AUSTRALIAN and NSW spin bowler the late Bill "Tiger" O'Reilly lived for cricket and delivered his views on the game with a twist like his wristy leg spinners.
O'Reilly's insightful thoughts on the game, his capacity to convey ideas and also deliver the message with the force of a cover drive, were among his many strengths.
For years he wrote columns for Fairfax Media and Sydney Morning Herald.
O'Reilly, a former St George District Club player, died at 86 on October 6, 1992, but his legacy lives on.
He was born in the opal mining town of White Cliffs and lived for many years at Bexley when he was a school teacher; he also lived at Kogarah Bay.
He played 27 Tests for Australia, taking 144 wickets; he is among 13 St George players to reach Test level for Australia.
St George co-patron Warren Saunders will deliver the O'Reilly Oration at 12.30pm on Friday, September 19, in the Booth/Saunders pavilion at Hurstville Oval.
Saunders, the former St George and NSW batsman, said O'Reilly had made an indelible contribution to cricket as a player, thinker and writer.
Saunders spent many years as a youngster at Hurstville Oval, marvelling at O'Reilly's spin bowling skills.
"Bill was forthright and honest with his opinions," Saunders said.
"He was part of the rich history at the club.
"It's good for people of all ages and the younger generation at our club to know about our history."
St George president Kevin Greene said the O'Reilly Oration, which had been held for more than 10 years, was a wonderful way to launch a new season.
Following the oration, a panel headed by former Australian and St George spinner Murray Bennett and Sutherland batsman and NSW assistant coach Phil Jacques will discuss various topics.
The Sydney grade season starts on Saturday, September 27. St George and NSW fast bowler and new first grade skipper Trent Copeland said the players were well aware of its amazing history.
Copeland, of Miranda, said the players were looking forward to the new season.
‘‘We’ve got a more than competitive squad,’’ he said.
Greene said tickets for the season launch were $165 or $1650 for a table of 10.
Details: Kevin Greene, 0414 776 111.
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