HOOKS & CUTS
Normally a paddle is reserved for rowing a boat.
Can you imagine our surprise, when discovering that a paddle can also be used as tool for punishment? At our first diner one of our team innocently left a portion of barramundi on his plate. Two young waitresses appeared threatening, gesturing and cajoling.
Facing the music first was rugby league legend Brett Kenny, suddenly finding himself bent over the table. His legs spread apart and receiving a crunching blow by the two persuasive damsels, armed with thick wooden paddles. A late offer to finish the fish was rejected with no mercy.
Jeff Thomson, who quickly tried to consume the last four cold beans on his plate, took his medicine calmly. Going to the crease with the air of a Viv Richards, the girls were kind and administed the spanking blow with renewed enthusiasm.
So it was, at Verdies Restaurant in Cairns the beginning of our North Queensland journey.
The "50 Not Out Tour" marked the fact Len Pascoe & Jeff Thomson turned the half-century on this, the millennium year. Helping celebrating the event was Doug Walters, Brett Kenny and leading comedian Calvin Degrey.
Whilst presenting sporting variety shows in leading venues Golf and Fishing become a most competitive pursuit. With the days being free what else could we do?
Thomo's navigational skill, local knowledge, fishing expertise and mobile phone experience (TeleTom) unanimously got him voted team captain and bus driver. Len's role was as motivator, facilitator and Have a Chat! Led him to the vice captaincy. Doug Walters was to be in charge of beverages and curfews, however after careful consideration this was strongly rejected.
Brett Kenny was given the duties as social director and team coach, but was not satisfied and insisted on being captain, vice captain, bus driver, media commentator, financial director and tour consultant. This was also rejected, where by he was sent packing mid tour
Calvin De Grey on this occasion was unsuccessful on all positions, due to his complete lack of experience in all facets. Feeling sorry for him we decided to give him the opportunity as back packer liaison officer and tourist.
The first week of the tour was to see us travel Cairns - Ingham - Cardwell - Innisfail - Atherton - Port Douglas and back to Cairns. Through out the journey always surveying the fishing opportunities, making valuable contact with the locals. The weather, being the wet season, made for very humid days and nights. The temptation of the Hinchenbrook estuary was great, as we gazed in awe of this wonderful area well known for its mud crabs and spectacular fishing, Thomo recalled past experiences and characters of the area and what we can look forward to.
1) Type of fishing
2) Lumpy the tour guide from hell !!!
3) Card well mud crabs & spar pool swims
4) Atherton tablelands and its beauty
5) Lester & Billy & Tinaroo Dam
6) Swim at the Daintree (cool water)
As time neared to wet a line, an air of excitement grew. Atherton an incredibly beautiful area comprising of a rolling green countryside and sleepy friendly town people, the temperatures being 10 degrees cooler than on the coast, it is here we met Lester a local. The tales of big barra being caught only the night before from the upper reaches of Tinaroo Dam, only wetted our appetite more, we were assured they hit the line like parahanas. The best fisherman in the area was Billy and after a good discussion our hopes were high.
The next day was to see us head towards Barron Falls a magnificent water fall and link up with two of the best barra men of the Cairns. The esky packed with adequate refreshment and the odd 4XXXX, for the celebratory drink. The day started off sunny and warm, the wet season creating thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening, perfect conditions to catch our first big Barra. The morning passing with breakfast on the waterfront and as 2 pm approached excitement was in the air. We hooked up with our barra men at the local at garage. These guys knew the business their flat bottom boats immaculate; every thing was exactly where it was supposed to be. Jeff hopped into the Toyota patrol and Calvin and I in the four runners. As we drove our guides spoke of the catches in recent times, however tempering their tales with caution, the barra are not stupid, they can go off the bite for no reason, it can be the best of conditions and unfortunately come home empty.
We launched the boats and in no time weaving through the old submerged trees, reaching a spot near a bed of lily's, the anchors quickly set, the first line in was Jeff's the lure hitting the water gently near the reads, then Calvin, I couldn't wait and mine was next, we pounded the waters for 3 hours, when Lumpy (our guide) yelled "there over there a boil" our enthusiasm and confidence returned, a live bait was cast and the new waiting began. Calvin up till this time was casting with precision until the unthinkable happened, as Lumpy let the whole Dam know "That's the biggest birds nest I have ever seen" the bait caster was locked up. To watch Calvin try to recover from embarsament was a sight to behold; it was obvious he shouldn't leave his day job as a comedian. To become the next Rex Hunt.
The time passed quickly the sun going down and the darkness falling, Lumpy said he would try another spot before packing it in. The sound of a big barra was heard hitting the water as a near by boat released a 30 pounder, unfortunately we come home empty not one Barra but then we were warned that was a possibility. Some how none of us were disappointed, The magic of Tinaroo dam and the company we had the yarns spoken was all we needed to make time to remember. Its funny some things need to stay elusive to keep the dream alive, and so it was our first days fishing.
Our Thanks go to Bankstown Cricket Club and Mike Stephenson who put to-gether a wonderful book on the history of the Bankstown Cricket Club, if you can get a copy you will be delightfully surprised with the pleasant tales of days gone by.
marty_klumpp@bigpond.com
PASCOE AND THOMMO
Speed Beats Subtlety
Jeff Thomson and Len Pascoe were far more interested in surfing than playing cricket in their younger days much to the chagrin of Bankstown officials. In frustration they dropped Thommo to third grade for disciplinary reasons. This move had the desired effect as he blitzed a devastated St. George lineup at Cahill Park, taking all ten wickets and bouncing straight back to first grade. However, his pace was not only too quick for the batsmen it proved more than a handful for the Bankstown slips cordon who put down a few catches and couldn't even get a hand to others. In sheer frustration Thommo yelled down the track to them, "why can't you catch the bloody ball you blokes"? Back came the sharp retort, "how can we catch the bloody ball when we can't see the bloody ball, Jeff"? He was asked one day why he didn't vary his pace more and move the ball around and replied, "that's for medium pacers that sort of stuff, pace and more pace is the way to get blokes out. Plus if I don't know what the ball is doing and where it's going what chance has the batsman got?"
Thommo Takes All Ten
Arthur Taylor captained thirds against St. George at Cahill Park in 1970-71 when Jeff Thomson took all ten Saints wickets. On a good pitch, Bankstown was bundled out for a mere 120 but thanks to Thommo's heroics the Dragons only managed 108. Arthur still managed to slip himself into the attack, taking over from Jeff after the quick had made the initial inroads. However, after a couple of fruitless overs he sensibly brought Thommo back and Jeff obliged by taking a few more wickets. A.T. could not resist the temptation and again rested Thommo and brought himself on to bowl, hoping to clean up the tail. Several wicketless overs went by again but after some cajoling from the rest of the team he made way for Thommo who obligingly won the game. Jeff finished with the incredible figures of 10-31 but it was hard to believe that it had taken him three spells to do it. Arthur jokingly claimed credit for the win saying that by bowling himself Jeff looked even quicker when he was brought back on to bowl. Needless to say Jeff Thomson never played third grade again.
Fast and Furious
Len and Jeff had a lot in common but also were different in many ways. They drove fast, bowled fast, went water skiing at breakneck speeds and had a mutual love of surfing and fishing. Jeff drove a mini Cooper 'S' as a prelude to his Dino Ferrari and Len a Monaro. Jeff sometimes drove Mick Stephenson to the game and delighted in scaring the wits out of the more conservative opener. Stepho was castigated by Thommo one day for getting out to a gentle medium pacer. "How come you bat alright against Len and me at the nets but can't handle that rubbish" snorted Thommo. "Sorry, Brabham" retorted Stepho "I was still recovering from the car ride." Len and Jeff are great mates and still keep in touch after all those years. As a youngster Jeff was a talented soccer player and was seriously considering a contract offer from Melita Eagles. Apparently he was just about to sign, but thankfully for the good of Aussie cricket Len talked him out of it.
Bloody Journos
Jeff Thomson was very popular amongst his teammates - a likeable larrikin with a great attitude towards life. He was asked one day why he was off the beer and drinking scotch instead. His reply was that when he woke up with a hangover from beer it made him bloated and lethargic but on spirits he started the day fired up and cranky and couldn't wait to take it out on the batsmen. He was having a drink at the Bankstown Sports Club one night when a phone call came from a journalist who wanted to talk to him about a game against Mosman at Bankstown where Jeff sent one batsman to hospital and hit several others. The tailenders were faced with the terrifying prospect of taking guard with the sight of spilled blood in front of them. Thommo was warned not to say too much to the journo and when he returned to his mates after a lengthy delay said he was asked if he was upset at seeing blood on the pitch and just said he didn't mind too much. The next day the headlines were to the effect that Jeff Thomson loved to see blood on the pitch and the young tearaway had learned an important lesson about dealings with the media.
Chappell Prayers Answered
Bowling at the S.C.G., Len Pascoe had Queensland in all sorts of trouble and deceived Greg Chappell with a shorter, quicker delivery which he obligingly mistimed and proffered a simple catch to David Hourn at square leg. Unfortunately for Len and N.S.W., the simple catch went straight through the poorly sighted Hourn's hands and Chappell was on his way to yet another century. This was hard enough on Len but it was the last straw when Thommo came out to bat late in the day, was dropped behind the wicket almost immediately off Len, and proceeded to smash his old mate all over the ground. Just to rub salt into Lennie's gaping wounds Jeff described his knock in elaborate detail at the bar when having a not so quiet drink with his former teammate. Len's retort was short and succinct, "Chappell was lucky but you were blessed." Whether the religious pun was intended or not only the lionhearted paceman would know but he was certainly willing to administer the last rites on the hapless Hourn. Pascoe did possess a very dry sense of humour and it came to the fore once when he was told by Rod Marsh that he'd signed a cricket bat upside down. Len was quick to pose the question "how did you know it was me?"
Splitting Hairs
No matter how hot the weather was Len Pascoe was able to maintain his pace right through the day such was his strength, and his verbal duels with batsmen, particularly Ian Chappell, are legendary. However, the wildest we saw him was the day at Drummoyne Oval when a Balmain batsman appealed against the length of Lennie's hair. A complaint was made to the umpire that Len's fashionably flowing locks were distracting, but apart from doing a Sampson and ordering his hair to be shorn there was little the umpire could do. Pascoe was furious and snorted, "I'll turn his hair grey, part it and then scalp him." Len proceeded to rip into the Tiger's lineup with renewed gusto. It could probably be described as the forerunner to Dean Jones appealing against Curtly Ambrose's white armbands in a one dayer at the S.C.G., which just spurred the West Indian on to fire out the Aussies. Fast bowlers tend to respond with renewed vigour to such questionable taunts and L. Pascoe was no exception, as the hapless Balmain batsmen could readily attest. Len also got revenge on the Tigers in an unusual manner for him - with the bat. He hit the winning runs with a towering six which soared high over the midwicket fence at Drummoyne and when questioned after the game as to whether or not it was premeditated he happily replied, "I sure fooled them, I changed my block two slog one policy to slog two and block one". A shrewd batting tactician was our Len.
Jaws Sinks Sharks
Len Pascoe, who was affectionately known as "Jaws" at one stage of his career, devoured the Sutherland Sharks in the 1975-76 season with 4-34 in the first innings and 7-24 in the second from 13 overs, which included 3 wickets in 4 deliveries. Young Sutherland opener Andrew Hilditch showed extraordinary courage to remain at the crease despite Lennie hitting him twice on the jaw. Hilditch went on to play for Australia and became infamous for being dismissed repeatedly from the hook shot, but he certainly had no chance of hooking the fired up Pascoe on that particular day. Len made it a wicket windfall weekend when he similarly demolished North Sydney on the holiday Monday with 6-31. This gave the fiery quick a remarkable start to the season with 17 wickets at an average of just 5.23. Not content with this extraordinary effort, Len ripped through Uni of N.S.W. with similar gusto the following Saturday taking 6-55. The explosive paceman had then captured 23 wickets in just three games but it caused his bowling average to blow out to 6.34!
Uncle Lunch Helps Tugga Tame Thommo
Steve Waugh's confrontations with fast bowlers, particularly Curtly Ambrose, are legendary. However, as a youngster playing for N.S.W. against Queensland he showed diplomacy and tact when dealing with Jeff Thomson that belied his tender years. Thommo was bowling at his fiercest and Steve pulled him to the fence which raised the ire of the paceman no end. Following a tirade of abuse Steve said quietly to Thommo "My uncle asked me to say hello to you" Thommo retorted "Who the bloody hell is your uncle?" The youngster nervously replied, "Dion Bourne" and the paceman mellowed visibly. Dion had been Jeff's mentor and very good friend in the tearaway's wild and woolly younger days. Thommo was still just as ferocious but at least the young Waugh did not have to put up with the verbal abuse. Later on the pair had a good chat about Dion and the Bulldogs and the next time Jeff saw 'Lunch' he was quick to tell him what a smart young nephew the lad was.
Leopards,Tigers and Lionhearted Len
In the commentary box one day Len Pascoe was talking about the aggressive attitude of fast bowlers and finished off by saying "It's in our nature, a leopard never changes its stripes you know." Although the lionhearted quick had mixed up his tigers with his leopards it was the English teacher at Punchbowl Boys High who really got things mixed up when he told Len and Jeff that they should study harder as they would never make a living playing cricket. Famous last words and not quite spot on, if you can pardon the pun!
Len Bradman
Len Pascoe sportingly came to the game during which Wayne Holdsworth became the club's leading first grade wicket taker when he snared his 394th victim in the top grade overtaking Len's longstanding record of 393. As only fast bowlers could do, the pair started talking about batting with Cracker recalling his few past glories with the willow. Len in his typically laconic way couldn't help adding that his own batting was very much underrated, and how few people ever remember his fifty against a full strength international side. Curious onlookers questioned the big fast bowler as to which country he notched his half ton against. Was it India, England, New Zealand, West Indies or South Africa, "no" replied the quickie. Maybe Pakistan, Sri Lanka or Zimbabwe. Once again the answer came in the negative. In desperation somebody suggested Scotland. "No" replied Len, " but you are getting very warm." Those who remembered Len as a very fiery paceman with extremely limited batting prowess realised that their memories had not gone askew when he revealed that he had indeed performed such a feat against a country not exactly renowned for its cricket ---- Ireland!
Not Quite Garfield Sobers
There is something about fast bowlers that tends to make them exaggerate their batting prowess and Wayne Holdsworth certainly was no exception. After scoring 49 from just 19 balls in a Mercantile Mutual Cup game at North Sydney Oval, 'Cracker' vociferously cajoled the batsmen for making the bowling look good. He added it was a shame that a bowler had to show them how to bat. It was all meant in fun but Mark Waugh really got everybody chuckling when he piped up, "there is no doubt about it 'Cracker' it was a great knock, as a matter of fact you'd be an allrounder if only you could bowl" ! Jeff Thomson found it particularly amusing when he saw Wayne unpacking his cricket gear at Bankstown Oval one day and said to his good mate Dion Bourne, "I've seen everything now 'Lunch', a fast bowler with three cricket bats."
Howzat Doctor
Dion Bourne was renowned for his vociferous appealing from all parts of the field, but he excelled himself one day against Balmain at Drummoyne when he leapt into the air with great enthusiasm and let out an enormous roar. Unfortunately he crashed to the ground in a crumpled heap, and had to be helped from the field. It could only happen to Dion, he had torn a calf muscle appealing!!! To make matters worse he was reported for swearing and disputing an umpire's decision although it appeared his mutterings were more associated with the pain. When he visited the doctor with Len Pascoe, Lunch hardly made a great impression when the doctor started manipulating the injury. The pain inflicted caused Dion's leg to shoot up in the air and come crashing down on the glass covered table, cracking the glass in the process.
Punchbowl Panic
Jeff Thomson, Len Pascoe, Dion Bourne and Mick Stephenson were very good mates even though their lifestyles were totally different. The pacemen were always trying to get the opening batsmen involved in such hectic pastimes as water skiing whilst the openers tried in vain to encourage the quicks to tame their reckless and wayward lifestyles. Common ground was usually found over a few schooners at the Bankstown Sports Club and a couple of games of snooker which the pacemen inevitably won. One Saturday night Bourne and Stephenson got sick of yet another snooker thrashing and Bourne made the comment that the pair might be able to win with the cue but were hopeless with a cricket bat. Derogatory insults flew thick and fast culminating in a challenge to a "game'' at the nets the following day. At that stage the club trials were held at Punchbowl, as Bankstown was out of action. The next day, midway through the Sunday trial, play was suspended and everybody gathered to watch the pacemen take on the batsmen. Tony Radanovic was appointed umpire and adjudicator of runs scored, and Stephenson batted first after Lunch won the toss. The quicks really cut loose beating the Stephenson bat repeatedly. However, the score mounted rapidly mainly through byes, wides and the occasional snick which the ump decreed nobody would have caught. Stephenson looked most uncomfortable but then Thommo decided to really let one go. It reared off a good length and whistled past the opener's nose as the crowd gasped at the brute pace of the delivery. Stephenson admitted later that he had never seen the ball and Radanovic called time a couple of deliveries later. With a great sigh of relief Stepho rushed out of the nets, took the pads off and wished Dion the best of luck. The skipper replied abruptly, "I've got news for you I've declared !" Thommo and Pascoe had little difficulty scoring the 48 runs for victory and, not surprisingly, were never challenged again by the shell-shocked openers.
Riled up Pascoe
Petersham baseballer and cricketer Brian Riley did not have much luck against Bankstown over the years and even in retirement his sledging of a youthful Wayne Holdsworth in the 1988 final at Petersham spurred the young 'Cracker' on to a matchwinning effort. 'Riles' was involved in one of the more comical incidents at Bankstown Oval. Drinks were taken at the fall of a Petersham wicket but when Len Pascoe saw Riles saunter to the crease Len yelled to his mates, "I don't want to get Riles out I just want to soften him up."The umpires had to intervene to bring to an end the verbal joust that ensued. To add to the drama Len at his menacing best lengthened his run up and stormed in to bowl. As he reached the crease, 'Riles' started to duck to avoid the obvious bouncer. Much to his chagrin the ball gently rolled into his offstump and he departed the scene to the merriment of the slips cordon. The distraught Riles said as he walked past Dion Bourne, "That's it 'Lunch' I'm hanging up the boots, I've been outsmarted by a fast bowler!"
Breaking Records But Not Eggs
In the early seventies several end of season trips were made to Jeff Thomson's home town of Condobolin. The trips were extraordinary and the hospitality was overwhelming from the townspeople, and in particular Warren Strainey who organised the game and entertainment. A local character by the name of "Brolga" terrified the city slickers with his snake in the sack surprise, his giant emu eggs, and his veritable bag of tricks. It was amazing to see the way the locals stood up to "Thommo" in the game. Jeff did have the satisfaction of finishing with six wickets plus three arms, one leg, one ear, one smashed thigh pad and one head bye. One incident which has become folk lore was the egg throwing at the Condo Show in 1973 where Thommo and Steve Sydes broke the world record. It was no surprise that Jeff was able to hurl the raw egg over 85 metres but it was a minor miracle that Suds was able to catch it intact. The pair smashed the World record and appeared in the Guiness Book of Records, but they were actually robbed of a few metres. The euphoria of catching the egg without it scattering everywhere was too much for Suds and he raced towards Jeff with his snare held aloft. Thommo quickly told him to get back as the egg had to be smashed to prove it was not hard boiled, and the distance measured. To this day, Suds maintains that the record would have stood for ever had he been allowed to stand on top of the cars parked outside the fence. Most of the eggs soared over his head bombarding the cars which had to be moved by their irate owners. Thommo in his younger days was renowned for his powerful arm. His biggest throw was a mighty effort at practice which was hurled from the nets over the fence on the full at Bankstown Oval and into the dressing sheds. Jeff also made a joke of a throwing competition at Sydney University by throwing the ball out of the ground.
Not Quite the Fairytale
In March 1977 Bankstown's hopes of making the semis looked mathematically possible but in reality, highly improbable. A last round victory over Balmain was required but then Manly had to defeat Mosman, North Sydney vanquish Northern Districts and Petersham upset St. George. Much to the delight of Bankstown supporters this is exactly what happened. The team progressed to the semis but only after a monumental struggle against Balmain which resulted in a thrilling 3 run victory. Bankstown struggled to 7-196 thanks to 53 from Bob Vidler, 50 from Steve Small, 26 from Ken Thorpe, and 20 from Dion Bourne. Some fiery pace bowling from Len Pascoe and attacking medium pace from Bob Lamaro had Balmain on the ropes at 6-91. The Tigers fought back to claw their way to 6-177 and Bankstown's chances of victory and a semi-final berth appeared negligible. However Lamaro took a brilliant catch off the bowling of spinner Tony Radanovic to dismiss Thompson for 46 and there was a glimmer of hope. Pascoe returned to clean bowl Renneberg and Murphin for ducks and the Bulldogs were really barking as the Tigers slumped to be 9-189. The score edged up to 193 but then a brilliant piece of fielding from Ken Thorpe ran out Peter Spence for 48 and Bankstown had got home in a thriller. Pascoe finished with 4-49 from 16.4 overs and Lamaro 3-33 from 11. Unfortunately Bankstown succumbed to Uni of N.S.W. in the semi, despite a Herculean bowling effort from Len Pascoe who claimed 7-76 from 15.2 overs. This helped restrict the students to 214 but Bankstown capitulated for just 156 in reply to bring an end to the fairytale.
Calypso Copycat
Bob Lamaro was an excellent mimic and as entertaining off the field as he was on. His rendition of Rockin' Robin and the Wests rugby song of Black and Whites Forever, sung to the tune of Proud Mary were favourites. He also provided great amusement with his hilarious send up of popular West Indies skipper Clive Lloyd. After Bankstown's own Jeff Thomson had ripped through the West Indies yet again Bob was egged on to perform the impersonation in the Members bar at the S.C.G. 'Tex' had imbibed just enough during the day to comply and a large crowd gathered to watch. "That Thommo very quick man. We need much rum to face him out there. He far too quick for my heavy bat. Sad to say he send us on our way we don't want to come back for many a day. Our stumps are down our caps are spinning around we all can't wait to get back to Kingston Town" came the plea from Bob, aka Clive Lloyd, as the crowd roared with laughter. Suddenly a hush came over the gathering and sensing something was wrong Bob turned around to be confronted with none other than a very serious looking Clive Lloyd. It appeared that he was not amused but all were relieved when his big smile broke out and he said "You're right man that Thommo is very quick. Almost quick enough to play for us."
Jeffrey Robert Thomson
The legendary "Thommo" was born in Greenacre N.S.W. on August the 16th 1950. Statistics can be rather boring, unlike the dynamic paceman, but for the record he blasted out 675 batsmen in his 187 first class matches including a nice round figure of 200 test victims. The most damning statistic for N.S.W. cricket is that in all the time he terrorised batsmen when playing for Bankstown, he was selected to represent his State on just 7 occasions. To the amazement of all grade batsman, and much to their chagrin, he languished at the lower level for far too long. Ironically, his last game for N.S.W. was against Queensland when his 7-85 wrecked the Bulls to such a degree that Greg Chappell had no hesitation in enticing the tearaway to join him up north. Thommo loved Bankstown but was not all that enamoured of the N.S.W. selectors.
Jeff Thomson's last season with Bankstown proved to be one of high farce. Back to full fitness in 1973-74, Thommo terrorised batsmen all over Sydney. As Dion Bourne pointed out he was unquestionably the fastest and most feared bowler in N.S.W. Selectors totally ignored his staggering figures of 6-31 vs. Mosman, 6-66 vs. Nepean, 5-36 against his old mates Gordon, 5-48 against Cumberland, and 4-28 versus Saint George, and a total of 45 wickets at 13.18. All over Sydney beleaguered opening batsmen were ducking and weaving, bruised and battered. Quite a few even capitulated with a sigh of relief, and seemed not too unhappy at the prospect of returning to the pavilion. Some even dropped out to avoid confrontation with the brute pace of "Tornado" Thommo, but the selectors remained unmoved until the last game of the season against Queensland. That was the end of Jeff's career with Bankstown but the start of a new career as partner to Dennis Lillee. The pair formed a combination which terrorised batsmen on the world stage. It was just a pity that the Bankstown Club had to pay the price for the N.S.W. selectors curious oversight.
Len Stephen Pascoe
The lionhearted paceman was born on the 13th February 1950 at Bridgetown in Western Australia. Len took 309 first class wickets at an average of 25.61. Amongst them were 64 Test wickets at 26.06, but Len's international career was impacted upon by World Series cricket. His best bowling figures for N.S.W. were his 8-41 versus Tasmania, whilst he saved his best effort for Australia in the Lord's Test of 1980 where he wrecked England's innings taking 5-59. For Bankstown, Len captured 528 wickets in all grades and held the record foe most number of first grade wickets with 393 until it was broken by Wayne Holdsworth in 1999-2000. Len Pascoe was rewarded with Life Membership of the Bankstown Club.
Len often made light of his batting prowess but did register 51 not out versus Tassie in 1976-77, and 30 not out against New Zealand in Perth during the 1980-81 season. He jokingly remarked that if he wanted to confuse bowlers he would switch from his block one slog two policy to slogging one and blocking two! Len was an extremely fit and strong paceman with a physique admired by all women and envied by all men. His strength enabled him to maintain his pace all day and even after thirty overs on a stinking hot summer's day he still terrorised batsman as much as at the outset. He was a fearsome sight pounding in to the stumps with that menacing Pascoe glare and black locks of hair flying all over the place. Dion Bourne recalls Len Bowling his heart out on one particular, stinking hot day at Bankstown. Dion was forced to give the gutsy quick a spell but several overs later Len stormed up to him. "Give me the ball, Lunch" he pleaded, "We'll never get them out at this rate" Lennie added. Never one to argue against such bravado, Dion obliged by throwing him the ball and watched in awe as Len exploded into action and won Bankstown the game!
Len debuted for Bankstown in Alan Tyson's "C" Shires side in 1966-67. The fiery youngster immediately revealed the potential that was to enable him to become a prolific wicket taker for N.S.W. and Australia, and the leading first grade wicket taker for Bankstown. Len took 57 wickets in his debut season at the incredible average of 6.84. Equally unbelievable was the fact that he didn't win either the bowling average or aggregate . Left arm orthodox spinner Bob Waddington snared 59 wickets at an amazing 6.67 to just pip the young speedster for both honours. "Durto" as he was then known, had the best bowling figures of 8-10 and,not surprisingly, the side won the competition. In the final Bankstown scored just 113 and 83 but dismissed Sydney for a paltry 92 and 99. Thommo took 4-29 and 5-34 but the terrible twins really came to the rescue of the side with the bat. With a second innings score of under 50 a distinct prospect Thommo blasted 27 and Len a defiant 16 not out which proved vital in the five run victory. Alan Tyson was naturally impressed by the pace of the tearaways, but also mentioned that Len was a promising allrounder after finishing fourth in the batting averages!