Neil Williams - variation and consistency the key to taking wickets
Boneo Cricket Club | October 22, 2023
For well over 40 years as a player, umpire and commentator Neil Williams has made a tremendous contribution to cricket within the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association.
Let’s find out more about Neil’s journey in the game.
What year you were born?
1950
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
Back in the early 1960s they were only just starting juniors. I played in the Under 14 team in Surrey Park, Box Hill. The club eventually became Blackburn South. I batted 8, made 10 not out in Under 14s and didn’t bowl that day.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
3 clubs. As I mentioned Blackburn South, where I captained the Under 16s, we played in a Grand Final against Warrandyte; they were too good for us. I had three years of seniors, firsts and seconds. Playing in a Premiership in C1 (third division of first elevens) in Reporter District; mainly on matting.
When my parents moved to Mt Eliza in 1969, I was across the road from Howard Parker Oval, where Mt Eliza had its home ground. I ended up playing for them for 12 years. We were a very strong club, and I was fortunate enough to play finals every year and a few premierships in the seconds.
In 1980 I decided to reduce travel as I was living in Cape Schanck, so I went to Boneo, where I spent over 20 years (punctuated by 8 or 9 seasons of umpiring in the MPCA)
What was the highest grade you played and can you remember what you were feeling when you were selected and how did you perform on debut?
My first game in Provincial firsts was for Mt Eliza against Pines. I remember Mark Seeckts batting well until John Johnston (a great baseballer, ran him out from the deep). I got Dasher Downard out, in one of my 7 overs. Don’t think I was needed to bat.
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
I was mainly a left arm bowler, getting most wickets when I slowed down. I ended up with 1170 wickets; somehow more runs than wickets. I think my main strength was my thinking and working out how to get wickets. I always felt I got the most out of my limited skill set.
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
I had a few bags of 8, but my best was 7 for 9 in District Firsts for Boneo against Baden Powell: Phil Mayne, John Pearson and Col Munroe were the hat trick. We had a win defending 120 at “little Baden Powel”.
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Mt Eliza had the best fast bowler in my mind in Tony McWilliams. Could move it and great pace and immaculate control.
Paul “dusty” Rhodes was a quality left arm bowler who could move it both ways.
For the third I might call on my umpiring days. Rob Jackson from Pines would bowl all day with immaculate control. Was always on top.
Who were the best three spinners you have played against?
Again I thought Mt Eliza had the best in Bob McDonald (not many leggies have two wrong ‘uns and a top spinner). Brian McCue was dominant through his personality as much as his craft.
John Lillico was also outstanding, but not given enough games in the firsts, in my view.
Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?
Sanjay Weerasinghe was great, he must have made five centuries against Boneo, and was incredibly patient when needed, being able to score on both sides of the wicket.
Jim Boyd made 230 against Boneo one day when he was at Pearcedale. He took a liking for Ken Taylor that day and lobbed ten sixes on the pavilion roof.
Rob Bedford was probably the best of the lot. I saw him make runs against us a 13 year old, then umpired him when he got 12 centuries, generally before tea each time. One year I umpired Karingal 5 times and he made a century each time.
Neil also loves car rallying
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
I thought Scott Philips double century was pretty good, from a commentator perspective. Chanceless 220 at Frank Street., playing for Hastings.
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
John Pearson from Mt Eliza. Outstanding back or up to the stumps.
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Keith White, was at Mt Eliza for a few years and later on at Red Hill. He was given a bowl in the second innings against Hastings when Jeff Slocombe was smashing the ball around (He made a ton between 5.00 and 6.00 that day). Keith, a slow leggie, took some time to organise his field before bowling. Finally he spoke to keeper John Pearson: “Pearso we’re not going to need you there’ come out in the covers. I don’t expect to get one past him.”
Who was your childhood hero?
Dennis Lillee.
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Alan McGilvray.
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
When I returned from umpiring, I played a lot of Sunday cricket at Boneo. Was in a lower grade and we played Heatherhill who had dominated all season. It was low scoring- about 120 each against Graham Ash and Scott Diggle.
We got there 8 down and it went into a second innings at Baxter No 1.
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
There are so many, I’ve been around a long time.
What are your hobbies?
RPPFM radio.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Every ball you bowl should be slightly different to the last one.
What’s your occupation?
I retired a few years ago after over 40 years with the Education Department.
If you were running a state cricket association what would your 2 priorities to ensure cricket in the state remained strong and successful on and off the field?
Make it easy for juniors to play, a bit like the flexibility that has been brought in this year.
