Yet another remarkable achievement will occur in 2016/17, with longtime clubman and Life Member Mick Bennett set to become just the fourth person to reach the astonishing 600 wickets mark.
On the back of yet another incredible season with the ball, Benno currently sits on 599 wickets and if his recent form is anything to go by, should reach the milestone this weekend against Armadale at Gwynne Park.
He will join George Pluske (601 wickets since his debut in 1956), Ron Stanton (617 wickets since his debut in 1957), and most recently Bevan James (635 wickets after debuting in 1960).
As you can see from the above, this is an extremely rare achievement, so much so that there hasn’t been an update to the list in almost fifty years!
Of those who have played at least one game this season, Shayne Hersey is next on 486 wickets.
A (much) younger Benno, third from the back right, celebrating a Premiership victory in 1999.
Despite having been around for twenty two seasons, Benno has not slowed down, and this season he sits second for the Club in all grades on the list of leading wicket takers with 17!
In fact, in round nine this year, Benno took 6/25 against Bicton Attadale, a grade record for the Club.
He comfortably sits amongst the greatest bowlers the Club has produced, and his statistics speak for themselves.
Since debuting in 1992, Benno has played 269 games for the Spartans, and has bowled 3065 overs – 622 of which are maidens.
His average of just 15.0 runs per wicket is astonishing, and completed his best figures for the Club in 2001 against Kelmscott when he took 8/27.
Not to rest on his laurels, he took another eight-fer in 2007, and holds the record for most five wicket hauls in the Club’s history.
Beyond the personal achievements, Benno has played in three two-day premierships and one one-day flag, and has served on both the Committee and as a selector for many a season.
Memorable Quote: “I wanted 1000 runs before 600 wickets!”
Benno’s Stats:
Debut Season: | 1992/1993 |
Life Membership Awarded: | 2008 |
Matches Played: | 269 Games |
Bowling & Fielding Statistics:
Overs | Maidens | Wickets | Runs |
3065 | 622 | 599 | 8992 |
Average | Best Bowling | 5WI | Catches |
15.0 | 8/27 | 39 | 89 |
Batting Statistics:
Innings | Not Outs | Highest | Runs |
192 | 72 | 43 | 987 |
Bat Average | Centuries | Fifties |
8.3 | 0 | 0 |
Benno’s 39 five wicket hauls is a Club Record.
Best Bowling Performances:
Figures | Opponent | Season |
8/27 | Kelmscott | 2001/2002 |
8/48 | Willetton Crows | 2006/2007 |
7/14 | East Fremantle | 2011/2012 |
7/33 | Kenwick | 2000/2001 |
7/49 | CBC | 2005/2006 |
7/61 | Kelmscott | 2003/2004 |
7/70 | Willetton Crows | 2004/2005 |
6/25 | Bicton Attadale | 2016/2017 |
6/29 | East Fremantle | 1995/1996 |
6/30 | Maddington | 2005/2006 |
Congratulations Benno, a remarkable achievement, and one that is hugely well deserved!
Craig Forsyth