Justin Quint - fail to prepare, prepare to fail

Randwick Petersham Cricket Club | June 17, 2024

Justin Quint joined Randwick Cricket club for the 1991/92 cricket season transferring across from St George Cricket Club after 6 seasons and being St George first grade player 305.

Justin played 4 seasons with Randwick before moving full time to the U.K. He played 44 first grade games for the club and twice won the fielding award as he was considered one of the best fieldsman in Sydney Grade Cricket.

Nicknamed “The Freak” Justin skills and athletic ability in the field would save his team at least 20 runs each time he took the field especially when he was patrolling the point and cover regions.

Let’s find out about Justin’s journey in the game

Justin Quint playing for Ulverston in the U.K

What year you were born?

1968

Can you remember you first game of cricket?

I played all my junior cricket with Ramsgate RSL starting at Under 10. I think I was 9 and it was on the hallowed fields of Scarborough Park No 5 if my memory is correct.

Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?

Played my junior cricket with Ramsgate RSL from Under 10 to Under 16. I was a St George Junior, playing representative cricket from Foster Shield through to Watson Shield. Selected for NSW U16, U19, Colts & 2nd X1. Selected for Australian U19. Played for St George DCCC’s Green Shield before starting with Saints in 3rd grade through to 1st grade across 6 seasons.

 Moved to play with Randwick CC before moving to the UK. Played as an overseas professional in the UK for Ulverston CC, Barrow CC & Dalton CC in the North Lancashire & Cumbria Premier league and had a couple of games for Cumberland Minor Counties team.

Justin Quint sweep shot batting for Ulverston

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

I think I was 17 and was graded in thirds for Saints. I still remember having to trial over consecutive weekends with Australian and NSW players like Murray Bennett, Wayne Seabrook, Richard Done & Graeme Smith. It was quite daunting but you learnt to respect others very quickly and develop a great work ethic that still sits with me today when coaching others from time to time.

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

I think I was 18 and it was against Parramatta in the 2nd last game of the season. It was in the days when teams did not have to declare and Parramatta batted until tea on the second day leaving us a session to bat. It was a dead rubber as far as we were concerned and I was down to bat 6. If I remember correctly we hadn’t lost a wicket with approx. 30 minutes left to play and a few beers were being passed around as it had been a long few days in the field. I was offered a beer as going in at 6 and had drunk about half when Wayne Seabrook started to remove his gear and informed me that I was going in next if a wicket fell. 

Yes, rookie error having that beer as a wicket fell. I think I got 4 no on debut and then went out the next week scoring 112 against Hawkesbury and sharing a decent 4th wicket partnership with Warwick Hayes who also got a ton.  

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

I was an all-rounder in junior cricket but had a back injury at 16 and moving onto grade concentrating on the batting really. I loved to field though and really practiced hard to make myself the best fielder I could be.    

What were your strengths as a player?

I would say I was a stylish top order bat who liked to play strokes to all areas of the ground. Also saw the value of fielding and put a lot of efforts into stopping as many runs as I could in the field and building the pressure for the bowlers, as they were doing the hard work in reality when in the field.

What was your highest score in senior cricket?

I scored two 1st grade tons with Saints but feel I did not really fulfil my potential at this level. My highest score was 169 for Dalton CC in the UK – another missed opportunity to make it a really big one being caught on the boundary with 11 overs of the 50 still to go.  

What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?

Did not bowl that much in grade but did take a couple of 4 for’s with Saints and had a 5 for with Randwick after starting to bowl again in senior cricket after an off-season in the UK.

I did have a good afternoon against a West Indies Under 20 World Youth Cup team at UNSW during a practice game with the NSW U19’s. It was a bit green and damp in their defence and it suited my tall medium pacers. The 5 for 12 off 18 overs straight was a bit flattering, but is still a good true story to tell others even today. Brian Lara was playing but he was not one of the five, Jimmy Adams was though. I did manage to take 9 wickets on three occasions in English league games, but if you could have seen some of the wickets we played on, then you would understand how.  

Randwick brothers - Richard Chee Quee, Greg Davison, Michael Chee Quee, Rod Davison, Darren Quint, Justin Quint

You moved to England in 1995 in your mid 20’s, why the move and did you continue to pursue a cricket career in the U.K?

Met my wife (who is English) of almost 30 years in my 2nd off-season playing in the UK in 1990 and after 5 years in Sydney, we simply decided to settle in the UK.

I continued to play league cricket as an overseas pro until I was 39, helping those clubs to develop their overall set-ups, develop their senior and junior players. I would have liked to have played a higher standard, but due to a 7 year UK gov’t residency stipulation I was unable to play county cricket until my mid-thirties. I did play minor counties for Cumberland at the age of 34, but my best days were behind me then.      

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

I have had the pleasure or at times displeasure of having to face some great fast bowlers, both when playing in Australia and the UK. The 2 fastest bowlers who I faced that reduced my skill set somewhat were Malcolm Marshall in a 1st grade game at Waverley (I think now Easts) and a worryingly quick Shane Bond before he played for NZ in a league match in the UK. 

Other really good quicks who come to my old mind were Chris Killen, Paul Stepto, Peter March, Anthony Stuart & Wayne Holdsworth who were all quick on their day and made you work very hard.   

Malcolm Marshall

Who were the best three spinners you have played against? 

I have 5 if that is ok and played with them, not against. Murray Bennett, Trevor Jay, Mark Osborne, Trevor Trotman and in England WI leg spinner Rawl Lewis. They all loved to bowl, were great thinkers of how to get batsmen out and never seemed to give any batsman a loose ball to hit. 

Trotters played mostly 2nds for Saints but in my time in ‘Social Seconds’, Trev took wickets week in, week out and was a huge reason for the team’s success at that time.

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

Where do I start as there has been so many great batsman that I have been privileged to have played with and against. 

The best 3 I have come up against and had the pleasure of watching from cover and point were Mark Waugh (pure class), Michael Slater (wonderful attacking opener) and lastly played a league game in the UK against Kenya’s Steve Tikolo who hit the ball cleaner than anyone I have seen.    

Michael Slater

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

That is an easy one. Richard Chee Quee during a final game of the season 2nd innings run chase at Hawkesbury. Randwick needed an outright win to get a semi-final spot. I cannot remember how many we chased in a very small amount of overs, but Spike Millican sent Cheeq’s and myself out to open and we just seemed to bat without a care in the world. I departed for 50 odd, but we just watched Cheeq’s score a fantastic ton, blasting the ball to all parts to get us that outright win. A great bloke and fantastic player.  

Richard Chee Quee

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

I found myself selected in the NSW U19’s for two consecutive years and then NSW Colts games against Queensland Colts over the next 3 year period. Joe Scuderi was a hugely talented all-rounder who did not give an inch every time we played. He made you earn every run, made you realise you were in a battle and was a great competitor. He was just a very awkward bowler to bat against and find any rhythm when batting. Another player from my time who somehow did not go all the way to the top.    

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 and you really had to knuckle down to survive? 

Yes, the day I walked out to bat against Malcolm Marshall at Waverley. Clipping him for 4 off my toes first ball just drew a smile from the great man. He did say something, but I was too busy thinking great shot but what the hell have I just done. The next ball was short, bloody quick and cleared the keeper, bouncing once before hitting the fence for 4 byes. The next 30-45 minutes was a pure test of my batting abilities and something I will never forget.

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

I have been very lucky to play with some excellent keepers and I am not going to single one out above the others, as to me it is the hardest role in cricket. Peter Nicholson, David Moore, Andrew Millican, Mark Atkinson & Paul Ryan were all great keepers in teams that I played with and against in grade and representative cricket. There was also three blokes in England that kept for sides I played for – Dave Forsyth, Paul Bell and Chris D’Leny who were fantastic keepers too.   

You were regarded as one of the best fielders in Sydney Grade Cricket, what was the key to your fielding, what did you enjoy about it and what advice would you give to young players about being good in the field?

Even to this day, not enough time is given to fielding even at the very highest levels. I loved owning that part of the field and whilst I did not bowl the ball, I wanted to let the batting side know that getting the ball past me at cover-point or taking a quick single was not going to happen. 

I was very athletic and did not mind throwing myself about, which put the doubt into the batters minds when wanting to take runs, as being tall I would reach balls when diving that others wouldn’t. I had also been given a decent arm through the genes of my baseball playing dad, so would work very hard at throwing at a single stump and my underarm pick up and release. 

My advice to young players is work hard on your fielding and practice fielding in specific fielding positions at match pace. Be prepared to anticipate, watch the bat if in the in-field positions and throw yourself at it to stop that ball, as every run counts. As a batsman, you may miss out from time to time, but I felt I would save probably 20-30 runs minimum every time I fielded, so had scored those runs for my team before I had even batted.   

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

I started my grade career with Patrick Farhart at St George. He was a fantastic medium quick bowler who swung the ball in. Patty would bowl all day if he needed to, had a huge heart and would always give his best no matter the conditions. 

Martin Kermode (Barrow CC – UK) was probably the most competitive player I have played with and against. Martin had a huge heart and hated losing. He bowled medium pacers, had a huge appeal, would give his all and never give up.

Patrick Farhart

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

I would have to say Wayne Turnbull when at St George and Andrew Millican at Randwick. I really cannot split them and again would not want to. Both are top blokes. Wayne coached me through my teenage years and was really a mentor to me in my early years at Saints. I was a couple of years younger than Spike but I did know him through junior cricket and playing Aussie Rules. 

Both were excellent cricketers and they put their team mates first. They read games very well and did not allow the game to just meander on. They were very competitive and did not really like losing. I enjoyed playing for both. 

Andrew Millican

Who has been your funniest team mate?

John Bain, Rohan Buchanan, Gary Mulcahy, Ross Trewartha, Mark Vandermaal & Ross Hobden at Saints were brilliant guys to play cricket with and be around. They were serious cricketers but could always see the lighter side of everything. Bainy and Ro were a comedy duo, great days. 

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

One particular afternoon at Bankstown Oval sticks in my mind when in a 2nd grade semi-final against Bankstown when I was 18. I had scored a lot of runs during that season and had made a couple of appearances in first grade. We had bowled Bankstown out and then lost an early wicket. Going in at 3 and with the Bankstown boys led by Geoff Spotswood pumped, I was sledged by every player as I walked through their slips and gully fielders. The banter did not stop even as I faced the first ball. 

I think I made a decent 60 odd and we went on to win the final a week or so later. I was applauded by the same fella’s who had critiqued me fairly heavily as I walked to the wicket. 

I laughed then and I still laugh now. It was the way cricket was back then and we all had a drink afterwards. It would probably not be accepted these days, but I enjoyed playing in those times when teams played hard but fair in my mind and we had a drink at the end of the day.

What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?

Every time I got out I was disappointed, but a golden duck in a League knockout final in England against a former team where I was the professional was particularly hard to take. Hitting a half volley straight to extra cover was not the plan in front of a decent crowd too. 

Who was your childhood hero?

In cricket terms Kim Hughes was my idol. I just loved the way he batted. I was and still am a huge Cronulla Sharks supporter and Steve Rogers was my hero as a kid. Likewise, I played Aussie Rules until I was 16 and I loved the way Dermott Brereton played the game.

Steve Rogers

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

Mike Doohan (former 500cc world champion) is a sporting hero of mine, Roger Federer (if only I could play tennis like him and if I could go back in time my dad, just to have a beer and chat about sport. 

Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?

I’d have to say my old mate Michael Slater. He does a good job overall. I also like listening to Rob Key (former England player) as he commentates a lot on cricket in England and is really good to listen too. Anyone really who is non-bias and fair in their criticisms.

What was your favourite ground to play at?

I don’t really remember having a favourite ground. The times I got to play at the SCG and The Gabba were special due to the history of the grounds.

Justin Quint batting at the SCG

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

No, I didn’t have a favourite team I enjoyed playing against. Back in the day I simply enjoyed playing cricket and hopefully performing to the best of my abilities. 

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?

I would not say I have one only. From being selected at any point to represent NSW in any squad was special, Australian U19 selection was fairly memorable, I have been involved with a St George Green Shield and 2nd grade final wins, Randwick’s One-Day win at the SCG and the final season game outright win to gain a semi-final spot was awesome. 

Having two clubs where I was the professional in England (Barrow CC & Dalton CC) win every competition available in a season was great. Playing with and against some the greatest players to have played the game or simply play cricket with guys that turn up week in, week out to play hard and then we have a beer. Sorry I cannot be more specific and narrow this one down as most of it has been fairly memorable in one-way or another.     

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

Had to scratch my head with this one as have been involved in a few great wins over the years. But am going back to my Under 19 NSW days and being part of a squad that won the U19 Australian Championships in Adelaide back in the late 80’s was not just a great win but a great 2 weeks of cricket.

I picked this win as I had a very successful NSW schools championships in Bathurst about a month prior to this squad being finalised and I was included in the squad at the very last minute and top scored with 80 odd in the final.   

NSW Under 19 team 1986/87

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

The top 3 players on the list hey, I will say my brother Darren as I don’t see him much living over here, along with Mark Vandermaal and Ross Trewartha who were great mates from my days at Saints and it would be good to catch up. To all my other past team mates who would be coming to this BBQ, I could only name the first 3 on the list, so I do apologise.

What are your hobbies?

I really enjoy playing golf now. I play at Ulverston GC in England, so anyone looking for a game when in the area, just give me a shout.

What’s the best advice you’ve received?

Never give a mug an even break & fail to prepare then prepare to fail. 

What is your occupation and who do you work for?

I am a PE Teacher and currently work at Ulverston Victoria High School in South Cumbria, UK.   

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

Currently only at school level, but am always available if any club, state or national teams want a fielding coach.

If you were running Cricket NSW what would your 2 priorities to ensure cricket in the state remained strong and successful on and off the field?

Make sure cricket for boys and girls is continually developed, promoted and played in schools at every opportunity.

Make sure elite level players are used in the promotion of cricket, both in schools and at grassroots club level.