Christian ‘Pip’ Heath - you may as well look like you can
Heatherhill Cricket Club | December 18, 2023
Christian ‘Pip’ Heath started his journey with Heatherhill Cricket Club in 1982 and has bene an incredible contribution to the club.
Pip has experienced terrific on field success. He’s played 243 1stXI games for the club which is the most in the clubs history and overall he has played more than an amazing 400 games for Heatherhill.
Christian is a former president and is a proud Life Member of the Heatherhill Cricket Club
Let’s find out more about Christian’s journey in the game
What year you were born?
1972
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
I was 11 and in U/12’s back then you had to retire at 30, I managed 34n.o.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
I’m still playing for Heatherhill Cricket Club some 39 years later
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in senior cricket?
7ths at 13 years old
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?
Provincials 1st against Red Hill at the Chip, made 4 and caught at cover off Gary Martin. I was fortunate to play a year of Country Week with Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association.
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
Opening Bat and Wicket Keeper, who bowls the odd rubbish offie occasionally
What were your strengths as a player?
Always tried hard. Pretty good at putting any ball bowled between 2nd slip and backward point
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
113
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
For which club and where 5 for 35
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Rob Jackson – bowled same pace from first ball to last and could just do whatever he wanted with the ball
Scotty Phillips – good pace, nipped the ball around a bit – bloody near unplayable if the track was a bit damp
Paul Hartle – good pace back in the day and just never let you off the hook, very smart
Who were the best three spinners you have played against?
Brian McCue – bounce, spin, fiercely competitive
Johnny Forrest – great control of flight, length and speed
Greg Lamb – bowled tall, so had to make sure your feet were working well
Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?
Early days – Robbie Bedford, Stella Jackson, Peter Buchanan
Later days – Bobby Wilson, Dan Warwick, Nick Christides all just out and out superstars
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Bobby Wilson 185 not out. We made 300 and a bit the week before, Bobby came out and played the most perfectly constructed innings I’ve seen
Bobby Wilson
Was there any bowler in particular who whatever reason always seemed to cause you a few problems?
Most blokes who bowl it in my direction are a reasonable chance but Pete Klauer from Red Hill used to get me out for fun
Can you recall a time when you thought, wow, this is a step or two up from what you were used?
Early days as a young bloke playing 1sts cricket, it seemed every side we played had renowned stars of the MPCA and the week I played Country Week, because I personally didn’t believe I was good enough to be there.
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Against – Pete Bedford & Jeff Calder
With – Gareth Finney & Ants Neal
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
John Hille & Jason Hamilton-Smith
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
David Martin, read the situation and worked angles on the ground better than anyone
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Jonno Powell unintentionally
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
It was between our opening bowler, Mark Fisher & keeper on the day, Simon Parrot, when he decided to keep up the stumps without pads. The next ball Fish bowled was his quickest in 5 years and “Big Oomah” still has the lump on his shin.
Who was your childhood hero?
Kevin Bartlett
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Ricky Ponting, Michael Jordan, Muhammed Ali
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Richie Benaud, Kerry O’Keefe, David Lloyd
What was your favourite ground to play at?
Bruce Park, Graydens Rd at finals time….The Junction wasn’t bad either
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Prov. 1st Semi Final win over Langwarrin at Baxter after numerous failed attempts
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
We took 8 for about 20 odd to knock over Pines
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
No way could I limit it to 3, all are welcome
What are your hobbies?
Going to watch the Tigers, would like to play more golf
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
If you can’t be a cricketer at least look like one
What’s your occupation?
Area Manager for Capricorn Society, a membership based business in the Automotive Industry
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?
Giving kids, boys and girls, as much opportunity to play and fall in love with our game as possible.
