Andrew Jones - strong and quick

Sydney Cricket Club | February 06, 2023

Greg Dyer on Andrew Jones

Jonesy was quick and nasty. Unpredictable and capable of bowling the unplayable ball - and from my perspective, the uncatchable ball as well. He came from wide on the crease, so you had to start out wide to get a proper view. He certainly kept you on your toes. As a captain, he was your go-to if you wanted to change the game, shake things up, get 'em off the front foot. He was wild and scary.

Greg McLay on Andrew Jones

It is well documented he was one of the quickest going around and a batting training session against Milton on the old practice decks at Drummoyne was a terrifying experience, especially with the ridge that used to be on a length on those wickets.

He was also the heart and soul of the Club when I played. He was always very conscious of the rich history of the Tigers and keen to get the younger players to also immerse themselves in that part of the Club.

A tough battle hardened warrior for Balmain whose last spell of the day was as quick as his first. Loved captaining him. Just so dependable and committed to team. And did I mention he was scary fast?

Andrew Jones was a strong and highly skilled left arm fast bowler who climbed through the grades at Balmain very quickly and made his first grade debut for Balmain in 1981 at just 17 years of age.

Growing up in nearby Ryde, Andrew played all his club cricket with Balmain except for one year when he was coaxed across Parramatta Road to Pratten Park when he joined David Gilbert, Murray Radcliffe and Tony Dwyer to form a powerful pace attack for Western Suburbs for the 1985/86 season.

Returning home to Drummoyne Oval Andrew led the Balmain attack until he retired in 1997 after taking 449 first grade wickets at an average of 19.17. His best figures in first grade was 7 for 45 and he took 5 wickets in an innings on 20 occasions.

Andrew played 5 first class games for New South Wales taking 9 wickets at 30.55 with his best being 3 for 18.

Andrew Jones is Balmain, now Sydney Cricket Club first grade cap number 377 and is a proud member of the club’s Hall of fame. For the Tigers he took 699 wickets.

Let’s find out more about man affectionately known as “Milton”

What year you were born?

I was born in Dubbo in March 1964

Can you remember you first game of cricket?

It was at Dubbo’s Victoria Park Number 2. I remember getting rolled first or second ball with the bat and I don’t think I landed one when I got the ball in my hand. I must admit thinking back at the time that there had to be better things to do on a Saturday morning.

Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?

I can’t say that I was ever a talented cricketer in my early teens or was selected in any local representative sides until I started growing and training with better and older cricketers from different clubs and backgrounds. Bill Madden had a cricket coaching facility at Castle Hill Show Grounds back in the day and it was the place to be if you were a young cricketer from the North West of Sydney wanting to train in the winter ,pre-season or have a net mid-week.

Living in West Ryde after moving down from Dubbo I played my junior cricket in the Northern Districts Junior Cricket Association. The NDJCA has been responsible for many a quality cricketer over the years some of who have gone on to play First Grade cricket and NSW even Australia.

Guys like Wayne Seabrook, Randal Green, Dave Gilbert, Greg Matthews, Chris Madden, Gavin Robertson, Brett Papworth, Gary Squire, Scott Jacobson, Greg Hayne just to name a few. These guys were regarded as the bench marks of their times. My apologies for any guys I have missed.

Greg Matthews

I went to Marsden High School where there were a number of good cricketers playing grade one of note being GRJ Matthews. Even back then Greg was a different cat and a highly competitive sportsman playing soccer and rugby as I remember and who we all know today.

One afternoon after class we had a Davidson Shield practice session in the nets down the back corner of the school.

The team rolled up in dribs and drabs, some in school uniform and some in training gear. We had already started the session when one of our guys yelled ,what the F*#@. We all turned around and watched Greg peeling his uniform off on the mound adjacent to the nets. The only textiles Greg was wearing walking down to the nets was a jock strap over a pair of Speedos, trainers and socks and no shirt where he then proceeded to mark his run up out and bowl without a second thought.

Some rough time lines below

• 1979-80 first full year of 5th grade for Balmain. Played Green shield and we won the competition with a handy team. Gavin Robertson, Chris Madden, Brett Papworth, Rodney Pethybridge, Darren Foley, David Steel and our coach was Mike Gatting.
• 1980-81 Played in all grades for Balmain including a few games in Firsts. Finished up the 1982 season in second grade and winning the competition and final against Central Cumberland at Old Kings.
• 1982-83 Selected in first grade after taking 34 wickets prior to Christmas in second grade and finishing the season in First grade with 23 wickets.
• 1983-1997 Played first grade cricket full time for Balmain until my retirement.
• 1985-86 Selected for NSW Colts. Played the one season for Western Suburbs
• 1985 UK season. Played at Farnworth in the Bolton League Lancashire as Amateur with Professional and First Class all-rounder Rod Tucker
• 1986 UK season. Played as Professional at Farnworth in the Bolton League Lancashire
• 1987-88 Debut for NSW V QLD Gabba
• 1989 UK season. Played as Professional at Austerlands in the Saddleworth League Lancashire. Paul Ryan wicket keeper batsman from Mosman was the Amateur
• 1991 September two weeks prior to the start of the grade season and State trial games I ruptured my ACL on the slopes of Perisher at a mates bucks weekend. I spent a full season out of the game I loved doing the rehab and strength work and being a pest where ever I went.
• 1997 Retired from First Grade Cricket.
• 1998-99 Played 2 seasons with South Sydney Shires club to top up the super in tandem with Randal Green, Kyle Thompson, Todd Greenberg, Michael Chee Quee and other notables phasing themselves out of grade cricket at the end of their career.
• 1999-2000 Returned to Balmain to coach at the club and captain 3rd Grade for 2 seasons.
•  2000- Answered the call of Ryde Parramatta Golf Club

Andrew Jones bowling at NSW State Practice

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

It was the 1979-80 season for Balmain in 5th Grade B’s at 16 years of age. I finished the year in the 5th grade side captained by Peter Martin where we went on to win the final against Central Cumberland at ELS Hall.

At what age did you make your first grade debut in grade cricket and can you remember how you performed in debut?

I was given a few tastes of first grade at the age of 17 and was captained by former NSW and Australian 2nd X1 batsman Tony Steele. Tony was a hard man but a very fair man for those that got to know him. Tony was a perfectionist in every venture he undertook, socially and in his business life. If it was a game of tiddly winks, tennis or golf Tony would want to win and find a way to take the cash every time.

My first grade introduction was a baptism of fire and some of the best learning experiences ever. I was now playing with grown men who were duelling it out like there was no tomorrow which I took parts of into my future cricket career.

One of those early games was played at Manly Oval on a flat track of rolled baked mud recovering from the rugby season. When Tony gestured me up from fine leg for a bowl and placed the ball in my hand he looked me in the eyes and said, nothing short to this bloke. His name is Peter Toohey and he is one of the best hookers and pullers in the game and doesn’t own a baggy green cap for nothing.

Tony Steele

Tony set the field for a flat deck accordingly. Yeah right I thought. I used most of the first over to loosen up and said to myself it’s time to test this bloke out. The next ball was a rank half tracker that didn’t gut up above waist height that Peter pulled in front of square hard and flat. The ball didn’t go above head height and hit the mesh on top of the brick wall on the bowling club side of Manly oval.

After that over Tony called out Andy , got a sec. Tony’s summary and advice post my first over was ……. “If you bowl another short ball to Rats in this session I will not bowl you again and you will be running from fine leg to fine leg for the rest of the game.”

My next over and contrary to Tony’s advice ……. I tried the old 3 card trick on the 5th or 6th ball with everything I had and was dispatched high and long into the top of the Slaggy Miller stand that backs on to Sydney Road. All be it over fine leg. I bowled 2 overs that game and true to his word Tony had me running from fine leg to fine leg till the close of play. Valuable lesson learnt. Don’t wear speedos under your creams.

I went back to 2nd grade for the rest of the season and worked hard, got fitter and took a heap of wickets. We won the second grade final against Parramatta at Old Kings that year.

The following year I was graded in seconds to start the season. Fortunately as a result of the hard work I took 32 wickets prior to Christmas and forced my way into first grade full time taking a further 23 wickets.

I was under the captaincy of Ian Davis. The Wizard was a champion bloke and a great captain and helped me transition into first grade cricket full time. Ian played some of the best innings I have seen at the Tigers. One notable innings was against Wests at Drummoyne on a green top testing the first Orange ball for one day cricket with Dave Gilbert bowling down the hill as sharp as I have ever seen him bowl and Ian cutting him over point and 3rd man for sixes and hooking him when the opportunity arose.

Ian Davis

If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?

I was a fast bowler with a bit of pace with a late in swinger for most of my days as a quick. My strong wrist action wasn’t unique however I was pretty much self-taught and not modelled on anyone.

What was your highest score in senior cricket?

I think this question is for a batsman however I scored a few 50’s for the Tigers over the years batting late in the order and a few tons playing league cricket in Lancashire UK.

What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?

Can’t remember to be honest. All of my major innings hauls of 5, 6 and 7 wickets along with a few 11 and 12 wicket match hauls here and there over the years were for Balmain. I loved playing on most away wickets that were hard where I could generate a bit of extra pace and bounce when required.

Who have been the best three fast bowlers you have played with or against?

Wasim Akram. I played in a tour game for NSW against Pakistan on a flat SCG track where Wasim bowled like lightning at will. He seemed to have plenty left in the tank at all times and pulled out the faster rock at will. If I remember correctly he broke Steve Barry Smiths hand that game. Stan had pulled Wasim a few times with plenty of time but copped one of those faster rocks that did the damage. Even with a full state side playing sprinkled with Test players some of our batsmen were looking amongst themselves in the change room with raised eyebrows as they were going to be playing against Pakistan within weeks in the test series.

Ken McLeod. Probably the fastest I have seen on this day. It was during a NSW 2nd X1 game against ACT on a hard flattish Manuka oval wicket. We had rolled the ACT boys at the end of the first day only after witnessing Gordon Greenidge belt our spinners to all parts of the ground including bouncing one six of the top of the old score board.(massive blow even today)

As was the 2nd X1 tradition our team had a “quiet” dinner that night and then sampled a few of the local clubs in Canberra. A few of those clubs and venues have facilitated some of the funniest stuff I have ever seen off the field in my life. What happens on tour …

The next morning our warm up lacked its first day vigour for some reason (go figure). Those who played in that game will never forget the warm up as it didn’t take long for this event to get back throughout Sydney grade cricket post-match.

Paul (Straws) Talbot from Bankstown missed the taxis from our hotel and turned up late to the ground while the team were already doing our stretches on the fence. Straws must have had a bad curry or dirty beer glass the night prior. He entered the ground via the gate and made it through ½ a lap to catch up with the boys on the far side of the ground. Straws was as white as a sheet and sweating like we’d never seen before. The boys all sensed that something was not right. Straws started his stretches at the end of the line and then it happened, with a roar like a caged lion he proceeded to “up and under” in all manner of colours and textures in the boundary gutter like never seen before ………perhaps it was nerves over what was about to take place during the days play. Hats off Straws……

That day Gordon Greenidge was standing at first slip and was responsible for inciting carnage with Ken McLeod as the facilitator. Ken was running in from the score board end and just seemed to have rhythm and lightning pace.

Before the start of each over Gordon had a quick word in Ken’s ear possibly reminding him of the quality of cricketers and future Test players were in our NSW 2nd X1 side. Whatever Gordon was saying worked, Ken took at least 5 wickets and broke Scott Jacobson’s (Mosman) hand in that game.

Simon Cook. Simon had just joined Balmain from Victoria to further his first class career and enhance his Test prospects. We were playing at Drummoyne and he bowled down the hill with exceptional pace, bounce, swing and carry through to the keeper. There is nothing more intimidating for a batsman than watching and hearing the ball go through your chest region and hitting the keeper’s gloves 30 yards back as it did that day. Simon was strong and physically fit with chicken legs and bowled with rhythm and was oozing confidence. Simon was selected to play for Australia on a number of occasions but was injured in a work place accident involving a heavy roller that ultimately cut his career short.

Simon Cook

Rod Bower on Andrew Jones

I was fortunate enough to play with and against Milton.

Andrew was a very good quick in the season I played with Balmain and he bowled some pretty sharp spells. Andrew had an excellent inswinger and a very deceptive bouncer.

Andrew would have a grin on his face when he had opposition batsman by the nuts.... kind of like the smiling assassin.

Who have been the best three spinners you have played with or against? 

Greg McLay, should have played more first class cricket 

Adrian Tucker, could have played more first class cricket. Enter Stuart McGill

Stuart McGill, huge turner of the ball with many variations. Should have been a fast bowler.

Greg McLay

Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

There were a couple

Darren Lehmann’s 200 NSW 2nd X1 V Victoria 2nd X1 at Village Green. He gave us a few chances on a very flat deck that we dropped in the slips before drinks on the first day and he never looked back. There wasn’t a gap or part of the ground he didn’t hit the ball when accumulating his runs. We eventually beat Victoria on the 4th day with a gritty NSW all round team effort. I still can’t get over the poor sportsmanship or form, call it what you like displayed by the Vics that last afternoon the way they bowled to us trying to avoid defeat. I’m pretty sure we all brushed their team when they tried to begrudgingly shake our hands at the end of the game.

Greg Hayne. I witnessed most of Boris’ 23 First grade tons. His record speaks volumes.

Craig Hayworth (Balmain) NSW 2nd X1 against VIC 2nd X1 game at the Albert Ground Melbourne. The Flea batted the lights out scoring his ton easily without a chance against a very strong Victorian side full of future Shield and Test players including 2 AFL players. I never forget the Vic’s being stunned and all thinking who is this skinny little bloke tearing our attack apart.

Greg Hayne

Was there any batsman in particular that stirred the emotions and competitive spirit where you really wanted their wicket?

They all did ….In the early days we were taught that fast bowlers needed to have the mindset that all batsmen were not welcome at the crease the minute they walked through the gate. I always seemed to find something about most batsman, either their appearance or mannerisms that stirred the emotions and competitive spirit within me.

My first delivery to a new batsman would normally set the scene for what he was about to be subjected to during his stay. Some of my former team mates and the odd umpire would say that I may have taken this approach to extremes at times but it was fun and a laugh was to be had most Saturdays. 

Another little thing that used to put me over the edge was any batsman who thought it might be a good idea to have a chat or provide some commentary during their stay at the crease. There again I was incensed that some bloke that had no mates in the middle could have the hide to try and make friends or offer advice.

There was only one bloke that had that right ……..

Brian Riley (Riles) from Petersham didn’t read the fast bowlers hand book and was never scared of verbalising his thoughts during his stays at the crease, in the field and not to mention sitting on the sidelines having a smoke. I remember a few words of advice and encouragement from Riles when he was batting on day at the non-strikers end when I was bowling that went something like……

“Is that the quickest you can bowl you little prick, why don’t you F@#& off back to Green Shield.

I will always remember the result the following season Balmain played Petersham at Drummoyne.  

Greg Bush on Andrew Jones

Andrew possessed a strong body and quick arm action which enabled him to bowl at express pace. He was particularly challenging on greener wickets where he enjoyed peppering batsmen with short pitched bowling. His ever happy smiling disposition belied the usual fast bowler image and he was well nicknamed “Milton” (the Friendly Monster).

Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

Can’t narrow it down to just the one. Greg Dyer as our Captain at Balmain for a few seasons and for a few games I played for NSW. Steve Rixon also kept for a few of my early games for NSW. Both guys were exceptionally well rounded keepers and fierce competitors. Both were never short of a word either. Phil Emery for his high level of consistency and longevity in the game. Bronko Djura from Petersham was a freak, exceptional cricketer.

Greg Dyer

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

Steve Waugh and Mark Taylor

Andrew Jones and Steve Waugh

You played 5 first class games for NSW. How do you look back on your first class career and were you ever tempted to move interstate?

I would have loved to have played a few more games to test myself at the first class level. 

To have had the opportunity and played the limited amount of first class cricket for the NSW Baggy Blues was an honour and a privilege.

Moving to another state was floated once early in proceedings, Yeah, but, no thanks.

Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?

There were 2 stand outs and they were both at Balmain. Ian Davis and Darren Tucker. Both guys were exceptional cricketers and had the natural ability and their character to bring the best out of their teams and the talent within. Both guys didn’t have to create scenarios or causes to lift their team mates to perform or contribute at 100%. This was achieved by a mutual respect by all who were in the team and captained by them.

Who has been your funniest team mate?

The “WARK MAN” Phil Clune. For his intensity on and off the field and his never say die attitude. No matter how hot or tough the game was we could always rely on the “W” man to give us a lift by shouting out “C’mon Tigers”

Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?

The Gordon incident with Mark O’Neil. It was early the season after we were washed out against Gordon in the First Grade final at Killara without bowling a ball. The finals structure of grade cricket moving forward was changed after that result.

Mark “Sparky” O’Neil was the guy who got under my skin this day at Drummoyne. Mark was one of the most technically correct batsmen and was beautiful to watch bat when he got going.

Sparky is a great bloke and I have always enjoyed his company and the banter between us over the years BUT, he committed one of the sins and started a bit of commentary during his innings this day as he was just starting to accumulate a few runs. Perhaps it was a follow on of the tension of the previous season when I sconed him on the badge. His helmet fell back onto the stumps and Sparky fell backwards towards square leg. Mark never used the chin strap for some reason.

Mark O'Neill

The incident on this day started with a bit of banter from behind the stumps regarding the colour of Mark’s helmet being the same colour and badge we wore when playing for NSW.

Some guys didn’t even cover the NSW emblem when playing for their clubs (in those days Albion hadn’t produced a red Gordon club helmet) and we will leave it at that.

Mark thought it might be a good idea to accuse us of scuffing up the wicket and me getting a little too close to the danger zone without being warned. At the end of my over I suggested to Mark that he should concentrate on his own game or there may be a homicide at his end of the wicket the next time I get the ball in my hand.

He immediately left his crease and limped towards the square leg umpire shouting in a stressed high pitch voice that echoed around the ground, “You all heard that … Milton threatened to kill me if I didn’t shut the F@&# up. I want him charged with murder if he kills me next over”

The square leg umpire said he didn’t hear a word of the exchange and told him to get on with it.

During the next over my pace had picked up a yard or two and I picked Sparky up with another short one. The Gordon boys in the grand stand and Phil Emery at the non-strikers end were in stitches as Mark did the wilder beast back to the pavilion muttering to himself after receiving a little advice from me regarding the location of the showers in the away dressing rooms. A few people from behind the stumps also chipped in as well.

What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?

Can’t remember. But I was never happy to give my wicket away to the opposition.

Who was your childhood hero?

MW Gatting.

Mike Gatting

Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?

Miguel Angel Jimenez. He can bring the wine and cigars. We need to talk about my alignment

Ellyse Perry. Nice smile

Nic Kyrgios. Slap him one and tell him to wake up.

Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?

Mark Waugh. Junior just says it how it is …. and Kerry “The Skull” O’Keeffe. Always makes me laugh

What was your favourite ground to play at?

Drummoyne Oval. You can’t beat the views of the bay and surrounding area. No matter how hot it got during the day there was always a slight breeze every so often to provide some relief. Balmain was only 10 minutes down the road ……

Brett Neill on Andrew Jones

Pushing up the hill at Drummoyne with the breeze behind was always entertaining when you’re standing at first slip, for the batters the experience wasn’t as enjoyable.

Andrew Jones was a strong robust opening bowler who was seriously quick.

Andrew deserved more of a chance at first class level and was ranked as one of the fastest bowlers in the country and was incredibly resilient.

I was fortunate to play a lot of Cricket with Andrew and enjoyed every moment. He was a fine character and we shared many a laugh.

The 1989/90 Balmain Tigers 1st Grade team

Was there a particular team you especially looked forward to playing against? And if you could add a few words to why

Not really. The Tigers had a pretty good relationship with most opposition teams even though the cricket on the day could be played hard and close to the edge at times. Randwick were a bit of hard work here and there in the early days.

Post-match socialising with our opposition was quite common and would often start in the opposition change rooms with a few of the sponsor’s product. We would also frequently start our away tours in the oppositions sponsors pub or club and then progress to a local restaurant and eventually a club or two where we would often cross paths with the opposition again and dissect the days play. 

Drummoyne Ovals close proximity to Balmain pubs and restaurants would also lend itself to opposition clubs touring on our patch as well. It was always good fun to cross paths with guys from other clubs in various states in pubs and on Darling Street late on a Saturday night.

What did you enjoy most about playing cricket?

Meeting and competing against so many quality cricketers and good people from many backgrounds and nationalities both on and off the field. There was also great satisfaction and sense of pride being part of a team watching team mates perform and contribute to the team’s success. The social aspect was also great fun. I didn’t mind being first in the showers with my own bar of soap, a plastic chair for a stretch and of course a beer after a game to review the days play with my fellow team mates and plan the nights activities.

It’s amazing after so many years out of the game how we can still catch up with old team mates and guys you have played against and still share a story or two and have a laugh. 

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?

There’s so many I can’t narrow it down to just one. The Tigers winning the 1997 Grade final after so many years is up there

What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?

They were all good wins, some better than others

What are your hobbies?

Golf, travel, staying fit and healthy and Following the cricket careers of my 3 nephews playing for Sydney Cricket Club. Hugh, Ellis and Addison Sherriff. I’m hoping all 3 boys will be playing first grade cricket together in the not too distant future.

Hugh Sherriff on debut for Sydney V Sydney Uni

What’s the best advice you’ve received in Cricket?

You can’t take wickets or have an influence on a game without the ball in your hand

What is your current occupation?

Product Manager – Allied Products. Toyota Material Handling Australia

Let’s give your employer a plug, who do you work for?

Toyota Material Handling Australia. I have been in the material handling and logistics industry for 24 years since retiring from first grade cricket and have been with TMHA for the past 11 years. TMHA are Australian and World market leaders in material handling equipment and logistics solutions. Toyota is known for its legendary reliability and safety and is trusted around the world.

Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?

Not at this stage. I regained my Level 2 coaching accreditation last year after 25 years out of the game not playing or coaching. I would like to use it in some capacity given the opportunity if asked and when time permits.

If you were running Cricket NSW what would your 2 priorities to ensure cricket in the state remained strong and successful on and off the field?

Ensure that all levels of Pathway selection criteria is dynamic and that squads and sides are picked on merit and performance based. The current process seems to be one dimensional. The flow on effects will speak for themselves.

Try to integrate the elite players into Grade / Premier cricket at every opportunity during the season. In a lot of cases our next Shield players are not exposed to enough tough competition on varied wickets and conditions.