Bob McGhee - Queensland Veterans Cricket
Queensland Veterans Cricket | February 03, 2023
Bob McGhee is a former Queensland fast bowler who made his debut for the Bulls in the 1990/91 season.
In an era of quality fast bowlers lining up to play for Queensland played 4 first class games taking 9 wickets at 43.77 and his best figures were 3 for 83.
Bob played Brisbane Grade Cricket for Toombul from 1984 and 1993 in an era where they enjoyed considerable success and Bob played a major role throughout.
A very popular player in all teams and it continues to this day in Queensland Veterans cricket
Let’s find out a little bit more about Bob
What year you were born?
1963 under a tree in outback Queensland, Richmond. Yep the hospital was under the tree too.
What’s nickname do you go by?
Meehan, variation these days, ‘Janis’ from same source.
What was your most memorable moment in junior cricket?
No one moment, played adult cricket from 12 out in the bush. Teams out there just have piles of cow pads to aim at.
Do you have a particular routine before a game?
Eat well, stretch, warm up and focus on the task at hand.
What do you like to do on your days off?
I like to play cricket, read a good book, garden as 2 and a ½ acres demands quality time. I love surfing, so Noosa is a great place to live. And of cause going to lunch with my wife. :-)
How do you amuse yourself on a plane flight?
I love movies and reading so the two moments come together in wonderful bliss for however long I’m in the air.
Which singer/band would you like to see perform live?
Cher in the late eighties would have been fun. I love listening to my daughter sing live in her band, Superyacht. However, the name is annoying as this is what we could have purchased instead of raising a child. The singer in Superyacht would be the one to go. Lol.
Who is the king of selfies at your club?
Peter Clifford from Toombul, loves posting where he’s drinking coffee.
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Kent Officer makes me laugh. I first played with him back in 1985 at Toombul. Didn’t see him for 25 years and now get to play ‘old man’ cricket with him. And we both live in Noosa. Small world.
Who has been your most annoying team mate?
Kent! His big bats, stuff he buys online, winning stuff on the radio and still, an amazing natural talent at 60.
If you won the lottery, what would you buy first?
Ohhh! I have kids, so they would get an easy life. (Even though it would be better for them to sort it out themselves.) Travel with my wife, but only for some, as I loved the cricket tours we have done of late. So more of them.
What’s your favourite city in the world to visit?
I loved London, New York, Paris and Rome. So more of the same, travel can destroy ignorance. A joy for all of us.
Who was your childhood hero?
I loved Allan Border, his grit, determination and willingness to go into battle in any situation. The amazing thing is, I got to play with him in Queensland teams. He was everything I loved, bringing a beer over to me and sitting on the floor in the not so special corner and celebrated my successes. Great role model for all.
Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?
Peter McPhee hit me with a ball I didn’t see and Wayne Holdsworth did it again at the Sydney Cricket Ground. These guys were quick. However, I will always remember 2Up (Jeff Thomson) hitting a young bloke at Toombul in 1984. He broke his ribs. Thomo was my Queensland coach and still bowled quicker than me in the nets and I opened the bowling for our State. Jeff was by far the quickest bowler ever.
Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?
All of them. I was a great batter in the bush because nobody knew how to bowl spin. I believe quality spinners are the hidden treasure of any team. Look at T20 and the best bowlers. Leg spinners, left arm orthodox they always had me in a spin, to be punny. I always wanted to be a quality spinner (less sore backs.) and a top order batter. But height and talent left me as a bowler. The grass is always greener over the fence.
Who are the next two batsman to make their debut for the Queensland Bulls in Shield cricket?
I'm not keen to make judgements on this. I would love one of them to be Angus Lovell from the Sunshine Coast but he needs to be scoring more 100’s in the coming season.
What has been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Playing for Queensland and winning the Peter Burge medal as best player for a season. I was getting 5 wickets a game for the season and the pitches were hard and flat.
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
Any of the 6 club final wins around Queensland and loved every win in a Qld hat.
What’s your most treasured possession?
I don’t do possessions, love memories and attempting to focus on now. So, the garden, my dog and catching up with mates on the phone not near me in Noosa.
What are the three things you’re looking forward to doing outside cricket?
Surf, surf, Play more cricket around the world. Nobody retires from games they love ask any old cricketer... Or old AFL players who just love the red ball game. Agree Lynchy?
