Craig Ibbitson - it's not over till it's over
Claremont Nedlands Cricket Club | February 02, 2023
Craig Ibbitson had a wonderful and unique career with Claremont Nedlands Cricket Club.
A tremendous competitor who took 396 first grade wickets and over 800 wickets in total for the club.
Unique in the sense Craig made hs first grade debut for the club in 1983 as a 19 year old and played his last first grade game for the club at the ripe old age of 46 – and what a wonderful story it was.
Craig Ibbitson was awarded Life Membership of Claremont Nedlands Cricket Club in 2018.
Let’s find out more about Craig’s journey in the game
What year you were born?
I was born in the UK in 1964 – came to Australia as a 2 year old
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
I remember playing for Mosman Park as a 10 year old. I don’t remember figures
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
As mentioned I started playing for Mosman Park as a 10 year old before attending Scotch College where I played right through my senior years at the school. From there I played for the Nedlands Cricket Club.
When I was 20 I had a season in UK and was played on the Yorkshire County list before suffering stress fractures in my back.
Upon return and a significant break from bowling I returned to the Nedlands Club in 1990 (who had then amalgamated with Claremont –Cottesloe Cricket Club forming the Claremont- Nedlands Cricket Club.
I played my last 1st grade game as a 47 year old for the Claremont Nedlands Cricket Club.
Finishing my career with 396 1st grade wickets and over 800 wickets in total for the club makes me very proud
A young Craig Ibbitson
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in grade cricket?
I made my debut in 4th grade as a 16 year old new ball bowler
At what age did you make your first grade debut in grade cricket and can you remember how you performed in debut?
I made my 1st grade debut against Subiaco Floreat in 1983 taking 1/12 of 7 overs
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
I was definitely left hand fast bowler. I thought I could bat as well but my team mates might not agree J
What were your strengths as a player?
I was a fierce competitor who had the ability to maintain a very good line and length and had a knack of picking up wickets when most needed. As with most left handers the in swinger was my best friend.
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
My highest score in senior cricket was in 3rd grade as a 17 year old scoring 116 at Willetton.
My highest 1st grade score was 56 at Fletcher Park against Perth CC
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
1st grade for Claremont Nedlands v University 8/87 off 36 overs (1995)
1st grade for Claremont Nedlands v South Perth 7/29 off 22.4 overs including a hat trick as a 46 year old (2011)
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
I was fortunate enough to play against Dennis Lillee so you can’t really go past that. He was my idle growing up and I’m lucky to see him around the club occasionally.
Duncan Spencer was an absolute dynamo and the fastest I’ve ever faced. Viv Richards described him as “the fastest white man in the world” I was terrified facing him.
Later in my career I played a game against Mitchell Johnson. Luckily I didn’t have to face him that day.
Dennis Lillee
Who were the best three spinners you have played against?
Tom Hogan – apart from his excellent banter his flight was very difficult to negotiate.
Tim Zoehrer had an extraordinary ability to bowl leg spin
Brad Hogg for me was simply unplayable
Tom Hogan
Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?
From different eras but Kim Hughes was the most elegant and just made it look so easy.
Justin Langer was an out and out champion and I have so much respect for him as an individual and a cricketer.
Michael Hussey also has to be in the top three. He like most left handers was just very difficult to bowl to. Any width and you paid
Justin Langer
Who played the best innings you’ve seen first-hand playing with or against?
Robin Smith and I put on a partnership of 113 of which I made 4! It was an absolute pleasure to stand at the other end and watch. I think I faced 10 balls!
Was there any bowler or batsman in particular who for whatever reason always seemed to cause you a few problems?
Mark Lavender was a dynamic player and I always found him difficult – he seemed to have so much time to adjust to length
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?
Watching a spell of bowling from Jo Angel one day at Midland Guildford’s home ground. He was bowling at pace and getting plenty of movement bowling to our best batsmen. He was a class above that day
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen first-hand playing with or against?
Tim Zoehrer
Tim Zoehrer
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
I had some great contests with a guy called Hudson Trevenen. He was an outstanding talent and a real competitor. He never took a backward step and neither did I. It made for some fiery on field encounters.
Also an English player named Derek Aslett. We also competed well together and I had the utmost respect for him as a player and competitor
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
I think my first 1st grade captain in Brett Whiteaker. He was a great thinker and tactician of the game
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Without doubt Simon Frayne – his banter and expansive vocabulary always kept us amused
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
Probably when I was playing 1st grade as a 46 year old and playing against very young men. One exchange ended in me suggesting “I knew his mother and that he could quite possibly be my son”
What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?
God there are so many!!... Probably getting hit with a short delivery and falling on my stumps
Who was your childhood hero?
Dennis Lillee
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Roger Federer
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Richie Benaud
What was your favourite ground to play at?
The WACA
What there a particular team you especially looked forward to playing against?
University and Claremont Nedlands always had some spice to it – not really sure of the reasons but it always resulted in a very competitive affair
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
There are 2.
The first one involves opening the bowling with my son Blake in a 2nd grade game against Perth – that is something that I will always treasure.
The 2nd one was after getting myself in really good condition at 46 and returning to cricket – my intentions and goal was to play 1st grade again and as previously stated I achieved that and had a wonderful day capturing 7/29 off 22.4 overs including a hat trick
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
Playing against Melville at Creswell Park and needing to win to make the finals. Melville were 2/209 chasing 245. Keith Coughlan and myself ran through them after tea and we won – each of us took 5 wickets
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Terry Alderman, Keith Coughlan and Tim Beech
What are your hobbies?
Recently I purchased a 32 foot Bavaria cruiser and love getting to Rottnest on that. My girlfriend is also an avid sailor and I love spending time with her on the water.
Also love spending time with my kids and cooking
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
It’s not over till it’s over
What’s your occupation?
I am State Manager of Fisher and Paykel Appliances in WA. I’ve been with the company for 16 years and thoroughly love my job
Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?
I am still a regular at the CNCC and will be managing the new facility at Creswell Park once it opens in 2022. The occasional veterans game is still on the cards – with 3 weeks recovery afterwards.
If you were running a state cricket association what would your 2 priorities to ensure cricket in the state remained strong and successful on and off the field?
Creating a family environment at clubs is vital in keeping players on the field. Cricket is such a time commitment and you need to create an environment where families are welcomed and the social aspects of the club are prioritised.
Providing support at all levels is also pivotal, whether it be excellent coaching or having people looking after the wellbeing of its club and members. This will ensure that clubs prosper – mental health is a real issue and needs to be at the forefront of all sporting organisations
