbers are growing, new clubs are buying-in, the standard of cricket is improving, and the culture – that intangible 'Men's Shed' quality that underpins everything we do – has never felt more alive. A few things to look forward to:
The Port Jackson T25 Gala Day will return later in 2026 in the pre-season period DATE TBA. The same format and the same intent: to welcome new players, celebrate the game, and reinforce what Port Jackson stands for.
The NSW State Over 50s Championships will be held again in early 2027. After the lessons of this season, we intend to return with a Red XI firing on all cylinders (and a better weather forecast!)
The NSW State Over 55s Championships will (hopefully?) return to Tamworth.
Our 55s program will go there as reigning champions in both divisions, with something to defend.
National Championships (50s and 55s) are set for a similar time next year too as we settle into this new calendar. Port Jackson again intends to be well represented in the NSW state sides through performance merit.
The Schwager – Jewiss Memorial Match in Gloucester 2026 is being finalised and will be a winter fixture on the calendar each year in a regional centre. All members are encouraged to support it.
Discussions with the Illawarra Bats regarding pre-State Championship fixtures (one 50s, one 55s) will continue to take place.
The Johnny Martin Cup invitation is on the table (50s/55s) and a response will be provided to members.
In Conclusion
The committee offers its sincere thanks to every player, captain, manager, selector, sub-committeeman, ground host and volunteer who contributed to the 2025–26 season. Any cricketing tournament and even any match, simply does not happen without an enormous amount of quiet, unseen work by good people. You know who
you are, and you have our deep gratitude. Expect a call from me...
To our new members: welcome. You have joined something special. We look forward to many seasons of cricket together. To our returning members: thank you for your loyalty and continued commitment. Port Jackson Vets is what it is because of you.
The growth and enjoyment is outstanding. Here's to what comes next.
Nick Garling
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