Blog

Greg Blake - Just Havin a Crack

Toombul District Cricket Club | March 15, 2023

Greg Blake played Brisbane Grade cricket for Toombul District Cricket Club. He first played for the club as a junior and returned to play grade in his early 20’s.

Greg along with Evan Bancroft is the host of the popular podcast series Just Havin a Crack

Let’s find out more about Greg passion and journey in the game

Greg Blake on the left with Evan Bancroft hosting 'Just Havin a Crack' podcast

Where were you born?

Born in Ipswich and moved to Brisbane (Boondall) when I was 8.

Can you remember you first game of cricket?

My first game was school cricket grade 6, I tried out in grade 5 and didn't make the team. I opened the batting and went ok and was captain of the school cricket team the following year

My first experience as a Toombul District Cricket Club as a junior was on Ken Mackay Oval. Ces Anstey and Grantly Evans addressed us all, I was 12. Ces spoke about what it took to be an opening batsman. Concentrating so hard you can read the embossing on the ball as it is coming down the pitch. Never forgotten it.

Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?

Toombul juniors for 3 years until the team dismantled and I went and played Warehouse cricket. That was an eye opener playing against men. I grew up fast as a cricketer. I played Warehouse until I was 21 with The Caribbean Association. I learned to play cricket, sledge and drink.

I decided to go back to Toombul and play seniors. I remember my very first session doing fielding drills with Shane Becky in front of me and he wore a ball on the end of his finger and blasts out “welcome to the season.”

My first net session I had Bob McGhee thundering in. Greg Hons was my very first Toombul coach as a junior and he was sitting on the roller watching my net. He comes up to me afterwards and goes on to tell me of all the cricketers in the junior he didn't expect me to be the only one that would play grade. He didn't actually think I would also make it.

Greg with his sons Ollie and Jadan

In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in grade cricket?

I was 22 and picked in fifth grade, I’ll never forget it. We had a guy who went onto play and now live in Holland (Chris Smith) ironically he played in my last game as well.

A second grade final against Sandgate, we had a guy who was told he was no good as a fast bowler and he went on to play Victorian 2nd XI cricket, Mark Quinn. I came to Toombul as a batsman and played that game as an opening bowler. Go figure. Harry Frei saw something that I didn't.

What were your strengths as a player?

I don't think I ever achieved what I was capable of as a cricketer. Looking back my one regret was not playing first grade. I could of but I suppose I didn't apply myself as much as I should of.

I would consider myself as a great team mate, quick witted and batsman who had loads of talent but enjoyed playing being part of a team and not necessarily for myself.

Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?

That’s easy.

Brett Mortimer - Morts was always at you. Played hard and you always knew you were in a contest.

Brendan Buckley - Bucks was a mate and we had a healthy rivalry. He never gave me much in my half of the wicket and his follow through was always finishing very close.

Eddie Mariner, Ed was fast bloody quick

As a fourth it’d be Nathan Jones. Great team mate and always hurried me up batting against him.

Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?

Peter Clifford - it wasn't until I finished playing grade cricket and I don’t think I fully appreciated what he did for me and watching him bat and how he captioned a side was outstanding.

Harry Frei - H and I had a different relationship. He was pushing me to bowl more and he would always grab a rock and bowl to me in the nets. His ability to swing the ball was outstanding. Playing with him and being in the slips you were always on your toes.

Peter Clifford

What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?

That’s easy playing over 40's last year for Toombul against Sandgate. I opened the batting playing against mates from the Brisbane over 50's and staunch Sandgate boys.

I was given out LBW but I believed I hit it. The umpire gave me out and I blew up deluxe before I realised I’d said anything.

Anyway I was walking back to the pavilion and the umpires called me back. Trent Ryan, Archie Francey and the other Sandgate boys were giving it to me. I wasn't sure what was going on as Andrew Pilgram walked down to me and said Blakey I think you should walk, I agreed and walked.

Who was your childhood hero?

Greg Chappell

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?

Coaching the year 10 boys at Padua College. Watching them grow and developing over the season and winning the premiership in the last game. They were gone but they fought back to snatch victory

You’re now playing over 50s cricket, what the best part of playing veterans cricket and what advice would you offer anyone over 50 who is thinking about playing again?

Veteran’s cricket has given me a different perspective about cricket. It has shown me how much I loved the game and how much it meant to me. Playing with guys who were previously in opposing teams and are now team mates has given me a different perspective on things

What is your occupation?

I have my own media company and I work down at Toombul in Operations.

Media Company lets me have my own podcast series called Just Havin a Crack. I do that with Evan Bancroft. Bringing peoples stories to life and sharing them with others is humbling and empowering at the same time. Getting to know Banger has been one of the best parts of the journey.