This weeks “Blast from the Past” #27 is a great allrounder for the Tigers, Steve O’Neil.
Steve played for the Tigers for 15 seasons from 1992/93 to 2006/07 playing mostly 1st to 3rd grade. Steve was a fantastic medium fast bowler and a very handy opening and middle order batsman and an outstanding fielder. Steve played in 160 games (28th on the all time list) for the Tigers, with the bat Steve scored 2184 runs (29th best) at an average of 15.27 with 7 fifties and a top score of 74 vs Hilton in 2001/02 season. With the ball Steve was a master of good line and length, taking 268 wickets (13th best) at an average of 23.37 with 6 five fors and a best of 6/30 vs Kenwick in 1995/96. Steve took 6 wickets in a match 4 times. Steve was famous for his “no balls” leading the club stats with 180 no balls, 40 clear of anyone else. Steve took 60 catches and numerous run outs as a fielder. Steve played in 1 Grand Final in 2002/03 in 3rd grade, winning that one.
Steve, along with Steve Ambler, have the highest last wicket partnership of all time for the Tigers of 99 vs SJ Blues in 2005 3rd grade. They came together at 9/92 and ended up with 191. Steve then took 6/37 with the ball to win the match.
Steve was a dedicated Tiger socially, always supporting every event, he served as President and on the committee for many years.
Please share your stories of Steve in the comments below.
Cannington Tigers Cricket Club 