Tom Pinson - "there's no such thing as 100% chance of rain"
Sutherland District Cricket Club | September 05, 2024
Tom Pinson joined Sutherland from Yass in 2012, a young pace bowler aiming to see how far he could go in the game. As at the end of the 2023-24 season, he has played 219 matches in all grades for Sutherland, taking 308 wickets. In First Grade, has taken 212 wickets in 151 matches and was a member of the 1st Grade T20 premiership team in 2017-18. He played for ACT & NSW Country in the Toyota Futures League in 2017-18 & 2018-19 and in the Toyota Second XI League in 2019-20. Here he tells us a bit more about his career to date:
What year you were born?
1994
Can you remember your first game of cricket?
I have various early memories of playing cricket. Milo cricket in Cowra and heading to the nets or playing in the backyard with family.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey? How did you end up playing with Sutherland?
I played my junior cricket in Cowra and enjoyed some basic representative games there, which involved some serious travel! Moved to Yass for high school (incidentally across the road from the oval/nets) and continued to enjoy weekend and some local representative games. Started playing senior cricket at about 13, had a year (mostly) off around the HSC and then contacted a family connection, Dr Harry Harinath, who pointed me in the direction of Sutherland (as I was attending Wollongong Uni), where, bar a season in Adelaide, I have been since.
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in grade cricket?
I played one game of 4th Grade at age 18, where we narrowly missed out on outright victory at Sutherland Oval. I am still good friends with some of my teammates, and coincidentally had crossed paths with Scott Murn from UNSW in the ACT prior to seeing him on the pitch.
At what age did you make your first grade debut and can you remember how you performed on debut?
I debuted in first grade in my second year at Sutherland at age 19. I remember Jaquesy giving me the tap on the shoulder after training on Thursday - an eventful week where I think the 3 quicks ahead of me went down with injuries. We played Campbelltown at GMO and batted first, the top 4 all scored 50+ and I was just amazed watching the skill on display. We were defending almost 400 but it was relatively flat and hard work. I came on and after a few nerves settled into my first spell of many down the hill. After the skipper dropped one at first slip, I had my first wicket caught behind and then another by the end of the day. 17 overs in the day was tough work and a big step up from what I was used to but I loved every minute of it.
How would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
This is a tough question, I had to answer the rest and come back to it. At my best, I suppose I would like to think of myself as relentless. Both in the physical preparation and in making the game uncomfortable for batsmen.
What has been your highest score in first grade cricket so far?
I am lucky enough to have scored two first grade 50s, with my highest being 59 against Western Suburbs. I will point out I was not out in the other, so who knows what could have happened...
What have been your best bowling figures in senior cricket so far?
Play Cricket tells me 6-17, which I believe was in Darwin and we defended about 100. For Sutherland, it would be 6-41 against Bankstown who were a very strong team at the time.
Who are the best three batsman you’ve played against?
I've played one-off games against some really quality players. I had one training session with Sydney Thunder where I bowled to Mike Hussey and even in his late 30s he was just so effortless if you were a millimetre off. Out of those that I've played regularly, Daniel Hughes always seemed to find playing against us a walk in the park. Ryan Gibson and Daniel Solway are two very good cricketers who worked exceptionally hard at their game and were willing to fight out every ball of the day to score runs for their team. I always loved the contest against them but they made it bloody hard.
Who are the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
I'll break the rules a little. Watching Lockie Ferguson charge in for us for a couple of games at the start of one season was memorable. I feel like I was bowling pretty quickly at the time and the batters must have loved facing me first change after Dwarsh and Lockie. I played with and against Trent Copeland on a few occasions and I mention him not only for his skill but also his knowledge of the game. There was at least one year I got to play against Lance Morris, perhaps even in Perth, I'm not 100% sure. Normally I was in the ear of the coach about batting 11 (as opposed to being non-bat). I think I kept my mouth shut that day.
Who are the best three spinners you have played against?
I was somehow volunteered to front up as a net batter for the Aussie bowlers who were training at Glenn McGrath Oval before they headed to England to defend the Ashes. Nathan Lyon's first ball pitched a reasonable way outside off stump. I dutifully planted the front foot to defend and turned around just in time to see my off bail hit the ground.
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Shane Watson was absolutely fantastic to have around the group for so many reasons. His 180 against St George was just pulverising. Honourable mention, his 100 in a session against Hawkesbury before the mercury hit about 45 degrees at lunch. I have not seen a batter hit the ball harder.
Was there a bowler in particular who just had the knack of challenging you more than most?
Daryl Tuffey has bowled me one ball, to great effect. Perhaps I won't leave the next one halfway up leg stump.
Who is the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
In my first few years at Sutho, Daniel Rixon was a very very good wicketkeeper, taking some athletic catches in both directions and in the same match as the above, a great diving catch out of the hands of fine leg to dismiss Daryl Tuffey. I won't mention that it was a rank full toss.
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you've played?
I have to mention Will Bosisto who I came across in various different states (and territories). He competed every ball of every game he played and worked as hard as anyone.
Who is the best captain you have played with?
I have been lucky enough to play with a number of great captains for all sorts of reasons. Steve Smith is obviously an elite cricketer and we absorbed every minute of playing with him. Chris Williams got the most out of his ability and inspired us to do the same. Jay Lenton quickly became a good friend and motivated us all to compete in every scenario. Trent Copeland in just a few games as captain made me feel the most comfortable bowling out of anyone.
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Tom Doyle is exceptionally quick with a joke, mostly good ones, and is always looking to make people laugh.
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
Daniel Fallins was bowling for the first time in a game after he had bleached his hair blonde (it had been hidden under his cap). He handed his cap to Geoff, the umpire, who immediately quipped "What the hell have you done with your hair, man?".
What has been your most embarrassing moment (batting or fielding) in senior cricket?
This would have to be falling backwards over the fence at GMO trying to take a regulation catch off Jake Wilson's bowling. That's his version - in reality even I would have needed a stepladder to get close.
Who was your childhood hero?
Brett Lee.
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Ricky Ponting. He sees the game like no other in the world, but also has the ability to communicate that to those who may not have the same level of understanding as a keen cricketer.
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
This is another really hard question that I had to leave until the end. I have been lucky enough to (exceptionally briefly) meet Brett Lee and a number of exceptionally talented cricketers. While I love all sport, when I think of stars I'd like to meet they're normally from a different sphere. Perhaps someone like Cristiano Ronaldo. An exceptionally talented footballer who, while immensely talented, has worked incredibly hard to maintain and improve his abilities, even at almost 40. The passion he has for the game he loves is visible every moment on the field and in the new age of social media the marketing and following around him is ridiculous as well. I'm sure he has some stories to tell.
What has been your favourite ground to play at?
I was lucky enough to play on the SCG and nothing else has come close.
Is there a particular team you especially look forward to playing against?
I enjoy the St.George-Sutherland rivalry as much as any other game. It's a bit of a shame they're all pretty decent blokes but it would be sweet to reverse the last couple of years' results this year.
What’s your nickname?
Pinny or Punson. Pin Pheng if you were around for a certain Uber Eats delivery.
Do you have a saying that people associate with you?
I do like to remind people that there's no such thing as 100% chance of rain, unless it's actually raining.
What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?
I loved all sport from a young age. Playing outside with your friends was what you looked forward to every weekend. Cricket ended up being the sport that allowed me to test the limits of my body. I loved the feeling of bowling as fast as I could and the exhilaration of bowling a perfect delivery that hit the stumps or caught the edge.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Most memorable moment has become known as the 'Chincident'. There was always a fair bit of fire in the Country v Metro encounters. For whatever reason, perhaps the atmosphere of the game, or maybe I was unimpressed with being bumped and had finally managed to find the middle (via wild slash) of the bat, I decided to make my feelings known to Ryan Hadley, who was bowling at the time. Needless to say, two balls later he got me right on the chin, cut it open and it was my only ever retired hurt.
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
The T20 victory at the SCG was something special. Playing with a great group of mates, on a venue you dream of playing at as a kid, and under the leadership of an all-time Australian great made for a memorable evening.
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
There's a long list of Sharks I'd love to have over, but only until 9pm, they know that's when my social battery runs out.
What are your hobbies?
I still love all sport, I play squash and try to play golf when I can. One day I may even get back into soccer. Watching my son grow up and explore the world around him has been an amazing experience over the last year and a bit, and it would be great to share my love for sport with him, if he's interested of course!
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Goodge (umpire) had some cracking advice on Melbourne Cup day, we were playing a trial game midweek for some reason = "appeal early and appeal often." From a serious point of view, and the building blocks came from various sources, understanding my strengths and how to apply those to what the team needed from me in that delivery probably helped me bowl my best.
What is your current occupation?
I am an accountant, working with Sutherland President Nathan Whittingham, in Cronulla.
