Trevor Jay - wanted the ball

Randwick Petersham Cricket Club | January 29, 2023

Trevor Jay made his first grade debut for Randwick Cricket Club in 1969 as an 18 year old left arm orthodox spinner.

In a remarkable career spanning 24 years in first grade Trevor took 707 wickets at an impressive average of 20.58 and to this day is 14th on the list of all-time leading wicket takers in Sydney Grade Cricket, now NSW Premier Cricket.

Trevor’s impact in Sydney Grade Cricket is highlighted not just through his individual performances but also his influence on Randwick’s successful 4 first grade premierships in 7 years from 1976 to 1984.

Trevor was awarded Life Membership of Randwick Cricket Club in 1989 and Sydney Cricket Association in 2002.

Let’s find out more about Trevor’s terrific journey in the game

What year were you born?

I was born in Sydney on the 4th August 1951.

Can you remember your first game of cricket?

I commenced playing cricket for Maroubra Junction Primary school in year 5 as an 11 year old. I have very fond memories of the two years of Primary School cricket as the schools cricket team went through undefeated for two years. I had a great deal of success as you played on canvas matting and the ball beat the bat by bouncing over it. In the grand final against La Perouse age 12 my figures were 8 for 4 with a hat trick of stumping’s. These days I bump into Russell Fairfax (ex rugby and league footballer) at the golf club and he regularly reminds me that although our school was better at cricket, La Perouse would thrash us at football. Russell is correct.

In year 6, I also trialled at Moore Park and was successful in being chosen to represent Sydney. There were two teams to leave Sydney by train and head to Gunnedah for a week of cricket. It was my first experience of playing on turf, and believe me the experience wasn’t a good one. No bounce, no turn preparing me for years of grade cricket.

Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?

Apart from my primary school cricket and high school (South Sydney Boys High) I played only a couple of years as a 13 and 14 year old for Maroubra RSL. I don’t have a great recollection of those years except as a 14 year old playing Watson Shield. I had a maths teacher Bob Griffiths at South Sydney Boys High who was a mad keen cricketer (batsman) playing lower grades for Balmain. He noted my love of cricket, and the fact that I could bowl, so he brought in a canvas mat for the school nets and I would bowl to him twice a week after school.   

It was Bob who convinced me that I should try out for grade cricket with Randwick. I vividly remember turning up to Randwick pre season trials, as a 13 year old, wearing a white collarless T shirt, white shorts, socks and sandshoes. I am bowling in the nets feeling out of place and looking around at all these men in “harry high pants” full creams. Needless to say I did not get graded as a 13 year old or the following year.

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

In 1966/67 season as a 15 year old, I tried my luck again to be graded with Randwick. At that time there were only 4 grades, however , that year at Randwick there were more cricketers trying out than usual and the Club placed a 5th team into the “C” Shires competition for which I was selected. That same year I was also promoted on a number of occasions into 4th grade as well as representing the club in Green Shield. 

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

I progressed through the grades, 3rd grade as a 16 year old, 2nd grade at 17 and then in my last year of school in 1969 as an 18 year old I was promoted to 1st grade in round 3 of the 1969/70 season.

My first 1st grade game was against the Barry Knight (English Test all-rounder) led Mosman at Coogee Oval. My bowling figures were 1 for 16 and I clearly remember the first batsman I bowled to was the well known journalist David Lord. When I recall to my cricketing friends how the first ball I bowled in 1st grade spun and beat the bat quite easily, most respond rather promptly that that was probably the first and last time I spun the ball. People can be so cruel.

The game itself was an eye opener as it was played by two attacking captains, John Benaud for Randwick and Mosman’s Barry Knight. Randwick lost on the first innings and Mosman set Randwick a target which they achieved to eventually win outright. Randwick went to the top of the 1st grade table, however I never saw Randwick 1st grade in that position again for 8 years.

A little known fact is that in that same year when John Benaud was away from Randwick cricket captaining the NSW team, his brother Richie would step in to captain the Randwick side. As an 18 year old that was as exciting as it could get.

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

I describe myself as a left arm (not so slow) orthodox bowler who occasional scored some vital runs, however the Sydney Grade cricket stats have me in the all rounder class as I scored 3128 runs as well as taking over 700 wickets.

I put my longevity in first grade (24 seasons) down to three things, I loved practice, I physically trained hard in winter using a good time in the City to Surf, as preparation for the season and I had the massive support of my wife ( Denise)and family and without their support it just could not have happened.

What were your strengths as a player?

I would always like to think that I was a team player whose strengths as an individual developed over time. In my first 6 to 8 years in first grade I did have some good results with both bat and ball even though I was still developing any ability I might have.

The winning culture at Randwick from 1977 onwards increased the team and my expectations. I wanted the ball, preferably as soon as possible, the more shine on the ball the better.

My strength became bowling accurate spells creating pressure on batsman by crowding them and tying up an end. This could only have occurred through the support of my captains, Alan Turner, Gary Bensley, Peter Devlin and Spike Millican over a number of seasons. It worked. The need for me to score runs, was not required as often as it was early in my 1st grade career as Randwick had enticed and developed some real batting talent. I went from batting 7 down to 9 and 10.

Alan Turner

What was your highest score in senior cricket?

In first grade 1991/92 season at the ripe old age of about 40, batting at number 10, I hit 93 against Sutherland , 12 fours and 3 six’s.

I tell people I faced Glenn McGrath, which is true. Chasing 126, Glenn had taken 6 wickets, Randwick were crumbling, when we finally passed Sutherlands meagre score. I went out to bat after having passed the score, faced all 3 balls from Glenn before John Dyson took him off because he wasn’t going to waste Glenn’s energy on me. Thanks John.

In the season 1974/75 I went up and down between 1st and 2nd grade, playing most of my matches on a lifeless Coogee Oval wicket. It suited my batting style as I won both 1st and 2nd grade batting averages, 31.5 and 91 respectively.

In 1995 / 96 I had the privilege of captaining Randwick’s 5th grade side to the grand final. In that year I did make 140 not out. If I had known the second week was going to be washed out, I would not have declared and just kept slogging.

Trevor Jay batting at NSW Colts training in 1971

What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?

My best figures were in a 1984 / 85 semi final against St George at Howell Oval Penrith where I took 8 for 66 from 38.4 over’s. The evening before the match we had a light practice at Coogee Oval and then attended the rugby club for a team discussion. Gary Bensley then indicated that as St George had an aggressive batting line up and he would open the bowling with me. Certainly an aggressive approach by Gary having not seen the wicket. St George all out 263 but sadly we failed to chase them down.

Career bowling highlights

• 707 1st grade wickets at 20.58 off 6,200 overs with 1900 being maidens.
• Took 5 wickets on 30 occasions
• Last game for Randwick – 5th Grade Semi Final 1996/97 6 for 42 off 46 over’s, Lost again.

You played in an incredibly strong Randwick team, what in your opinion made the team so strong and successful?

I will put the changes to the Randwick Club in order as to what took us from being cellar dwellers to the top.

• The major change was the off field Administration, Lyall Gardner became Secretary, absolute workaholic. Alan Turner became President, Full time 1st grade captain after retirement from NSW as a player. The Club had two new and highly motivated ,driven administrators
• The environment on which we played and practiced. In 1977/78 The Sydney Cricket Ground No1 and No 2 became our home ground whilst Coogee was being renovated. All Grades practiced in full creams in nets alongside the State side.
• The environment attracted John Dyson a high class, batsman who wanted runs, to break into the Australian team.
•  The club approached and attracted Country cricketers and a couple of overseas English players to be placed alongside some already hardened Randwick 1st grade players
• For the first time in a long time Randwick had 12 to 13 first grade players vying for 11 spots as against 11 men playing first grade. This had a trickledown effect as we won, 1st and 3rd grade premierships whilst being in the semis in 2nd and 4th grade. The Club Championship was also Randwick’s.
• The environment continued at Coogee and I believe still does to this day allowing for more premierships and club championships, however good administration is paramount.

You played during a tremendously and successful era of cricket in NSW and there were so many talented spinners, did you ever consider moving interstate and how do you look back on your cricket career?

The thought of moving to further any cricketing aspiration, was never given any consideration. I played cricket because I enjoyed it, with the prospect of what will be, will be, and in all honesty I don’t think I was at state level.

I can only look back on my 30 season career (24 in 1st grade) with pride and fond memories.

• 1st grade highest wicket taker (707) for Randwick. I believe currently 13th all time in Sydney.
• 963 wickets for Randwick in all grades, Poidevin Gray and Green Shield
• Four 1st grade premierships in 7 seasons between 1977/ 78 and 1983/84
• Poidevin Gray premiership as a 16year old in 3rd grade.
• Represented NSW State Colts v’s Queensland 1972/73
• The joy of playing not just with but against so many 1st class cricketers both, retired or current at the time.
• The greatest result from 30 years of cricket, is all the friendships made and the good times had off the field. No more Randwick Rugby Club, what’s the world coming to?

Trevor Jay bowling, Jim Robson from UNSW batting, Alan Campbell wicket keeper, Alan Turner first slip, Ron Crippin at short leg with hat on and mal Brown without hat

Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against? And if you could add a few words as to why.

Wow, that is a tough question as I could probably name 20 or more absolutely fantastic fast bowlers, that I had the privilege of backing away from.

Len Pascoe (Bankstown / Sutherland). Lenny was all out ferocious from his first ball to his last ball. I played against Lenny from Poidevin Gray onwards and he put everything into every ball bowled. On one occasion at Coogee oval, Lenny threatened me “I will get you Jay on a green top and knock your head off” (expletives left out). The ball was old and Coogee had no grass, Lenny kept boring in giving his all. The ball didn’t ever get above my naval and I made 60 not out. I was hoping Len had the memory of a fish the next time we played.

Jeff Thomson (Bankstown). Lenny’s original opening bowling partner and probably recognised as one of if not the fastest Australian bowler. I think it’s fair to say Jeff in his early years lacked a little bit of control. Playing Bankstown we would walk and sit at the northern end of Coogee Oval, just to watch the occasional ball leave Jeff’s hand and go to first or even second slip. As a batsman you’re really not knowing what to expect. In my one and only representative game for NSW Colts, Jeff was the opening bowler. The Captain placed me at leg slip. It’s amazing how much can go through your mind as to what to do when the first ball of the innings is directed straight at you. Enter Steve Rixon who took it in front of my nose.

Dave Chardon (Petersham) I have chosen Dave ahead of a myriad of international bowlers because of his longevity as an outstanding 1st grade bowler. I played against Dave from Green Shield onwards. The chat at Green Shield was we are facing Petersham’s 1st grade opening bowler. Dave had all the tricks including the famous knuckle ball, and he did not have to say much or sledge because in my experience there were 10 other players from Petersham commentating on your batting ability.

I will add that probably the scariest fast bowler moment was playing North Sydney at North Sydney Oval on a Saturday when on the previous Wednesday they had played a rugby league match. Steve Taylor from North Sydney who was seriously quick at the best of times all of a sudden became a lot quicker. I’m not sure whether that happens today.

Len Pascoe

Who were the best three spinners you have played against? 

Again it’s an extremely tough question with many contenders and therefore I will put in four.

Peter Philpott - (Manly) I had the privilege of playing against Peter (former Australian leg spinner) on entry into first grade. The variety he had was amazing, and I had the good fortune to hear him speak about the art of leg spin bowling. He went through his repertoire from little spinner, big spinner and wrong’un.

David Hourn - (Waverley) David was a brilliant left arm wrist spinner over many seasons. Every batsman who faced him had trouble picking which way the ball was turning. The ball I do remember is his quicker dart ball. Dave made any quick ball I bowled look extremely slow. My best memory of David is a trip north on a Peter Clifford “Kontiki” tour to Coffs Harbour and Urunga to play cricket. The match at Urunga they had to take 6 inches of soil off the cement pitch as they were still playing football at that time of the year. David on the last morning after what would have been a quiet night out, was complaining he had lost a contact lens. After much searching by players David indicated he couldn’t see out of the good eye he had a lens in. David found the other lens as they were both in the one good eye he couldn’t see out of.

Greg Matthews - (Cumberland, Wests, Waverley, Sydney University) I admired his ability as a finger spinner. On the number of occasions I played against Greg he was attacking through his bowling aggressively, with flight and placing as many rev’s on the ball as possible. Greg’s use of overspin made the ball deceptively drop whilst in flight.

Tom Shiner - (Penrith, Campbelltown, Wests) Tom originally played for Randwick before moving out west to play. I don’t think there has been a better leg spinner in Grade, his record is outstanding. The “flipper” was the ball we all talked and watched for, it was Tom’s calling card. I remember in a game against Campbelltown a few of us explained to David Barclay an early order bat who had not played against Tom previously. If Tom drops it short play straight, chances are it’s the flipper. If only Dave had heeded the warning.

 

Peter Philpott

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

This for me is not as tough as the previous, although again there are a number of players.

Bob Simpson - (Wests) I am playing Western Suburbs at Pratten Park and their opening bat is the highly credentialed retired first class cricketer Bob Simpson. (Pre a first class comeback due to World Series cricket). Bob made 176 not out and I had never seen a player pick the gaps and run quick singles like he did. I would love to see the score book for that game as I don’t believe Bob hit many 4’s until he reached 100. When John Dyson came to Randwick in 77/78 he was my version of Bob Simpson, but don’t tell John.

Mark Taylor - (Northern Districts) I played against Mark I believe 3 times. The first time he was a bit of an unknown and it was the first round of the season. Mark was run out first over. The third time he made 150 to help ND’s win outright as they had lost on the 1st innings. It was the second time on a difficult pitch at Coogee facing Mike Whitney that gave me the impression players of Mark’s ability see or watch the ball better than the average player. You could see Mike bowl a good length ball at pace, and Mark had the ability to go into a shot only to pull out if the ball moved off the line. The average play once there into the shot they generally cannot pull out, Mark was not average.

Brian Booth – (St George) A great ex Australian batsman and true gentleman of cricket. Brian was one of a St George team in the late 60’ early 70’s that I was in awe of as they had probably 8 or 9 first class current or retired players. Every time we played against St George Brian would score runs. In those days there were no set (8 ball) overs in a one day game. In one of those matches at Coogee, Brian along with his partners scored so quickly they declared at lunch 3 down for well over 250 runs.

Bob Simpson

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

There is no doubt as I indicated previously, Bob Simpson’s innings of 176 was a real eye opener for me and Alan Turner’s (Randwick captain) 230 not out in the 1979 /80 grand final against Penrith was excellent. Mind you one Penrith player did quip it was the worst 200 he had seen. Alan did respond politely indicating that the Penrith bowler would be a good judge as he had probably witnessed a few.

The best innings I recall was Gary Bensley’s 107 against Mosman in 1984/85 and not just for the innings but the end result. A late toss due to pitch conditions and we were sent in on a difficult wicket. Needless to say we were in trouble very quickly. Enter Benso and I think he used an old saying Alan Turner would say when batting on a difficult wicket, “If it’s up give it a ride son”. Benso gave it a ride all right, to make his 107. Gary asked me to bowl the one over left to end the days play.

Third ball, night watchman bowled round his legs. The next week, under a cloudless sky and a perfect pitch Gary totally unexpectedly walked past me after my 3 deliveries asked me to keep bowling. In the space of 4 or 5 overs I had 4 for 3 with wickets also being falling at the other end. It was surreal, game over in probably one hour.

Was there any batsman in particular who for whatever reason always caused you a few problems?

In the majority of cases even though you are bowling to a really good or aggressive first grade players I always felt I had a chance to take their wicket, even if the player is set and scoring quite freely. The only times I felt nervous pressure coming back on me was when bowling to a first class attacking player which meant to me I had to be more accurate than usual. I knew bowling to a Doug Walters, Mark Waugh, Greg Matthews or Michael Slater the pressure was on. Michael Slater’s 180 plus at Coogee Oval on one leg (coming back from injury) was amazing.

Trevor Jay bowling, Alan Campbell wicket keeper, Mike Whitney at mid off

Can you recall a time when you thought, wow, this is a step or two up from what you were used to in grade cricket?

I can only repeat my comments earlier, the Bob Simpson experience was a real eye opener. However I had an experience as a 16year old in 3rd grade. It was my first experience encountering a first grade cricketer coming back through the grades. We played ND’s and we declared at 7 for 267, which to most 16 year olds that was a pretty good score. ND’s opening bat was fellow by the name of Jagoe, and he made 130 not out. That was a real wow factor for a kid very early on. It didn’t prepare me for Bob Simpson however.

Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

This answer could get me into trouble because I had some wonderful wicket keeper batsman through my time, and they certainly aided me any success I had. There was Barry Wood, my very first, first grade keeper, Graham Errington, Alan Campbell and Andrew (Spike Millican)

I probably should pick John Dyson who kept wickets in the 1981/82 grand final after Alan Campbell was injured batting. Mind you I think John did stand back from the stumps to me. No stumping that day.

OK I will go with Alan Campbell, as I did play with Alan in 3 premierships. I must admit that when Alan came from Sutherland, he had to earn a 1st grade spot, so he was promoted as a bat initially as in his first 4 games in 2nd grade he scored 3 centuries and a 90. Alan set a standard to get promoted up the grades in the Club. Alan was also in the state squad as a backup keeper to Steve Rixon and spent many hours perfecting his craft.

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

There are two that definitely spring to mind.

Peter Devlin - All-rounder who played way above his weight. Peter had a tough cricket road through the grades at Randwick. One season in lower grades opening the bowling, next season opening the batting but that prepared him for the grind in first grade. Peter who never gave an inch became an integral part of the Randwick first grade scene from 1983/84 being part of 2 premierships. Peter went on to be 1st captain as well as part the clubs coaching program.

John Benaud - John was my very first 1st grade captain, he had just returned from a season in England and was selected as the NSW cricket captain. John’s skill as a batsman got him to play for Australia however it was his competitive approach to his captaincy that I admired. In an era when there was no specified number of overs in a one day grade game, John would go out to toss with the opposition captain, approach their captain and ask if they wanted to split the playing time. If I remember correctly 2:10 pm was exactly half the days play and this became the agreed way to play the match. I never saw John or any opposition captain slow up over rates to create any advantage, I don’t remember it being thought of or ever discussed we just played cricket.

John Benaud

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

I was fortunate with captains from John Benaud, Alan Turner, Gary Bensley, Peter Devlin and Andrew Millican.

Because I played in1st grade premierships under Alan Turner (2) and Gary Bensley (2) it’s easy to choose them as they were highly motivated and had an excellent group of players to select from.

Alan and Gary lead from the front, I can still see them standing there at 1st and 2nd slip. Alan directing traffic whilst educating Gary as Randwick’s future captain. Gary as captain took me to another level, using me more often as a strike weapon. Gary had me open the bowling on many more occasions, to great effect, and I’m not sure if he actually turned me from a fast spin bowler into a slow seam bowler. Some of our most memorable win’s came when Gary and I opened the bowling.

Who has been your funniest team mate?

David Knox was certainly different, great player, but different. Andrew (Spike) Millican however was a magnificent teller and embellisher of stories.

Spike tells magnificently his first game in first grade and he happens to be batting with David Knox.

The two David Knox lines I vividly remember Spike informing us of later, is when Spike hits his first boundary, David yells down the pitch “hey second grader I’ll play the shots” and the other was when Spike drops his hands and takes a short ball on the chest rather than sparring at it “Yeh, way to go, for the team Spiky, for the team”.

I would have loved to be a fly on the wall listening to the banter between those two.

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

From the previous question I can imagine Brian Riley from Petersham fitting right in with Knoxy as you would block the ball to Brian at cover point, and Brian would look up shaking his hands, “your hitting the ball hard today Trev”. I should have taken notes after each game with Petersham, because I could have written a book of quotes.

My personal favourite story concerned Wayne Seabrook, who was a good bloke and very good and aggressive batsman. If you wanted to win the game Wayne was generally a key player you had to dismiss. Wayne hit me once both figuratively and literally at Coogee onto my aunties unit balcony at the northern end of Coogee. On the occasion of the exchange the match was at Merrylands, and Wayne is someone who never believes he is out. Mike Whitney was bowling, nick Alan Campbell catches it behind somewhere between 1st and 2nd slip. Wayne’s shaking the head as the umpires finger is in the air. Wayne doesn’t believe it, however we all do. Wayne walks past our huddle to the dressing room, I looked down and there was a slither of what looked like wood on ground. I asked Wayne if he wanted to take the edge of his bat with him. Not impressed.

What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?

From a bowling perspective I was never embarrassed to take a wicket, as I saw on many occasions what I thought were good balls disappear over the fence. However as for my own batting dismissals, the one I regret the most was last game of the season, four runs needed for the win, and Trevor Chappell getting me out with a slower ball bouncer caught hooking down the leg side. Game over and Randwick missed out on the club championship by 4 points.

Who was your childhood hero?

I don’t really recall any heroes that I wanted to emulate, I just enjoyed playing sport, cricket being the most prominent one.

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

Jack Nicklaus, Michael Jordan and Jason Day. Jack and Michael mentally tough, and I would like a chipping lesson from Jason.

Jack Nicklaus

Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?

I loved listening to John Arlott, he had this beautiful calming voice and wonderful accent.

What was your favourite ground to play at?

It would be impossible for me to go past Coogee Oval. Bowling from the northern end with a north east breeze blowing over your shoulder assisting to drift the ball, plus the major factor of girls going to and from the beach all day to assist with the down time between overs. I actually met my wife Denise at Coogee Oval (not at the northern end I might add) and also both my daughters grew up spending many summer weekends there.

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

My initial years in first grade playing against the mighty St George side as there line was Saunders (Captain), Watson, Booth, Rogers, Wilson , Leslie, O’Keeffe and Martin who were either past or current first class cricketers. Other than when playing a final, it’s probably the most spectators I had seen for a grade game.

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?

I can’t go past the four premierships Randwick won in the space of 7 years. The first Premiership in 1977/78 going through the season undefeated was amazing, considering my previous eight seasons with Randwick first grade had been extremely uncompetitive. 

It was also amazing how the team line up for the four premierships altered in seven years with only Gary Bensley and myself playing in the four. The third premiership probably had on paper the strongest side with both State opening bowlers Mike Whitney and Evan Gordon, and a batting line up of Dyson, Matthews, Clifford, Turner, Brown, Marston, Campbell, Bensley. Gary Bensley prolific run getter batting at 8 said it all. 

Two players who were not in the final side Peter Devlin ( all-rounder)and Mark Preddey (leg spinner) were also heavily instrumental in Randwick making the finals. I always felt we were a team of 13, and it was Randwick’s version of the early St George sides I played against.

What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?

The 1983/84 Premiership season Randwick had two miracle wins one against Western Suburbs and the other against Petersham. Both matches had similarities, each reduced to one day games, with the Petersham match being only 30 overs each. Randwick batted first on each occasion, against West’s making 105 and against Petersham, 77. Gary Bensley and I were the only bowlers used in both games, Petersham could only manage 6 for 73, and West’s were all out for 77.

What I remember most about the ovals in those matches was against Petersham at Coogee, the ball not bouncing above your shoe laces and the Pratten Park wicket disintegrate where Dave Gilbert the opening bowler was planting his feet. Two things at Pratten Park I vividly still remember, my first over and Alan Campbell performing a leg side stumping of Matt Troy for my 500th first grade wicket, and Greg Dyer arriving at the crease sweeping away the rough soil on the pitch only to realise he was make the hole on a good length deeper. Greg immediately began sweeping the soil back into the hole.

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

It’s a tough question because I enjoyed the company of all the players I was associated with during my career. Recently Denise and I had lunch with Gary Bensley, Lyall Gardner and their wives. If I had to add to the list it would be Alan Turner and Alan Campbell and their wives. Denise and I had great associations with their families throughout my cricketing journey and still do.

As a highlight my wife Denise is the godmother of Alan Campbell’s son Alexander. We met up with Alexander in London a few years ago as he is a Principle dancer with the London ballet.

What are your hobbies?

I am into golf, and have enjoyed membership of the Coast Golf Club since 1980. Mind you I played very little golf there initially due to cricket and my daughters netball commitments. I am making up for it now, generally playing 3 times a week, and being on the board of the club since 2008. I am chairman of the greens committee and head up the working bees by members at the club. My father who was in the golf industry all his working life would be looking down on me smiling, as I walk away from golf as an 18 year old.

What’s the best advice you’ve received?

It’s more to me “what’s the best bit of advice I didn’t get”. Randwick asked me if I would like to attend a 3 day spinner’s camp at Narrabeen, to which I responded “yes”.

I attended and it was 3 days before my 30th birthday. All the players providing advice at that camp were cricketers I played against, Mick Pawley, David Hourn and others. So here I am at the camp, having played 1st grade since 18 and with two 1st grade premiership under my belt, and somebody is actually explaining the art of spin bowling. It was an eye opener and information that I was able to use and wished I had heard as a young player in 2nd and 3rd grade.

My advice is that if you are ready and wanting to learn to advance in the game, get an experienced coach to coach you, probably when your 15 to 17 , not 30, although as I found out it’s never too late to learn, and old dogs can learn new tricks.

Trevor Jay bowling, Tom Brooks the Umpire

What is your occupation?

I have been retired from the State Government Service just on 10 years, that’s why I spend so much time working at the golf club.

Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?

I don’t have any involvement with Randwick Petersham other than being part of the Randwick Petersham Legends Society and having a keen eye on the scores and occasionally going to Coogee to watch.

My grandson Lachlan aged 10 (leftie) is a mad keen cricketer and so I do go to the nets to roll the arm over (very slowly), and hopefully one day I will be at Coogee watching him if that’s what he wants to do. My other daughter is expecting twin boys, so I could be at Coogee for years. Hopefully.

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?

I am not really close enough to the game to make any great observations. I do feel however a bit disappointed for grade players today in that they don’t get to play with or against many ex or current first class cricketers, or it certainly seems that way to me. The match my grandson and I attended last year where Warner and Smith played at Coogee Oval, where 3000 plus spectators turned up, indicated what effect these players could have on grade cricket when playing. No matter what sport you play, you can gain a lot of knowledge playing with and against better players.