Markham Matthews - be respectful
Sydney Cricket Club | November 10, 2023
Markham Matthews made his first grade debut for the Balmain Tigers (Sydney Cricket Club) in 2001 to become Tiger first grade player 492.
An extremely gifted and talented all-rounder Markham was 29 when he made his debut as he spent many years on the professional golf circuit.
As a first class golfer, you can only imagine how far he can hit a cricket ball, let’s find out more about his journey.
What year you were born?
1972
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
Yes, 9 years old playing Under 10’s for St Bernadette’s Cricket Club in Parramatta DCA. Played against Winston Hills. Was dropped on zero and made 102 not out and took 4 for 12.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
I played junior Cricket for St Bernadettes and Baulkham Hills Cricket Club, School First XI, Green Shield for Northern Districts and a season of Grade there. I played Amateur and Professional Golf for 8 years and during that period I played park cricket when I could for Baulkham Hills because I loved it.
I then to Balmain (now Sydney Cricket Club) for 6 seasons, moved to Melbourne for work and played for South Melbourne for 3 seasons, then back to Sydney for one more years with Tigers…
SCG XI matches and was an overseas guest at Billaricay CC in Essex in 2001. I now play Masters cricket for Roseville.
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in grade cricket?
First game of Grade cricket was as a 15 year old for ND’s in 5th Grade, then 4th Grade the following week, played the last game of the year in 3’s
At what age did you make your first grade debut in grade cricket and can you remember how you performed in debut?
Due to the Golf, I didn’t make my first grade debut until 29. Not a memorable day, 1 for 9 and made about 8 with the bat. I do remember taking a very sharp catch at 3rd though off Simon Cook
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
All-rounder I think. More bowling all-rounder early, then a batting all-rounder at the end
Maitland Mercury 12 October 2015
Markham about to launch on his way to 76
What were your strengths as a player?
Catching….ability to score quickly if needed, bowled a reasonable outswinger
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
In Melbourne for South Melbourne, scored 119 at Harry Trott Oval
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
Took 7 wickets in a 2nd grade game for the Tigers at Drummoyne Oval against St George
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Brett Lee - just bloody fast, could swing the new ball away and the old ball in
Simon Cook - was lucky to play both with Simon in Sydney and against him in Melbourne. Great bowler and a super bloke
Alan Wise - in Melbourne, left armer who gave me trouble
Simon Cook
Who were the best three spinners you have played against?
Stuart MacGill - turned the ball more than anyone
Greg Matthews - I remember being entranced as how perfect he got the seam to rotate
Jon Holland - not a big turner but very very good
Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?
Martin Haywood - magnificent striker
David Hussey - in Melbourne made a 100 one day and had the ball go wherever he wanted
Mark Waugh - played him in a 10 over comp in Maitland and just simply had more time than anyone I’ve ever seen, could hit the ball miles. The best fielder I’ve seen as well
Martin Haywood
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Easy one. Peter Smith playing for the Tigers against North Sydney, at North Sydney Oval. He made 185 not out off 78 deliveries. Hit 16 sixes and 15 fours. 50 off 27 balls, 100 off 51 balls, then onto 185 off 78. I will never forget the numbers, it was easily the best sustained hitting I ever saw against a good attack
Was there any bowler in particular who whatever reason always you to cause you a few problems?
As mentioned Alan Wise in Melbourne seemed to trouble me, the couple of times I played him
Alan Wise
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 and you really had to knuckle down to survive?
I once played a game for the Tigers, where 7 of our 11 players had played Test or Shield cricket. Remember thinking, there is no way I should be here.
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
I always thought that Jeff Thorpe had the best hands I saw. Roy was unbelievable up to the stumps off quicker bowlers. Pulled off many a leg side stumping
Was there an umpire you admired most in the way they were able to manage a game?
Loved how Arthur Watson managed the game. Lovely bloke and very well respected.
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Neil Maxwell for competitive spirit, he had white fever
Peter Smith had talent to burn, can do anything he turns his hand to
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
My old mate Jason Penrose was great reader of the game. So he’d be hard to beat
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Jon di Michel at Tigers always made me laugh. He was gun bowler with a great bouncer too
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
Nothing specific, but love banter that we have as a team playing over 40’s Masters Cricket
What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?
Run out without facing a ball in Melbourne, my only diamond duck, I’ll never forget the feeling
Who was your childhood hero?
Loved watching Mark Waugh…
Still remember watching DK Lillee charging in as a kid.
Vivian Richards, has to get a mention
Mark Waugh
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Adam Scott, Kelly Slater, Wayne Gretzky
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Got to be Richie of course… loved Bill and Tony’s banter though
What there a particular team you especially looked forward to playing against?
Loved playing Manly, not sure why, maybe because they always didn’t seem to rate us. We managed to beat them most times those
What was your favourite ground to play at?
Lord’s, one the greatest experiences ever
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Man of the Match against the MCC at Lords, scored 81 not out, to chase down 246 in a 50 over game. Took a couple of wickets as well. I received the revered “Egg and Bacon” tie and MCC full playing kit.
Dinner in the Long Room at Lords
Lords change room
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
It was a park cricket match for Baulkham Hills of all things. Playing against our arch rivals Hills Barbarians. We had wrapped up the Minor Premiership and they needed to beat us in the last round to make the finals. We turned up to an in mowed Ted Horwood Reserve. We got rolled for 38 and they were cock a hoop, thinking they had booked their place in the finals. Well, we rolled them for 29….
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Simon Cook, Jason Penrose Brett Elliott
You’re now playing Masters Cricket (Over 40s) in Sydney, what the best part of playing Masters Cricket and what advice would you offer anyone over 40 who is thinking about playing again?
Playing Masters Cricket is just great fun, especially with the great bunch of blokes. The cricket is very competitive and as mentioned plenty of fun. If you’re thinking about playing Masters just do it, the only thing you’ll hate is how sore you are till about Thursday.
What are your hobbies?
Hobbies are Golf, tennis and cars, particularly Porsches
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Be respectful, treat people like you would want to be treated
Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?
As mentioned play Masters Cricket for Roseville and love heading out to the SCG for the test every year. Great place to catch up with everyone
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?
Not sure that average or modified cricket is teaching the right skills to young cricketers. There needs to be something around protecting your wicket, not just about slogging as many as you can get in 10 balls.
Please also keep emphasis on the long forms of the game, of course there is a place for 20/20 and 50 over cricket, but Test cricket will always be the ultimate.
