Twin Career Centuries for Olly Knight

First Grade all-rounder, Olly Knight, brought up two big career milestones this Saturday, on Day 1 of our fixture vs Mosman at North Sydney Oval – his 100th appearance and 100th wicket at the top grade.

Olly joined the Bears in 2014-15 and a combination of 38 wickets across the grades that season and a match-winning 80 for Second Grade in the final round led to his First Grade debut the following season. With no shortage of talent, Olly’s application has improved markedly over his time playing at the top grade, to become a pivotal member of the side with ball, bat and in the field.

Olly made Second Grade appearances as recently as 2020-21 and was the Frank Punch Second Grade Player of the Year in 2019-20. However, last season was a breakout one with 21 First Grade wickets and 350 runs, including several mature performances under pressure, which led to him being runner up in the race for the Bradman Medal, our First Grade Player of the Year award. Olly has relished the responsibility of the new ball this season and already taken seven wickets in two and a bit innings. His 102 wickets at the top grade have come at an average of 36.68.

His best bowling for First Grade was 4/18 against Sydney in 2015-16, and his highest score with the bat an incredible 82 in the Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup in 2019-20 that will live long in the memory of those who witnessed it. That innings, off just 32 balls, included ten sixes, cementing Olly’s reputation as one of the biggest hitters in NSW Premier Cricket. To date he’s hit 81 First Grade sixes on record, only just fewer than his number of fours.