Brett Patman - keep smiling and have fun
St George Cricket Club | June 12, 2023
Brett Patman was a talent leg spinner who made his first grade debut for St George District Cricket Club at the age of 18 in 1981. Brett is the club first grade playing number 279.
At the beginning of 1982 Brett was selected in the Australian Under 19 team to play Pakistan and in a team captained by future Test batsman Mike Veletta.
In the First Test Brett put in a fine all-round performance despite Australia loss by 8 wickets. He scored 40 and 26 and took 4 for 11 off 10 overs in Pakistans under 19s first innings - match scorecard
Brett played first grade cricket in Sydney and Brisbane so let’s find out more about Brett’s journey in the game.
Brett Patman - St George DCC First Grade 1981/82
What year you were born?
1963 Camperdown, Sydney
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
I was 11 years old and played for Narwee Primary School at Beverly Hills Park. Made 8 with the bat and was asked to keep wickets and really was just a back stop.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
I played my junior cricket with Penshurst West Youth Club in the St. George District before making my way to Green Shield with St. George which was a fantastic experience. Training alongside the likes of Brian Booth, Murray Bennett and many others. I then played a few seasons with Petersham -Marrickville which was a real life experience as well as good hard cricket. A season at Bankstown, Fairfield -Liverpool, Toombul (QLD), Farnworth Social Circle in the Bolton League, England and Canterbury in the Sydney Shires League. Sound like more clubs than G. Norman.
Rod Bower, Brett Patman and Rodney Tucker - Farnworth in England
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in grade cricket?
I was 15 and represented St. George in 4th Grade against Gordon at Castlecrag.
At what age did you make your first grade debut in grade cricket and can you remember how you performed in debut?
I was 18 when called into First Grade against Northern Districts at Waitara Oval. The day was very hot and we fielded first. I was asked to bowl an over before tea and the first over after tea I snuck one through Mark Clews for my first wicket in first grade. Never had the chance to bat that game.
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
Bowled leg spin and batted in the middle to lower order so an Allrounder.
What were your strengths as a player?
I was aggressive and tenacious, always had to be in the game.
NSW Colts 1983
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
I scored 113 not out against Mosman at Mosman Oval playing for Petersham in Sydney and 123 against University in QLD playing for Toombul in Brisbane
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
6-38 v Parramatta playing for Petersham at Petersham Oval.
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Geoff Lawson – I first faced Henry as a 15 year old playing Poidevin Gray (U21’s). He was just breaking into the first class arena and was very quick.
Mike Whitney – He was very aggressive and would give you the glare and was very intimidating.
Dave Gilbert – Dave was quick off a short run up and you didn’t have a lot of time to play your shots.
Geoff Lawson
Who were the best three spinners you have played against?
Murray Bennett. I played and trained with Murray and also played against him and he had great control and flight and a wonderful arm ball.
Greg Matthews – Mo and I had many tussles. He had a variety of balls and you didn’t know what was coming next but I tried to be aggressive towards him.
David Hourn – Just a master at the craft of wrist spin and was very hard to read.
Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?
Mark Waugh – He was just so elegant and had so much time. I didn’t have much luck against him he was just a class player and person.
Ian Davis – I played against Wizz early in my career on a couple of occasions and he had every shot in the book and was aggressive against young leggies but it was a great experience.
Peter Clifford – He was an explosive player who took many attacks apart with ease. His 285 not out in Brisbane Club Cricket one Saturday afternoon was one of the best innings I have seen live.
Mark Waugh
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Mark Waugh’s 170 odd at Petersham Oval was just pure class although it wasn’t at the time. He gave no chances and gave 11 blokes a head ache after being in the field for 6 hours in 35c Heat.
Was there any bowler in particular who whatever reason always you to cause you a few problems?
Andrew Jones – Jonesy had an ability to vary his pace with the same action then he would bowl the unplayable at a very quick pace.
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?
It was my first time to bat in First Grade at Hurstville Oval against Mosman. I had been sitting in between Brian Booth and Warren Saunders who were talking about life in general and also trying to keep me calm before going out to bat. My turn came to face John Skilbeck running off the fence and Barry Knight in slips asking me what I was doing out here. And to add no helmets as well so it was time to knuckle down after the knees stopped shaking.
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
I would have to say Bronco Djura. He just had a natural ability, fast hands and encouraging as well.
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Mark and Steve Waugh. They had it all growing up through the junior reps and then onto the test arena.
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
Murray Bennett was a very good leader. He was respected by his team and was always encouraging especially as a young bloke coming into first grade he made you feel like you were part of that team and deserving to be there.
Murray Bennett
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Dave Chardon and Brian Riley both from Petersham. Playing against Sydney Uni we were set 300 for the next Saturday. Riles said to the boys Heaps (Graeme Hughes) and Bronco will score hundreds next week so I’ll see you in a fortnight you won’t need me. And he was right they both scored hundreds.
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
Playing at the magnificent Coogee Oval I was asked to bat No 5. The wicket fell and was my turn to bat. Walking to the crease I realised I had left my helmet behind and thought oh well. Mike Whitney was at the other end raring to go. He sent down a short ball which I let go through. Standing about 3 feet away from me he said ‘where’s you F&%$(* Helmet? I said I don’t F$%&^ need it. It then made for an interesting afternoon for about an hour but we shared a beer and a laugh afterwards.
What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?
Being run out at Drummoyne Oval running a fourth run. Running wasn’t my strong suit.
Who was your childhood hero?
Ian Chappell
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Greg Norman, Rod Reddy, Andre Agassi
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
The great Richie Benaud
What was your favourite ground to play at?
Mosman Oval, it had a wonderful ambience with the white picket fence and was also the ground I scored my first hundred in first grade.
What there a particular team you especially looked forward to playing against?
Yes Northern Districts always brought out the best in you. From the early days of playing them in. Green Shield with the likes of Greg Briggs and his team mates to the very talented first grade side you always knew you were in for a tough game.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Receiving my Australian Under 19 Cap from the great Richie Benaud. He was very inspirational in his delivery and always encouraging.
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
Playing for Petersham against Bankstown who fielded the Waugh’s, Steve Smith, Steve Small, Wayne Holdsworth and many more we beat them with a few balls to spare was just a great game to be apart of. They did however beat us in the final that year 1987 – 88 to win the title.
Brett and his Petersham team mates
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
There are so many players and great people I have met through this great game and is hard to name just a few.
What are your hobbies?
I play golf now, also my children with their various activities and music.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Keep smiling, have fun and do your best.
What is your occupation?
I am a self - employed musician / entertainer in South East Queensland. Brett Patman Music
Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?
No not all now.
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?
It would be to keep the grass roots level as keen as I was when growing up. The players at the top level have to go back and give their time to the young ones and give them the skills and passion to strive forward.
The weekend coaching classes we had as a teen ager were also an integral part of development and also many life skills came from them as well.
