Brendan Creevey - a different pathway to become a Bull

Sheldon Stackpoole | August 18, 2023

Brendan Creevey was a fast bowler who made his first class debut for Queensland in the 1996/97 taking 31 wickets at an average of 30 in 12 games. His best figures for the Bulls was 6 for 70 and his top score with the bat was 52.

He also played 31 one day games for Queensland.

There are some great messages embedded in Brendan’s tale and we appreciate him taking the time to share his journey.

 

Welcome Brendan,

Firstly, what year were you born?    

1970, Charleville, Western Qld. Lived in Augathella though (Western Qld)

Where did you go the high school?       

St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe. 1982-86.

Do you remember your first ever game of cricket? How old and how did you go? 

I do remember my first game. I had played many years of backyard cricket against myself mainly by hitting the ball up against a wall. Then one of my school friends said they were playing club cricket and my parents relented and allowed me to join a team mid-season. So I joined the North Star (Zillmere) U/10s. I distinctly remember the game, making 44 not out, taking 3 wickets, and then had a stint at wicket keeping. If I remember, I took a stumping or run out first ball! Maybe that should have been a career choice instead?

Where did you play your junior cricket?

North Star at Zillmere. We were a good team and I ended up playing first grade years later against one of my team mates, Shane Padgett (Norths).

Is it true that you mainly played indoor cricket well into your teens more so that outdoor cricket?

It is true. I was playing indoor cricket in my brother’s team weekly but I did play school cricket through high school. That was my only exposure to Outdoor Cricket. When I joined the workforce I travelled around a bit and being part of an outdoor cricket team involved more of a commitment, so I didn’t really get involved. The one constant was always indoor cricket and I did have some success so was playing that regularly for Bracken Ridge Indoor Cricket.

Can you tell us a little about why indoor and what was the catalyst to start playing outdoors?

As I had spent much of my late teens playing indoor cricket, achieved some success, I was happy in that arena. I was working at the Indoor Cricket Centre at the time and it was there that I had a few games with some mates who were playing outdoor cricket for Sandgate Redcliffe. They convinced me to come down and trial pre-season, which I eventually did.

Which clubs have you played for?

Most of my career was with Sandgate Redcliffe and it’s safe to say I would only be remembered as a Sandgate player, but I did have one season with Toombul and a couple of games for Wests as a 16 year old. I did play a couple of games for Beenleigh Logan (now Ipswich Logan) when I had to fill in when I was the Club Coach. 

How old were you when you first played grade cricket, what grade and for which club?

My first game of Grade Cricket was as a 19 year old for Sandgate Redcliffe. It was in Second Grade vs Easts (now Redlands) and we got smashed. We were bowled out for 134 and they were 0 for 200 at stumps on the first day. We eventually bowled them out for 500+. I was so disappointed in day 1 that I didn’t even turn up for day 2 until after lunch. My attitude was pretty poor and I nearly gave up on cricket after that first day and I almost turned around and left the ground when I arrived on Day 2 to see Easts were 0 for 300 at lunch and it was about 37 degrees as well.

What age did you make your first grade debut?

Luck has it that I played the game after my second grade debut. The selectors picked me as a 19 year old to play in a One Day fixture against Toowoomba. I was fortunate to have a good outing that day and stayed in first grade after that.

What were your best bowling figures in first grade?

I can’t remember exactly my best figures but do remember taking 8 wickets against Wests at home on what could be described a bowlers wicket. A good day for the bowlers and I think we went on to win that game.

What were your best bowling figures for Queensland Who against and which ground

I didn’t play too many games for Qld but do remember I took 7 wickets on debut against the touring England A Team. With minimal opportunities due to the very strong Qld Team at the time I was happy to chip in when I could.

What was your highest score in any grade?

I do remember this one. It was 122 against Wests at Wests. They had a very strong line up at the time, Rackemann, Tazelaar, Rowell, Stephenson all who had played for Qld or even Australia in Rackemanns. We were 9 wickets down, and I was on 11 so I just started to slog. Mark Quinn was a superstar number 11 and held on so well and I was lucky to slog a couple, mostly off my nose as they bounced the crap out of me. I was shitting myself! 99 times out of 100 though it doesn’t come off.

Who were the best three batsman in first class cricket you played against?

Darren Lehmann

Boof was exceptional and deserved to play for Australia a lot earlier than he did. He bullied us bowlers on a flat wicket and I remember one time, no matter where I bowled the ball he just kept hitting it back at me to try and hurt me. One time I just stopped it in front of my face and he just laughed at me. Nearly killed me!

Tom Moody

A rock of the WA Team at the time. Played a fair bit for Australia, and when he played for WA he was so hard to get out. He just had so much time.

Stuart Law

I appreciate I never played against Stuart in the first class arena but I felt out of respect I needed to mention him. For years he was consistently one of the best first class cricketers in the world who just couldn’t get an opportunity in Test Cricket. We knew when he walked in to bat that we were confident of a good team total. His passion for Qld was second to none and I would consider him in my top 3.

How do you look back on your first class career?

I never had any regrets. I played cricket for enjoyment and I can honestly say I enjoyed every opportunity to play for Qld. I know so many mates would have given anything to have been given the same opportunities I had so I definitely respect every chance to play for the Bulls. My main disappointment was my body found it hard to get through the rigors of constant training and playing. I always played with minor injuries but side strains and knee injuries would cut my seasons down.

Who were the three best batsman you admire in Brisbane grade cricket?

Because I would always play with my team mates it is easiest to name three of these men as the best as I saw them week in and week out. I was lucky to play against some of the best so that will be a lasting memory for me, especially considering I had to bowl at many of them; Allan Border, Matthew Hayden, Stuart Law, Andrew Symonds, Jimmy Maher etc. But the ones I admire most are:

Trevor Barsby

Trevor was our Captain in the first year our Club won the Premiership. He was my favourite Qld player growing up for aggressive the style he played. I then had the chance to play many years with him, see him go through some tough times, and then saw him in some of his greatest achievements. I was lucky to play in his last ever First Class game which was a Shield Final, and despite being very sick he made a century and also a 100 in his last ever innings. Inspirational to see.

Matt Goggin

A legend of a very dominant era for Sandgate Redcliffe. The rock that so many innings were built on and had the ability to regularly dismantle an opposition attack. Unfortunately never had the opportunity to represent Qld but in today’s game would have been a dominant T20 player. A good cricketer but a better bloke.

Gavin Fitness

Gavin was a prolific run scorer for Sandgate and still holds the record for the most runs in the history for the club. I admire him because he was a great wicket keeper, just as good a batsmen, and was the heart and soul of our team. I admired how he could swing a game with the bat and how he always seemed to be such a prized scalp for opposition.

What was the best innings you saw played in Brisbane Grade cricket?

Brendan Shinnick (Valleys wicket keeper-batsman) when we played them in the 2000 Final. Valleys were on the rack, 9 down and were only just in front of our 1st innings. We were cruising to a win and then Shinnick came in and smashed a brilliant 120ish. We couldn’t bowl anywhere without him smashing it to the fence. I marveled at his power that day.

What is your best ever Sandgate Team that you played with? 

1. Trevor Barsby – Qld legend and club Life Member. Captained us to our first ever Premiership.

2. Jon Isoardi – although his record wasn’t as good as others, he gets in for humour value. A brilliant short leg and loved to field in his helmet.

3. Jerry Cassell – Had an opportunity to play for Qld but was a very consistent run scorer for us.

4. Peter Goggin – Classy batsmen who consistently scored so many runs for us.

5. Matt Goggin – Prolific run scorer and exceptional slips fieldsman. Never dropped a catch off me which was remarkable. Life Member of the club.

6. Gavin Fitness (wk) – Incredible record, inspirational to play with.

7. Paul Pink – All-rounder, fitness wasn’t high on his agenda. Left arm opening bowler who could swing the ball late. Had the ability to tear apart a bowling attack. RIP.

8. Trevor Hohns (c) – Leg Spinner who eventually played Test Cricket. Like a father figure for a young cohort like us, but had a wealth of knowledge and was obviously respected in Grade and State cricket.

9. Brendan Buckley – Quite possibly the fastest bowler I ever saw live. He smashed stumps and it was better to be in the field than batting in front of him. The slips were always so far back and just catching the knick was always a challenge.

10.Nathan Rimmington – was only young when I played with him but he has gone on to be a great player. The way he could swing the ball at pace was a great talent.

11. Brett Mortimer – Was a rapid bowler when younger but became smarter, and better as he got older. A great team mate and we enjoyed a long partnership together. Life member of the Club.

12. Glenn Battiociotto – A brilliant all-rounder, classy bat and always seem to have a lot of time. 

 

Who were the three players you admired most in Brisbane grade Cricket in terms of skills and competitive spirit?

Gavin Fitness – Played for 3 clubs, and won premierships with every club. The most competitive player I have ever played with. He lived and breathed winning and would do whatever it took to win.

Steve Paulsen from Wests – Steve debuted against us as a 16 year old and is still playing today. His longevity, and obvious skills deserves recognition.

Trevor Hohns – Yes I must be old if I played with Trevor! Now a National Selector, I was privileged to play with Trevor in ’89, the year he was part of the winning Ashes team in England. He was a great leg spinner for many years and eventually got his opportunity for Australia.

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?

I have two that I find it hard to split.

Firs one being part of a Sheffield Shield winning team for Qld (first ever team to win away from home), but probably my best memory is being part of the first ever premiership for Sandgate Redcliffe. I’d spent years with those blokes and to achieve it together was something special for all of us.

Who’s been the biggest influence in your cricket career?

It’s a bit of a cliché but I must acknowledge my family and the support they gave me all throughout my playing days, and it continues today. I would not have been able to achieve anything without them.

Who was the funniest cricketing team mate?

He’s had a couple of mentions already, but Gavin Fitness made 6 hours in the field somewhat enjoyable. I eventually morphed into a gully fieldsman so I could hear some of the banter and conversations he’d instigate. The great thing is people are still laughing at him today!

Who is your favourite all time cricketer?

Allan Border – the way he brought Australia through the tough times. He wasn’t the flashiest cricketer, but he certainly had resolve. 

What was the best win you were involved in?

I wasn’t a player, but in my first year of coaching in First Grade we won the final vs Wests. We went out in the 4th innings to defend 84, and bowled out a very strong Wests team for 31. Amazing day of cricket and something that I’ll never forget.

If you’re in the middle seat of the middle row of Qantas flight to London which team mates would you choose to on your left and right?

In the First Class scene it would have been Andrew Symonds and Matthew Mott. They were good mates with each other and the banter they had between each other lifted spirits of all of us. 

Did you have any cricketing superstitions?

Nothing too dissimilar to many in that I would always call heads. I wouldn’t change seats if we’re doing well and kept routines during the week if we won etc. I would though always put my left pad on first when going into bat.

Which ground in Brisbane club cricket did you enjoy playing at the most?

Sandgate Redcliffe at Deagon. It was our home ground. We knew the pitch, the breeze, the bare patches etc. We were comfortable there. My favourite away field though was Redlands.   

What’s the best advice you ever received?

I was preparing to bowl my first ever ball for Qld and Jimmy Maher called out from cover, “just enjoy yourself”. That’s one thing I loved about cricket, not matter the game, I just wanted to enjoy myself.

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

I still do a lot of coaching but due to work commitments I have stepped back this year. In the past I’ve had several years coaching at Sandgate Redcliffe, Beenleigh Logan (now Ipswich Logan), Souths, Qld 19’s, Ipswich Grammar, and several youth teams. I really enjoy giving back to the game and trying to make a difference for players. I’ll look at getting back into something this coming season.

What advice would you offer a young 18 year old who has the ambition of playing test cricket?

It’s great to have ambitions but you will need to do the hard work and small steps. Control the controllables.

What are your hobbies?

Family is now my greatest hobby. I enjoy the opportunity to spend time with my wife and our kids. One of my sons is now playing grade cricket for Ipswich Logan so I enjoy going out and watching his game for a bit. 

What is your occupation?

 Primary School Principal

You may as well give your employer a plug, who do you work for?

Marymount Primary School, Burleigh Waters.

Are there any lessons from your time in cricket that you take into work or life in general?

Respect. You learnt to respect your opposition and understand each player had a role to play, having different strengths. Life is just the same. Respect people.