Matt Prosser - loyal and passion
Langwarrin Cricket Club | June 13, 2024
Matt Prosser is a loyal and passionate servant of the Langwarrin Cricket Club.
He’s played all his junior and senior cricket at the club apart from a couple of games with Frankston Peninsula Cricket Club in Victoria Premier Cricket. He played two first grade games in 2020/21.
Matt was named in the Victorian Country Cricket league team of the year for 2020/21.
Let’s find out more about Matt’s journey in the game
What year you were born?
1994
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
Under 11s as a 9 year old with Jeremy Weare as coach. Managed to retire on 20 and tried bowling seam up…. Gave that up pretty quickly.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
Always been a Langy boy (Langwarrin) and always will be!! Went to England as an 18 & 19 year old and played 2 seasons over there which was an amazing experience. Highly recommend it. Enjoyed a couple of games last season at Frankston debuting in the 1s which I am proud of. Too loyal to Langwarrin to pursue that path.
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in senior cricket?
In the 7ths at the age of 13-14 with the likes of Barry Coutts & Rick Nolde 2 of Langwarrin’s finest people.
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?
Frankston 1s last season, very proud and a great reward for plenty of hard work. Dismissed Aaron Ayres which was exciting!! Frankston was a very welcoming club and I thank them for the opportunity.
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
All-rounder – if I miss out with one skill it drives me to perform with the other or impact in the field.
What were your strengths as a player?
Value on my wicket particularly in the 2 day format & consistency landing the ball as a leg spinner
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
142 not out in the 2s against Crib Point. Dropped from the 1s the week before for being an idiot and drinking on the Friday night.
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
7 for 65 against Pearcedale
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Scott Phillips – smart and could swing the ball both ways
Zak Evans – could tell he was a class above in one of the games at Frankston last season. Gave no width and kept hitting the seam
Dale Irving – a slightly younger Dale (no disrespect) not only his pace but he bowls genuine outswing in good areas. Got me a few times.
Who were the best three spinners you have played against?
Yohan Maddege – bowls a bit flatter and can rip it both ways. Makes it tough to use your feet
John Forrest – very crafty and good changes of pace and flight. Doesn’t bowl many bad balls
Robbie Lancaster – he’s a teammate but I love what he does with the ball, another guy with great variation of pace and flight…. handy on the dancefloor too
Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?
Chris Brittain – anytime you feel on top or a little bit of pressure building he finds a boundary and releases that pressure for his team. Look forward to batting with him this season
Nick Jewell – freak!! Was even kind enough to give me some tips as a youngster whilst he belted me all over the park.
Dan Warwick 5-10 years ago – personally I found him difficult to bowl to, great with his feet forward and back.
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Tom Hussey – 88 not out vs Berwick in the semi final of the Statewide comp at Frankston. In trouble against a quality opposition and Tom played an unbelievable innings to get us home. A Simon McEvoy knock against Mornington a few years back wasn’t bad either!!
Was there any bowler in particular who whatever reason seemed to always cause you a few problems?
Ben Brittain – hits the seam and is a much underrated bowler…. I’d always chase it and snick off. If it wasn’t Dale it was Ben getting me!!
Can you recall a time when you thought, wow, this is a step or two up from what you were used to
I think the natural jump from 2nds to 1sts is a huge jump…. I think it is so important to step into the 1s and earn your place not just have it handed to you.
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Technically – Danny Weare and Tom Hussey. Whilst Taylor Smith might not look as pretty what he provides as an all-round package with his voice and team morale for our group is priceless.
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Trav Campbell – I’ve never played with someone so competitive… it’s inspiring!!
Matt Foon – we’ve always had great respect for each other, top player and plays the game the way it should be played.
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
Gary Rees – played 2 full seasons as a 14-15 year old under Gary in the 2nds. Fantastic captain technically but also things such as team comradery and certain lessons in life he was an incredible leader and still is for me today!!
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Henry Sannen and Jayde Herrick
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
Matt Foon leaving a meat pie on a good length for Taylor Smith after tea break although Foony still claims his innocence!!
Who was your childhood hero?
Shane Warne
Who are the two sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Ricky Ponting & Connor McGregor
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Michael Vaughan
What was your favourite ground to play at?
Mornington or Lloyd Park
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Chasing 222 in the Grand Final against Sorrento to win our 2nd Provincial flag in a row
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
Hard to go past the Grand Final win against Sorrento
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Tom Hussey, Matt Reddaway and Matthew Poore
What are your hobbies?
Cricket. Apart from that I love a good TV series….. Yellowstone & Power for those looking for something to watch
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Play in shit with pigs you get dirty and they have fun.
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?
Well first of all I’d throw the pay cheque at Tim Harper and hire him!!
I would personally drop premier 4s (maybe 3rds as well ?) still having squads at premier level but those who don’t get picked come back and strengthen local level and play a good standard of cricket. Those on the premier lists who perform at local level get rewarded with selection when an opportunity arises.
