Matt Bradley - the best times
Sutherland District Cricket Club | December 29, 2023
Matt Bradley is the 3rd highest run scorer in the history of Sutherland Cricket Club. At the completion of the 2022-23 NSW Premier Cricket season Matt had scored 11,525 runs at an average of 31.1 including 18 centuries and 57 half centuries.
Matt made his first grade debut in 1994 and is Sutherland first grade cap number 172. In first grade he scored 6,255 runs at 26.96 and hit 8 centuries and 31 half centuries.
At under age representative cricket Matt captained NSW under 19’s in 199 and was vice captain of the Australian under 19s team in the same year.
Let’s find out more about Matt’s journey in the game.
What year you were born?
1976
Can you remember your first game of cricket?
Only vaguely, I was 8 years of age and recall bowling a few triple bounced balls and the rest off the pitch! May have scored a dozen when batting.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
I played all my junior cricket for Caringbah Sports in the Sutherland Shire Junior Cricket Association, we had a gun team all the way through from under 10’s to under 16’s winning many premierships and losing less than a handful of matches in that time.
Selected in Sutherland AW Green Dhield team of 91/92 which was my introduction to Sutherland District Cricket Club where I started training with the players in First and Second grade whom I watched closely as a 14 year old when operating the scoreboard on Saturday’s at the then Caringbah Oval, now Glenn McGrath Oval after my junior cricket matches in the morning.
Went on to play 341 matches for this great club, over 200 in First Grade and extremely proud to be named a Life Member in 2015. Also played 5 matches for Campbelltown in First Grade and for Sandford in the Devon League in England.
What other sports did you play?
Rugby League, Soccer, Tennis and Golf growing up. Don’t play golf enough at the moment but a keen ocean swimmer over the last 4 years.
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in grade cricket?
Fifth Grade as a 16 year old. First match of the 92/93 season was at home, Tonkin Oval v Bankstown where I opened the batting and if I recall correctly Nathan Bracken opened the bowling for the Dogs.
At what age did you make your first grade debut in grade cricket and can you remember how you performed on debut?
94/95 Season as an 18 year old v Campbelltown. Batted number 3 and felt way out of my depth against Shane Lee and Brett Lee. I think I scored 9 and 16 and we got belted! I do remember running past one and getting bowled in the last over before lunch by Paul Sutherland which hurt as he was and is still a great mate.
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
Top order batsman, did ok, not consistent enough.
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
212 not out in first grade for Sutherland v Hawkesbury at Caringbah Oval in 1999/2000. I broke the club record of 168 for the highest score in first grade set by Norm O’Neill in 1965/66 and highest score for the club in any grade set by Phil Jaques 208 in second grade in 1997/98.
A very proud and memorable day for me as Jason Holley was at the crease with me when I broke the record. Jay and I had played against each other from under 10’s and were team mates for many seasons in junior rep teams and at grade level. Also fulfilled a long time goal of facing the first ball of the day and the last.
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
Took 5 for 30 odd in a Poidevin Gray match for Sutherland v Bankstown at Bankstown Oval. Was given a few overs here and there in first grade one day games and took 3 for 20 odd at Manly Oval one year. We batsmen who rarely bowled used to joke about who had dismissed a state player, I once had Steve Nikitaris caught by Rod Davison at point which I hung my hat on!
Who have been the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Brett Lee - sheer pace and great shape not often go hand in hand but Binga had it all. His competitiveness and toughness is a little over shadowed by his pace. Class act.
Don Nash - quick, bouncy, swung it both ways and very content to see you wear a few. Never felt at ease facing this man of few words!
Nathan Bracken - beautiful control of the new ball, great seam position and hooped it late. I can’t put them all in but there are so many others.
Who has been the best three spinners you have played against?
David Hourn - only played against him once and it was in his last season of grade cricket. I was in my first season and it was the 4th Grade semi final Sutherland v Waverley at Waverley Oval. I was 17 and batted for about 3 hours and scored 51 to help get us into the final the following week v Randwick. Even though I was only 17 I can still remember those 3 hours like it was yesterday. I can still remember seeing the ball leave his hand and how it fizzed, something I had never encountered before. He did not bowl one bad delivery. His knees were shot and only took 2-3 steps as a run up. Being a student of the game I knew exactly who he was and what he had done during his fine career. After keeping him out for hours he bowled the last ball of his last over, I skipped down the wicket and defended it back to him, he picked up the ball, threw it to his captain and said “I can’t get this young bloke out, give someone else a go.”
I had not concentrated so intently on watching the ball like never before I did that day.
He batted number 11 and turned a ball off his pads through square leg and it pulled up a yard before the pickets, he limped a single such were the state of his shot knees and his team mates stood and cheered his first run for the season! He was and still is the best spinner I faced even though I played so many seasons after that. A great honour to play against him and something from my career I will remember fondly.
Stuart MacGill - had the temperament and aggression of a fiery fast bowler. Huge turner of the ball and great mental strength to overcome an opponent. Fielding at mid-on one day v Bankstown at Bankstown Oval I witnessed a mauling!
MacGill bowling to a lower order batsman.... first ball, perfect leg break, spins passed lunging batsman’s outside edge....batsman looks at pitch startled....MacGill stares at him....nothing said.......second ball, fizzing leg break, spins passed lunging batsman’s outside edge....batsman looks at pitch, tilts his head to one side suggesting the ball had hit a gum nut.....MacGill stares at him fiercely...nothing said......third ball, ripping leg break, pitches leg stump....batsman’s footwork all at sea looking to play through mid-wicket, ball knocks off the off bail.....batsman looks at MacGill with punters eyes (one each way).... MacGill simply says “they’re the best 3 balls you’ll ever face mother f%$#@r!!!!!!!
Ken Hall - totally different type of spinner to the previous two but suffocated you like no other. Did not know where or how your next run was going to come. Great competitor who hated being scored off but absolute gentleman after the match who had time to chat about the days play.
Stuart MacGill
Who have been the best 3 batsmen you’ve played against?
Rod Davison - played against this quirky, diminutive little player and lucky to be able to watch and learn from him as a team mate. Skippered Sutherland to our first 1st grade premiership in 1995/96 v a star studded Bankstown team. He scored 975 runs in that season and was the player opposition bowlers knew they had to get early or Rodney would bat all day. He played every shot in the book and executed each with precision. Great player of the short ball and the best exponent of using the pace of the ball to his advantage when cutting. Not everyone’s cup of tea but if you look closely one of the best batting records in first grade history.
Shane Lee - scored a century against us three seasons in a row and was simply a class above on his day. Brutal striker of the ball but also had the ability to pace and place balls to outfielders ensuring 2 runs. I think the best all round cricketer I played against in my era, and was able to win a match with bat or ball and deadly arm in the field. Great competitor.
Steve Smith - fortunate to play enough with Steve before he quickly hit the big time. Amazing young player with a hunger to bat and score runs. A little unorthodox and hit balls to parts of the ground that I never witnessed before or since. His ability to hit full balls pitched outside off stump to backward of square on the leg side with such power and timing is something I will never forget. I saw some really fine young batsmen come through the ranks at Sutherland including Phil Jaques and Nic Maddinson but Steve is something else. Freakish fielder in any position.
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Michael Bevan scored 150 against us at Manly Oval one season. We had a good attack led by Stuart Clark but Bevo was unbeatable that day however the best innings I witnessed at first grade level was in the final of 2012/13 Sutherland v St George at Bankstown Oval.
A local derby fFinal with plenty of feeling. I retired after our loss in the first grade final of 2009/10 therefore was not playing in this match but had driven over to support the Sharks and saw Nic Maddinson score 107 against Hazelwood, Copeland, Green and Magin on a very bowler friendly deck.
Amazing skill, stroke play and courage was shown by Nic that day and was riveting viewing for those that were present.
Matt on the attacked in a one day game for Sutherland
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
I was in the same age group as Brad Haddin and Nathan Pilon. Represented NSW under 17’s with Nathan and Australia under 19’s with Brad, both outstanding keepers. Brad’s footwork was superb, Nathan’s hands were so fast and natural. Both match winners with the bat.
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Impossible to decide on just 2 but the usual suspects of Scott Thompson, Neil Maxwell, Grant Lambert spring to mind pretty quickly.... I felt my whole time in Sydney first grade was difficult, challenging and super competitive and that all opponents were very tough to beat and always up for the battle.
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
In my first season of grade cricket I was very fortunate to play under Bob Duff in Fifth Grade.
I played about 6-7 matches under Bob before being promoted to fourth grade but had the utmost respect for him in the way he ran the team and conducted himself with opposing teams and umpires. He had a young side to work with but he had an impact on us all and led admirably. Bob took on the role of Chairman of Selectors for many years at the club and was someone I spoke with regularly about the game.
Sutherland one day premiers in 2002/03
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Played with Craig Eckersley from Petersham in a NSW schoolboy’s carnival and along with a few others was in stitches for the entire week.
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
Not so much a funny story but a wonderful piece of cricketing theatre.
First grade game at Sydney Uni Oval No 1 v Sydney Uni. We had bowled the students out for maybe 240 and had 6 overs to face before stumps. Phil Jaques opened the batting for us and Greg Mail opted to open the bowling with Greg Matthews. Two former test players about to do battle.
It was late in the season and Phil had been his usual prolific self and was the ultimate professional.... Greg the wily old fox in maybe his last season of first grade. Phil checked his guard with the umpire and took a look around at the field placements. Greg meanwhile altering his long sleeve shirt and buttons....bowling a warm up ball to cover then one to mid-off.... Walking up to the crease and rubbing the pitch with his right hand to attract some of the soil in hope of more traction and grip on this new, shiny ball....instructing the umpire as to where he wanted him to stand...... moving backward point a little squarer with animated actions.....telling cover to be in on the quick single.....prompting first slip to be alert and ready......bowling one more warm up ball this time to mid-on..... the stage was now set and you could feel the atmosphere of anticipation.....hang on, one more thing, Greg tells the umpire to watch closely and concentrate, everyone is so quiet in anticipation that me, on the sidelines next in, can hear it all unfold, it’s pure theatre and sporting showmanship that Greg was so well known for. He has the moment in the palm of his hand. It’s time.
He attacks the crease with extreme confidence and self-belief and bowls the perfect sliding arm ball straight into Jaquesy’s front knee roll and traps this run scoring machine plumb in front....the students go up as one while Greg continues down the wicket with finger in the air signalling out, out,out. Correct he was! Darrell Mann once told me, a spinner needed to be a good con- man.... Greg had stolen the milk from Jaquesy’s tea that afternoon well and truly!
What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?
Well if it wasn’t being caught at fine leg or deep backward square in the first over on a regular basis it would have to be being struck on the pads against Wayne Holdsworth one day and leaving my crease to go and pat down the wicket hoping to distract the umpire and Dean Waugh simply picking up the ball from second slip and under-arming it on to the stumps running me out. I’m glad they found it funny! Welcome to first grade Matt!!
Who was your childhood hero?
Allan Border, the mighty Viv a close second.
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Bill Lawry, Bart Cummings (too late now) and Ricky Ponting
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Richie Benaud
What was your favourite ground to play at?
North Sydney Oval and Hurstville Oval. I was fortunate enough to play at the Gabba, SCG and Adelaide Oval...SCG magical, Adelaide Oval pure perfection.
Was there a particular team you especially looked forward to playing against?
Bankstown, St George and Randwick. Hard fought matches with that little bit extra at stake.
What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?
The opportunity to perform as an individual which contributes to team success. Great character building game, teaches you about ups and downs and not to get too far in front of yourself. Had some special times in March and April during Finals time.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Lucky enough to win 7 premierships with Sutherland.
1 x AW Green Shield (captain) 92/93
1 x Third Grade 06/07
2 x Second Grade 95/96 and 96/97
2 x First Grade Limited overs 02/03 and 09/10 1 x First Grade 97/98
First Grade premiership hard to beat and Green Shield premiership is always close to my heart as was done with team mates I had played with and against since under 10’s.
Also coached the Poidevin-Gray Shield team winning 2 premierships which gave me great satisfaction.
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
AW Green Shield final 1992/93 and first grade final v North Sydney 97/98. 9 out of the 11 players in our team were local juniors.
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Loved playing with Kevin Tuite, Paul Sutherland and later in my career Louis Talay. A small part of me died when Kev retired. I and many others enjoyed playing with and under Tutty.
What are your hobbies?
Spending time with my kids Sasha and Saxon and pottering around in the shed using my carpentry skills.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Batting in first grade late one afternoon v Bankstown we had the Dogs by the short and curlies. I had scored a few and we were nearing victory, Scott Thompson ever the competitor said to his team mates from mid-on “come on boys, best time of our lives out here”. He knew they were beaten that day but remained positive and reminded everybody how lucky we all were to be playing a sport we all loved and doing it with great mates. How right he was.
What is your current occupation?
I work in the racing industry for a pro punter on horse racing.
Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?
I coached the Green Shield and PG’s for 4 seasons after I retired from playing and did a fair amount of one on one batting coaching which I hope to pick up again when time permits. Love assisting young players in improving their skills.
If you were running Cricket NSW what would your 2 priorities to ensure cricket in NSW remained strong and successful on and off the field?
I feel very fortunate to have played in an era of great strength in NSW’s proud cricketing history when State Squad members not only wanted to play for their clubs but fiercely wanted to succeed and win.
This made the players around them better and the competition stronger which in turn filtered down through the grades. Obviously there is more to it than just that but in my opinion would be a good starting point.
At the age of 46 on Saturday 12 November 2022 Matt Bradley scored 112 in 3rd Grade v Western Suburbs at Blick Oval
