Lyall Gardner - it’s never over until it’s over

Randwick Petersham Cricket Club | January 27, 2023

Introduction by Alan Turner and Mike Whitney - extract from Randwick Petersham Cricket Club History

From the moment he joined, Lyall threw himself wholeheartedly into whatever was going on in the club. He was an experienced club cricketer, who simply “lived the game”. Playing was a tonic to Lyall and his performances quickly justified his selection straight into 1st Grade, where he was a reliable and persistent into the wind, new ball bowler. His classic wicket ball was a slight inswinger that seamed further back at the batsman’s stumps after it hit the pitch. When the ball was new, you definitely had to get straight onto the front foot to him or start digging it out of your middle and leg stump!

As a player he played matches in all grades 1st to 5th, taking five wickets in an innings in each grade. There would not be many players who could boast that statistic. In fact, he took 10 wickets in a match three times and ten times he took five wickets in an innings. Best figures 8-12: 3rd Grade v Waverley 1977-78 and he won the 2nd Grade batting average with 22.83 in 1975-76 batting no. 10. Took 5-14: 2nd Grade at Rushcutters Bay on 11 October 1975 (Saturday) and celebrated by marrying Ros next day 12 October 1975 (Sunday) with the team in attendance!

 

Let’s find out more about Lyall’s journey in the game

Can you remember you first game of cricket?

My first official game was for Police Boys in the Newcastle under 16 competition in 1959. I know I got quite a few wickets as I recall my long run-up frightened most of the kids into thinking I was quick!

Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?

I played City and Suburban Cricket in Newcastle for Police Boys but after taking 9-41 in “A” Reserve at age 19, it was suggested I move across to District Cricket where I played 2nd Grade with Hamilton. A year later, Hamilton merged with Wickham to form Hamilton-Wickham, who I played with before being transferred to Sydney in my job in 1965. 

In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in grade cricket?

Although I made my Newcastle 1st Grade debut with Hamilton-Wickham, I played a few lower grades with Waverley when I moved to Sydney. After that season, I played park cricket in the Catholic Cricket Association with Randwick CYM and in the Gordon District Cricket Association for a team called Wanderers. On Sundays, I played for a number of social teams, one of which was South Sydney Leagues Club. In a match against Randwick Rugby Club in 1973, I managed to dismiss a few of the Randwick Grade 1st graders playing in that side with the result I was invited to join the Randwick club the following season. I also played a lot of representative cricket in the Telegraph and Martin Shield competitions.

At what age did you make your first grade debut in grade cricket and can you remember how you performed in debut?

While I was not overly interested in accepting the Randwick Hon Sec. John Letson’s invitation to try out with Randwick, I bought a home unit in Randwick just prior to the start of the 1973-74 season. Letson’s follow-up call however, persuaded me to wander down to Coogee Oval and have a bowl in the nets and in a couple of trial games. That was a life-changing move as it was the start of a love affair I developed with the Randwick club which has continued to this day—48 years later.

Lyall Gardner bowling at Coogee Oval in 1991

Although I was 29 years of age and on club debut, I was given the new ball for Randwick for the opening 1st Grade game of the season against Waverley at Waverley Oval. It was a huge thrill and I can’t recall being more nervous. My first over was to Len Richardson, who I had played with in my few Waverley matches some eight seasons earlier. I didn’t get Len out, but ended with 2-60, dismissing Bob Rheinberger and Peter Carlisle. Steve Rixon was also in the Waves team.

If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?

An (honest) right-arm medium pacer who could “do a bit” with the new ball and a permanent no. 11 with the bat. And a regular fielder at fine-leg!

What were your strengths as a player?

I generally bowled a good line and could keep going for long periods.

What was your highest score in senior cricket?

Strangely enough, in my third season with Randwick, I played 2nd Grade and won the batting average despite batting at the tail! My team-mates, even after all this time, still can’t believe it. However, I learnt how to fudge a few around the corner and play a bit of a straight bat when not having a tonk. I ended up with 125 runs at 31.2 in 10 digs with 6 not outs! My best score was 31 not out in the second innings against Gordon at Coogee Oval after making 29 in the first. I never repeated that performance.

What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?

My best 1st Grade figures were 5 for 72 playing Gordon at Chatswood Oval. The State selectors were all on hand that day but disappeared immediately, when I managed three wickets in four balls including the player they were there to view!

Can you share your most prized dismissal?

I would regard Marshall Rosen as my best wicket. He was part of my 5-72 mentioned above and the NSW opener at the time. He told me after the game it was the first time he had been bowled in some three years.

Marshall Rosen

Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?

In the two seasons of 1st Grade I played, I would say Steve Bernard, Gary Gilmour and Steve Taylor of North Sydney. I faced Taylor at SCG no 2 and still haven’t seen the one he put past my nose. Barry Knight wasn’t too bad as well!

Who were the best three spinners you have played against? 

I didn’t get to face many, batting at no 11. However, I am eternally grateful to off-spinner Barry Thebridge who bowled me at Coogee when we were playing Bankstown, as Jeff Thomson was the bowler on the other end! Mick O’Sullivan of Sydney University always did well against us while Randwick’s own, Trevor Jay, is entitled to be regarded as one of the best Grade Cricket spinners of all time.

I might also mention I played with John Watkins in Newcastle during the late 1960s. “Watko” played Test cricket and toured the West Indies with Australia in 1973. He had the most perfect leg-spinners action and could land them on a 10 cent piece. A brilliant—and sadly, forgotten—top class spin bowler.

John Watkins

Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?

Sutherland’s John Dyson was solid and hard to get out while Peter Toohey always seemed like he would score a ton for Wests from the get-go. One of the most memorable innings however, was when I was 20 playing 1st Grade for Hamilton-Wickham in 1964-65. The former Test all-rounder, Colin McCool, opened for Belmont and scored a hundred. It was all class. His timing was impeccable. I think that’s why I recall it. He was well in his 40s but just stroked the ball all day. It showed that making a big score is not all about power.

John Dyson

Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

There are two.

The first was by a Randwick player on debut. His name was John Archer and his first match in 1st Grade was in round 8 against Gordon at Coogee in 1973-74. He had been run-out for 99 in 2nd Grade the previous match. A Western Australian who had retired from cricket in 1968-69, the 30 year old showed he had lost little of his ability by smashing 164—the highest 1st Grade score on debut in Randwick’s history. He was particularly severe on former State leg-spinner Dick Guy (2-98) and although he only recorded one six, he hit 20 fours in his 194 minutes stay with his last 50 coming up in just 22 minutes. It was simply an amazing performance. We were spellbound in the stand watching it.

The second was by Randwick wicket-keeper batsman Graham Errington. Playing Sydney University at SCG in round 13 of 1974-75, Uni. batted first, declaring late on the first day at 5-344. Ron Crippin’s dismissal for 7 brought Errington to the crease, having been promoted to first drop following some gritty performances. In the two overs he faced, he hit four fours to be 16 not out at stumps in a score line of 1-39. But before play finished, he took the full brunt of a knock to the face. The extent of that injury was apparent when he turned up the following week with his jaw wired after spending a week sucking custard and like substances through a straw. His jaw was broken. But the determination of the man was an inspiration to any budding sportsman, as the injury did not prevent him resuming his innings, going on to score a magnificent 122 with 13 fours in 294 minutes. He was 97 at tea but hit the fourth ball after the break for a boundary to bring up a maiden club and 1st Grade century. It was an innings of pure guts. Many players would have been out for the remainder of the season with such an injury. No-one in the team could recall an innings of such courage. It was a pleasure to have witnessed it.

Graham Errington

Was there any bowler in particular who whatever reason always you to cause you a few problems?

They all did.

Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen first-hand playing with or against?

While Steve Rixon is an obvious choice, I also have a soft-spot for Randwick’s Graham Errington. He and I debuted together in 1973-74. He was a solid, no-frills and athletic custodian behind the stumps. And coupled with his batting as explained above, he had a never-say-die attitude. You need plenty of guts to be a good ‘keeper and he had more than his share.

Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?

Trevor Jay was one. A left-arm spinner, he never gave an inch with the ball in his hand. And when he batted late in the order, there was no chance he would give his wicket away. He was always in the game, safe in the field, rarely missed a match and was a regular at practice.

Trevor Jay

Ron Crippin was another. He had determination, tenacity and a never-give-in approach. While he was a naturally aggressive opening bat, he could put the shutters up when needed. He was brilliant in the field, could bowl some wicket-taking balls, while he was a capable wicket-keeper when the situation arose. 

Ron Crippin

Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?

Ron Crippin was a determined skipper. He always thought we could win. And he wasn’t frightened to try a few things with his bowlers and to switch his bats around to fit the circumstances of the match. A real thinker of the game and one of the hardest trainers. Tom Wood was another astute leader with a good cricket brain.

Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?

My opening bowling partner in 1973-74 was 18 year old left-armer, Tim Towers. He hadn’t had much exposure to the rigors of senior cricket which was evident in a one-day match between Randwick and Cumberland at Merrylands Oval. Sledging was in its infancy at that time although some players, such as Cumberland’s Bob Aitken, were masters at it. Timmy was caught for a dozen or so batting well down the order but when he came off the ground he said “Geez that was funny. Who’s that bloke at short leg (pointing to Aitken)? He never stopped talking to me. Said all sorts of funny things. I never laughed so much on a cricket field!” Sledging can be funny when you don’t know you’re being sledged!

Tim Towers

What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?

Playing University of NSW at Coogee, their leg-spinner appeared to bowl me. However, there was some discussion as to whether the ball may have come off the ‘keeper’s pads onto the stumps. The decision went in my favour and the stumps were re-set. Two balls later, he sent down a straight one which rapped me on the pad and before the umpire could raise his finger, I was 10 metres away in the direction of the pavilion declaring “that’s out”!

There was a second. Playing Wests at Pratten Park, I was under instructions from skipper Ron Crippin, to “hang in there” against some good spin bowling from Peter Ferguson. However, first ball I got from him was a rank full-toss and the shock of it all saw me hit it straight back. I had been promoted to no. 10 ahead of Bill Knowles that day and wasn’t game to raise my head as I walked off dragging my bat. However, there was cause for me to take a peek when I thought I was near the gate only to discover I was at the fine-leg fence!

Who was your childhood hero?

Australian Test left-armer Alan Davidson was a real hero for me growing up in Newcastle. Not being overly-tall, I knew I had to model my action to enable me to bowl for long periods. I always admired the smooth bowling action of Davo and from an early age, did everything to copy his style. The greatest compliment I ever received was many years later, when an umpire standing at square leg told me I reminded him of a right-arm Alan Davidson. It was also an amazing circumstance how, for many years in later life and with enormous admiration, I served in NSW Cricket administration with Alan—a great honour and a highlight of my career.

Alan Davidson

There was another. The famous English medium-pacer Alec Bedser who dismissed Don Bradman many times. His little green book on bowling was like a bible to me. The awesome thing was however, that many years later in 1988, I met him when he was in Sydney as a guest of the Australian Cricket Board on the occasion of the Bicentennial Test Match. I was a NSW Board member at the time, charged with looking after the wants of a great number of English guests (many of whom were former English captains) including Alec Bedser, during their stay in the city. It was a demanding exercise but when it was all over and they had departed, I received a hand-written letter in the post from one of them, thanking me for the help and assistance I had provided. It was from Alec Bedser. My childhood hero. That letter, appropriately framed, adorns the wall of my study at home. I still shake my head as to why, of all those famous cricket people, he was the one to write to me.

Alec Bedser

Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?

1. Sir Vivian Richards—to re-live a meeting in Antigua 48 years ago.

2. Michelle Payne—possesses determination and a never-say-die-attitude. One of the best female jockeys and first to ride a Melbourne cup winner.

3. Cameron Smith—about to become one of Australia’s greatest golfers.

Michelle Payne

Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?

The famous English commentator John Arlott. He’s been gone for many years but his dry humour lives with me to this day. His reference to the NZ bowler Bob Cunis is legendary. I also liked the “excitement” style of Bill Lawry.

What was your favourite ground to play at?

Coogee Oval was good because of the sea-breeze on a hot day. However, the ground where I had most success was Mosman’s Rawson Oval. For some reason, there was always “a bit” in the wicket for me.

Was there a particular team you especially looked forward to playing against?

Mosman was always a tough game but for some reason I seemed to have the wood on their opening bat, Greg Davies, whose wicket I picked up a few times. In 1975-76 when I was playing 2nd Grade, I was called to fill in at Coogee in 1st Grade against Mosman. When I walked in the gate, I ran into Greg who quickly asked “what are YOU doing here’???? Needless to say, the one wicket I got was Greg Davies.

You’ve had an incredibly distinguished career in cricket administration. In 2006 you were awarded an OAM for Services to Cricket and in 2010 you were awarded 50 years services to Cricket medal. Can we ask what is it about the game and the administration that’s drove your energy and tremendous contribution?

My first entry into cricket administration was in 1964 when I was appointed Hon Secretary/ Treasurer of the newly-merged Hamilton-Wickham District Cricket Club in Newcastle. I was just 20 and I have no recollection of why I took on that role. However, it was the beginning of a journey in cricket administration which continues to this day–57 years later.

Over the years which followed, I always seemed to be involved in some organising role. I was Secretary of a park cricket club, one with my office, a social golf club which continued for many years, a credit union and even the Strata Committee of the block of home units where I lived at Randwick. I was also involved in the management of an “Old Collegians-style” cricket tour of the West Indies in 1973 as well as a playing participant.

However, the big challenge occurred in 1975-76 when I was elected Hon Secretary of the Randwick District Cricket club–my third year with the club having completed a highly successful fund-raising summer as social secretary the previous season. The challenge was to turn around the approach and attitude of the club, as it had only finished in the top 10 in the Club Championship once in the previous 19 years. Within two years, working closely with new President Alan Turner, Randwick were the undefeated 1st Grade premiers while it had taken out the Club Championship with two rounds still to be played. All four grades made the semis that year with 1sts, 3rds and 4ths, minor premiers. The success was the result of attracting new players to the club to ensure everyone played at their correct level–not higher than their capability, which had been the case for many tears. The 1st Grade team went on to win another three times in the following six seasons.

I remained in that role for 14 years taking over as President for two after that. Randwick won premierships in every grade during that time and 13 in all. I was also proud of the fact that when I stepped down into an advisory role in 1991, because of family and business pressures, the club was in such good shape that it won the Club Championship the following two years. 

I took on a more active role in 2001 and was heavily involved in the merger process with Petersham-Marrickville to form Randwick Petersham. I have maintained that involvement and these days hold the title as Honorary Historian. I have produced or co-produced, each of the club’s 20 annual reports while earlier this year, I completed a six and a half year project in writing the history of the founding clubs leading up to the formation of Randwick Petersham. I have also completed a “library” of over 400 short-story biographies of the principal players and officials covering the 261 playing seasons of the club and its founders.

I was awarded life membership of Randwick in 1984 and of the NSW Cricket Association in 1988. I spent a total of 13 years in two separate stints on the NSW Cricket Board and was a member of many Association committees, including the Bi-Centennial Test Match Committee and one which established the Sydney Cricket Association. I also managed the NSW Sheffield Shield team on tours to Queensland and Tasmania.

What are the three characteristics a cricket administrator needs to have to make a meaningful contribution?

Three basic ideals of management--communication, anticipation and patience. That means thinking outside the square, being innovative, having a Plan B, keeping everyone up-to-date with happenings in the club and therefore avoiding rumour, doing what you say you’ll do, being readily available and like any successful person in sport or otherwise, having plenty of patience.  One thing in particular I learnt from my days in cricket administration is the truth of the old adage “If you want something done—give it to a busy person”.

What’s been your most memorable moment or achievement in cricket?

That’s a hard question to answer as there have been a number.

As an administrator, it’s hard to go past achieving four 1st Grade premierships in seven years and a host of other premierships. But there is one achievement I treasure above all others. And that was establishing a junior cricket competition at Queens Park, in 1976. Assisted by two members of the Eastern Suburbs-Paddington Police Boys Club and John Foord from the Waverley club, it began with eight teams—four in the 10s and four in the under 12s, after more than 80 kids responded to an advert I put in the local paper.

It was a huge surprise as I had little response from junior football clubs I had written to during the winter. The advert was a last ditch effort to get something going and the results were far beyond my expectations.

I had the kids line up in “teams” of 12, gave them a name, such as Randwick, Waverley, Kensington, Maccabi, etc and asked them to turn up the following Saturday when the competition would start. I recall that week being one of my busiest but come the next Saturday, we were up and running!

Originally named the Eastern Suburbs Junior Cricket Association, over the years which followed, it grew to cater for over 100 teams after deliberations I had with South Sydney Junior Cricket Association saw them merge. It is now known as South Eastern Junior Cricket Association. 

Another “memorable moment” was coaxing a 17 year old to leave the park and join Randwick as I believed he had a future in cricket. I even stated to him on one occasion at practice: “Who knows? You may play for Australia one day”. The player was Michael Whitney.

Mike Whitney - Test debut

And yet another. Coogee Oval was a bit of a dust bowl of a wicket and was in the middle of the rugby field. After many discussions with Randwick Council, they agreed to renovate the ground in 1977 so that the football field would run north-south instead of east-west, therefore only encroaching to a minor extent on the centre wicket. The result was a first-class cricket pitch which has stood the test of time and remains one of the best 1st Grade grounds in Sydney. A few years later, Council also agreed with my proposal to move the Randwick practice facilities to Snape Park at Maroubra and provide us with far better training nets and wickets.

Another achievement I was proud of occurred in 1979-80, when I ran a mid-week limited-overs competition which was, sort of, a forerunner to the modern Twenty20 game. A five match competition, it was conducted over successive Wednesday evenings between 4pm–7.30pm in January 1980. Randwick, Sutherland, St. George, Waverley, Penrith and the University of NSW Grade clubs participated. The matches were played at Coogee Oval, Village Green and Wills Oval, Kingsford.

The games were limited to 25 six-ball overs per team, with a maximum of five overs per bowler. Two spells were required to be performed by spin bowlers. Used Grade balls were used. A feature of the competition was that teams were restricted to only nine players. A number of current and former first-class cricketers such as John Dyson, Len Richardson, Andrew Hilditch, Geoff Lawson, Steve Small, Richard Done, David Hourn and Steve Bernard participated, adding greatly to the attraction of the competition. It was sponsored by a local car dealer and was called the Boyded Randwick Twilight Competition. The Daily Telegraph also supported the concept and published full score-cards on the Thursday after each match. The competition ran for three years.

There is also an occasion as a player I must share. It was on the tour of the West Indies in 1973 by a team known as “The Cliffhangers”—named after the leader Joe Cliffe who had befriended many top West Indians when on earlier Old Collegian tours. Champion NSW spinner David Hourn and the Queensland and Tasmanian wicket-keeper batsman, John Bell, also made the tour. The tour coincided with the Australian Test team tour and we played many of the island sides after the Aussies had passed through.

David Hourn

One game we played was a two day match in Antigua on a ground next to the local jail. The relevance of that reference was that the scoreboard attendant was a prisoner anchored by a large ball and chain while an armed guard sat by his side.

The captain of the Antiguan team was a 21 year old who we hadn’t heard of, although we were told he could play a bit. His name was Vivian Richards. We were also advised that another young player would join the side although he was injured and would bowl off a short run. His name was Andy Roberts.

Needless to say, Roberts cleaned us up pretty quickly and we were in the field by mid-afternoon.

Late in the day, Richards strode to the wicket. Soon after, I was re-introduced to the attack despite having not taken a wicket with the new ball. But bowling what were the last two balls of the day, Richards launched into both and they disappeared by some distance over the square-leg boundary fence. I was told that the second one ended up in the local shopping market. 

And while that moment had little significance at the time, just a few years down the track it became one of monumental proportion when Viv Richards became an International super-star. For being twice belted out of the park by the great man, I was able to take some (tongue-in-cheek) credit for launching his illustrious career! 

Viv Richards

An interview such as this would not be complete without mention of my “memorable moment” with the greatest of them all—Sir Donald Bradman. It was during the occasion of the Bicentennial Test match in Sydney in 1988. Many of Australia’s former champion cricketers were in town for the match as guests of the NSW Cricket Association. Apart from the Test, there were other functions. On one occasion, a number of these cricketing heroes were to be transported from an afternoon Town Hall reception to the NSW Cricketer’s Club in Barrack Street, some two blocks away. The trip however, was to be done by horse and cart! And as one of the organisers of the event, I won the honour of riding with Sir Donald down George Street amid much fanfare. We had a great chat along the way with The Don telling me it was the first time he had been in a horse drawn cart since 1929!

He was quite an amazing man, Sir Donald. He came into the Association office, three days in a row to personally autograph 1,000 menus for distribution at the official Test Match dinner at the University of NSW Round House. Lady Jesse Bradman also accompanied Don during their week in Sydney and was very surprised when my wife, Ros, approached her for her autograph in advance of asking for Don’s! He was just as surprised and quickly signed under her autograph as well. 

Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?

That’s a toughie as one of the great attractions playing with Randwick was the social-interaction between the players and officials. I couldn’t restrict any invitation to just three. We were also conscious to include the wives and girlfriends, particularly at after-match get-togethers at the Randwick Rugby Club. They had a cabaret most Saturday nights and quite often our opposing team and their ladies would join us as we all danced the night away. But if there was to be a barbie, Mike Whitney would need to be there for his never-ending stories; Peter Devlin cooks a mean snag and would be a must, while Ross Davies could entertain us by talking about his latest injury–and maybe display the trophy he was presented by the club on the occasion of his 100th (injury, that is). 

Mike Whitney and Lyall Gardner

What are your hobbies?

I’m into golf and am a member of Kareela and The Ridge—both courses are in the Sutherland Shire. I play twice if not three days a week but would play much more often if I could locate a necessary piece of equipment I’m missing. An automatic putter! 

I’ve always had an interest in horse racing and like all mug-punters (of the $5 variety), am still pursuing that big win!!

What’s the best advice you’ve received?

“It’s never over until it’s over”. It’s an oldie but it covers plenty of territory in all walks of life. You should never give up whilst ever there remains a smidgen of hope.

Your contribution to Randwick Cricket Club and now Randwick Petersham Cricket Club as a player, mentor, administrator and historian, what is it about the club you love so dearly?

It’s a question I’ve been asked many times. I think it’s all about a sense of belonging while having a common goal. As a competitive player, the goal is to win. As an administrator it is much more than that. You are a custodian of the game. The goal should be to ensure that when you eventually leave the role, the game, the club, the approach, the culture, the outlook, are all better than when you started. 

As an administrator what advice would you offer state cricket associations in their efforts to ensure cricket in the state remained strong and successful on and off the field?

The first is the obvious one. To ensure that the top players play NSW Premier Cricket with their club as often as possible. These days there is too much say by “professional outsiders” in determining if a player is “allowed” to play with his club. And many times when they are “cleared” to play, they can’t bowl or must only bowl a certain number of overs. I think that decision should be left to the player who is in a better position than anyone else to determine his fitness to play. The best training a player can get is in a match, not bowling or batting in the nets under strict supervision. Players are more likely to break down or be injured because they are not match-fit. Playing the game does just that–not work outs in a gym or limited time in the nets.

The second is the on-going training of young “identified” good future players. They are training or practising all year round. I don’t know the figures, but I feel there would be a number of talented young players giving the game away far too early, because of the continuous involvement during the winter months. All players need an off-season. The young ones should be out playing football, golf, or whatever, rather than having sessions in the nets in the colder months. Having a break is good for the enthusiasm once the weather begins to warm up.