Mark Chapman - always try to change the game
Sutherland District Cricket Club | March 06, 2023
Mark Chapman made his first grade debut for Sutherland DCC on 19 January 1985 to become player number 128.
As a left arm orthodox spinner Mark took 305 first grade wickets at 26.34 and took 5 wickets or more in an innings on 11 occasions. In all grades for the club he took 428 wickets at 25.4.
Mark is a Life Member of Sutherland DCC and was awarded a tremendous honour in being selected in Sutherland DCC Team of the Half Century – 1965 – 2015.
Let’s find out more about Mark’s journey in the game
What year were you born?
1965
Where did you go the high school?
Jannali Boys Grammar (other former student’s include Johnny Dyson, Justin Kenny, Gavin Kenny, Steve Rogers)
Do you remember your first ever game of cricket?
Oyster Bay Public School – 4 not out
Where did you play your junior cricket?
Jannali CC
Which clubs have you played for?
Jannali CC, Sutherland DCC, Maldon CC (Essex)
How old were you when you first played grade cricket?
15 years old in 4th grade for Sutherland DCC. 5th grade was in the running for the semi’s, unlike 4th grade so I got a game.
What age did you make your first grade debut?
19 v Gordon. Richard Stobo was playing, as was Steve Day and from memory, Phil Emery. I got one wicket and was 11 not out
What were your best bowling figures in first grade?
Of course it was Caringbah Oval – 7 for 108 against Penrith who had a fair team including Rod ‘Log’ Bower and Trevor Bayliss.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
I think the lads I played with at Sutherland were a fun bunch so we always got up to some hijinks. Too many to name. After the game drinks at the clubhouse were great fun when the opposition used to stay behind too.
Who’s been the biggest influence in your cricket?
Steve Rixon (Stumper) was a great mentor. I wished I had asked more questions when I was playing.
Sutherland DCC players Steve Rixon and John Dyson at practice
Who was the funniest cricketing team mate?
Geoff ‘Red’ Barron could be horrible quick for about 5 overs. Was not kind to himself. David Coppock gets an honourable mention too.
What was your funniest moment in cricket?
This sticks in my memory. We were playing Bankstown at Bankstown in the early 90s. They had a cracking team – Ken Hall, Steve Small, Wayne Holdsworth, David Freedman, Paul Talbot and Steve Waugh et al. It was overcast and Evan Atkins and I were at the crease together after it got a bit too tough for the top order. Steve Waugh replaced Cracker Holdsworth and immediately had Evan searching for the ball outside off stump. Steve was giving some free advice to Evan. I somehow managed to get off strike – I suspect Steve wanted to have another go at Evan. After some more candid advice, Evan squirted one to 3rd man. The only come back Evan had for Steve was, “get that up ya’ Steve!” The whole Bankstown side including Steve could only laugh.
I also remember Glenn McGrath’s first trip to Hawkesbury for about his 3rd game with the Sharks. Up until then he’d been the shy, quiet country lad although the massive 1000 watt spotlights on his Commodore ute suggested he enjoyed some other pursuits. In a rain delay we were up the top of the clubhouse and Glenn was peering longingly at the countryside. “There’d be a few rabbits and roos out there, Millard” asked Constable Phil Weatherall. We got to see another side of Glenn as his eyes lit up and explained to us all what type of arsenal he preferred for feral rabbits and roos at Narromine. We couldn’t shut him up after that.
I’ve always thought Millard is a far better nickname than Pigeon.
Who is your favourite all time cricketer?
Loved Gary Gilmour, Allan Border and Kim Hughes.
Gary Gilmour
What was the best win you were involved in?
I filled in as 5th grade skipper about 8 years ago. The team was a bunch of kids. We chased 390 odd at Tonkin and Matt Burg scored a chanceless 180 odd but all the lads contributed to a great win. It was great to see the looks on the lads faces when we won.
If you’re in the middle seat of the middle row of Qantas QF1flight to London which team mates would you choose to on your left and right?
At my peril, Evan Atkins and Justin Kenny. I’d probably be escorted off by Singapore.
Did you have any cricketing superstitions?
Not any more
Which ground in Sydney club cricket did you enjoy playing at the most?
Glenn McGrath Oval. Really enjoyed playing at Waverley (and under the grandstand) and Hurstville. Not Killara – it always seemed to be wet when we batted up there!
Who was the fastest bowler you played against?
Richard Stobo with a prototype orange ball. Hit the bat so hard and then my leg stump was gone. I faced a young Brett Lee at GMO and he was as rapid as anyone around.
Richard Stobo
Who was the best spinner you played against?
Murray Bennett. Great competitor and a lovely bloke.
Murray Bennett
What did you enjoy most about playing Grade Cricket in Sydney?
The mateship at Sutherland DCC and a bunch of other clubs. I enjoyed playing against the state and Australia players – they played a lot of grade cricket back then. I enjoyed playing against the various County Pros that came to Sydney too. Paul Prichard, Ian Pont, Derek Pringle, Nassar Hussein, Nick Knight etc were very good players but playing only 1 or 2 days a week was a different challenge for them. Prich always returned to Essex with a very good tan, though.
Paul Prichard - Essex captain
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Always be trying to change the game.
Are you still involved in Cricket and if so, in what capacity?
Not at all.
From left: Mark Chapman, Steve Smith, Phil Jaques, Steve Rixon, Stuart Clark, Tony Clark, John Dyson, Lisa Griffith (Ted Cottons daughter), Kristen Davidson (Norm O'Neills daughter), Rodney Davison. Absent: Andrew Hilditch, Glenn McGrath
What advice would you offer a young 16 year old who has the ambition of playing test cricket?
Be insanely talented and super committed. It probably helps if you are a genuine cricket nuffy, too.
What are your hobbies?
Slow Mountain Bike Riding
What is your occupation?
Contractor
You may as well give your employer a plug, who do you work for?
Commonwealth of Australia
Are there any lessons from your time in cricket that you take into work or life in general?
Be on time and do your best
