steve Wark takes his 800th wicket for St George District Cricket Club

With a total of 801 for the club, across all grades, he has become the third all-time highest wicket taker at St George, sitting just 12 wickets short of second place, Ross Longbottom.

Unfortunately, Wark doesn't believe he will take the top spot, which is held by St George hall-of-famer Mick Favell, who took 1143 wickets in his career.

The now medium passer, passed the astonishing milestone during a brilliant innings on Saturday at Graham Reserve, where he took 3/9 off 10 overs, including five maidens.

It was his third three-wicket haul of the season, having nabbed 10 wickets overall in 2021/22.

Having played all grades during his 28 seasons at the club, Wark has had some remarkable years, including a 53 wicket season in 2002/03 (49 in Second Grade, four in First Grade).

Currently, Wark serves as a mentor to the club's lower grade players, which St George President, Kevin Greene, said has been invaluable.

"He has had a distinguished career across all grades," he said.

"Warky has made a fabulous contribution to the club, captaining a number of premiership teams and even leading Fourth Grade to the finals last season.

"But the modeling and lessons he has shown to the younger players in the club has been so important. He is a wonderful captain and mentor."

It was the club's first match of the new year, on Saturday as First Grade lined up against Manly-Warringah at Hurstville Oval, in what was a low scoring affair.

Being sent by the visitors to the crease first, it was a rough start for St George, who only managed to post 100 runs in the innings. Luke Bartier led the side with the bat, scoring 20 runs of 43 balls.

With the ball, St George performed well quickly knocking over Manly-Warringah's top order for 3/17.

Unfortunately, the visitors were able to put together a few small partnerships to snag the victory with 7/101 after 30.1 overs.

Peter Francis, Nicholas Stapleton and Thomas McKenzie each took two wickets in the innings.

Second Grade lost, as Manly-Warringah chased down the first innings total of 126, with eight wickets in hand.

Third Grade won their match, chasing down 204, with seven wickets in hand, while Fourth Grade had fell short of its run chase of 204, scoring 146.

St George will now shift its focus to next week's match-up against Blacktown Mounties as they fight to get back into the top six.

The club will also be concentrating on its Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup semi final against Randwick Petersham at Coogee Oval on Sunday, January 23.