Andrew Kelleher - always positive
UTS North Sydney District Cricket Club | May 09, 2023
Andrew Kelleher made his first grade debut for the UTS North Sydney Cricket Club against Bankstown during the 1984/85 to become first grade player number 501.
Let’s find out more about Andrew’s journey in the game.
What year you were born?
1966
Can you remember you first game of cricket? How old and do you remember how you went?
I think I was 9 playing for Lane Cove juniors
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey? Where you’ve played, clubs you’ve played for?
I started at Lane Cove in juniors then played Shires from the age of 13. I went to North Sydney at 15 and we won 3rd Grade with Doug Cole as captain. Played 1st and 2nd grade at Norths for 8 years, then moved to Balmain in 1990 and played 2 seasons before returning to Lane Cove Shires. I had 2 stints in England for Stockport in the Central Lancashire League and Whitton in Middlesex
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in grade cricket?
4th grade at 15
At what age did you make your first grade debut in grade cricket and can you remember how you performed in debut?
Yes I was 18 when I made my debut for the Bears at Bankstown Oval. I made 19 not out batting 7, and we lost! My first ball Mark Waugh bounced me and I didn’t see it, he was quite sharp when he was young
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer? Batsman, bowler, allrounder, wicket keeper etc.
Top order batsman and part time wicket keeper. My bowling is better off left in the nets!
What were your strengths as a player?
I was always positive and not easy to tie down
What was your highest score in senior cricket? For which club and where.
I made 157 for Balmain at North Sydney Oval in 2nd grade. I was playing against all my mates from the Bears so it felt like batting in the nets
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket? For which club and where.
I think I took a few bowling leg spin in 4th grade but that’s about it
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against? And if you could add a few words as to why
Paul Stepto: Slippery quick and always at you
Wayne Holdsworth: Very quick and a mean outswinger
Richard Stobo: Very accurate and awkward bounce
Paul Stepto
Who were the best three spinners you have played against? And if you could add a few words as to why
Gavin Robertson, never managed to get down the pitch to him
Ken Hall, a shrewd change of pace spin and angle
Freddie Freedman, so much variety and accurate for a chinaman
Gavin Robertson
Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against? And if you could add a few words as to why
Phil Marks, so powerful and never out of form
Michael Bevan, hit the ball much harder than it looks and sweet timer
Mark Waugh, just superb to watch how easy he did it when others struggled
Phil Marks
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against? And if you could add a few words as to why
Shane Lee took us apart at Drummoyne one day, made batting look easy when others found it tough
Was there any bowler or batsman in particular who for whatever reason always seemed to cause you a few problems?
For some reason I found left arm orthodox spin difficult, Ken Hall, Trevor Jay or Peter Mclay
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? If you could add a few words as to the experience.
I remember getting hit in the head by Winston Davis the West Indian, and he walked down and said, “I think you better get a helmet man!”
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Without doubt Andrew Fitzhenry, I played with and against him, beautiful hands and quick feet
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with? And if you could add a few words to why
Greg McLay was my best captain. He could read the game before everyone else and I really enjoyed fielding at 1st slip to his bowling too. He also backed me 100% from Day 1 and didn’t shift the batting order around for no reason. We all knew our roles
Greg McLay photographed on his selection for the NSW Sheffield Shield team in 1990/91
Who has been your funniest team mate?
There were so many, probably Rick Allen or Paul Sinclair. But a room with Brian, Michael and Terry McMahon would be hard to beat
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
I was batting with Rod Chapman at Waverley and Greg Matthews was bowling rubbish and constantly sledging every ball, despite the fact we were both closing in on hundreds. When Chappo said: “Greg I came here to learn off you, and all I’ve learnt is that you’re a ……..!
What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?
I got run out against Campbelltown because I ran into Darrell Hair, for some reason he was down the pitch and not level with the stumps
Who was your childhood hero?
Allan Border, we both went to North Sydney Boys High
Allan Border
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Viv Richards, Tiger Woods and Shane Warne
Viv Richards
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Richie Benaud by far
What was your favourite ground to play at?
North Sydney Oval, also liked playing at Manly Oval
What there a particular team you especially looked forward to playing against? And if you could add a few words to why.
Petersham for sure, whatever happened on the field they were a great bunch of lads and it always ended up being a good night
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Winning the Poidevin Gray with the Bears in 1985 for sure. We were going nowhere against Waverley with Mark Patterson milking us off when we got a direct hit run out and they collapsed
Back Row - Stuart Flanders, Brian McMahon, Craig McEntyre, Gavin Tinning, Matt Cole, Grant Doorey, Andrew Kelleher, Adam Oakes, Ken Cunningham (Secretary)
Front Row - Ruth Kelleher (Scorer), Andrew Perry, Andrew Litchfield, Vernon Kringas (Captain), Stuart Reid, Chris Clancy, Neil Evans
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
Balmain beating Petersham in the dark at Ryde Oval, whoever took the last catch I have no idea how they saw it!
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Terry McMahon, Graham Spring and Shane Clifford
What are your hobbies?
Lots of travel and try to play golf when I can
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
You're a long time retired from cricket
What’s your occupation? – we’ll give the business a plug
Tour Guide and Owner Operator in Greece - Athens Off the Beaten Track
Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?
I was involved back at North Sydney from 2010-2016 before I moved over to Europe. I captained 5th grade for a bit and was then a selector
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?
Gee I’m not sure I can criticise the administration after a 4-0 Ashes drubbing. We need to find some more opening batsman and the next spinner when Lyon gives it away. It would be great to see the top players playing more in grade cricket, maybe make it compulsory that they have to play at least 3 matches for their clubs
