Rob Aitken and Pat Lindsay Chalk Up Milestones
Two Bears stalwarts chalked up significant career milestones in round 11 against St George.
Rob Aitken
The records keep falling for Rob Aitken as he claimed his 600th first grade wicket in the first innings against St George. Rob now joins Grant Lambert as one of only two men to have scored 11,000 first grade runs and claimed 600 first grade wickets in the more than 125-year history of Sydney Grade Cricket. Rob, and his father, Bob (811 wickets), now stand as the only father/son pairing to each claim 600 first grade wickets.
This achievement came as Rob took the field for the 472nd time in his first grade career, equalling the towering record of Ken Hall. More on that landmark next round.
Pat Lindsay
Pat Lindsay claimed his 300th grade wicket for the Bears as fifth grade had a remarkable tie against St George. A canny left-arm orthodox bowler, Pat has captured his 300 wickets at the remarkable average of 19.79.
Pat’s 12 five-fors for the club is the most amongst active players, and he has taken not one, but two eight-fors in the red and black. Hi 8/45 against Fairfield-Liverpool in 2014 was a masterclass in finger spin, taking half his wickets LBW.
Pat also took a hat-trick against Campbelltown-Camden in 2011, becoming only the tenth player in the club’s history to capture a second-grade hat-trick.
Over the course of his 11 seasons at the Bears, Pat has represented every grade, attaining first grade cap number 633 against Sydney University in 2012/13. He has also been a dedicated leader, captaining second, third and fifth grade, as well as holding the office of Honorary Secretary since 2014.
Pat’s commitment and selfless dedication to the club has few peers over the past decade, and he continues to guide young players as he looks to lead fifth grade to the finals in 2019/20.
Images courtesy of Tony Johnson