David Nankervis - the harder you work, the luckier you get
Frankston Peninsula Cricket Club | February 10, 2023
David Nankervis made his first grade debut for Frankston Peninsula Cricket Club during the 1998-99 season. He is FPCC first grade player number 50.
For the next 15 seasons and 210 first grade games David made wicket keeping his own. A stylish and hardworking keeper David took 389 dismissals including 354 catches and 35 stumping’s.
With the bat David scored 2,614 runs including one century and 9 half centuries.
David played in two first grade grand finals and is a Life Member of the club.
Let’s find out more about David’s journey in the game
What year you were born?
1981
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
Vaguely. I think I was about 10, playing Under 12s at a local ground in Frankston. I’m pretty sure I ducked under a loopy full toss and got bowled. I was wicket keeper with a back stop
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
Frankston East - early juniors.
Haileybury College from year 7 to year 12 and fortunate to play First X1 on the Main Oval, always nice to leave class on a Friday morning to play cricket.
After Haileybury I headed to Frankston Peninsula Cricket Club in Premier Cricket starting in 3s, then 2nds and then fortunate to play over 200 First X1 games
Malton CC, in Yorkshire UK - had a season in 2002 as overseas player and coaching role
Aalborg CC in Denmark - had a season in 2006 as overseas player and coaching role
Parkdale CC – local club in Cricket Southern Bayside SB, senior coach and played for 2 seasons after a few years away from Premier Cricket.
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in grade cricket?
I think I was 18 when I first went to Frankston. I started in the 3’s under the great Ken Piesse captaincy
At what age did you make your first grade debut in grade cricket and can you remember how you performed in debut?
I think I was 20. I remember being very nervous and out of my depth, definitely didn’t feel like I belonged. Intimidated by the team mates let alone the opposition
I remember I hit a 4 to get off the mark which took me by surprise. I don’t recall much after that, probably didn’t do much more
Wicket keeping - I remember a catch went between me and first slip, I was too nervous to dive or move around confidently
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
Wicket Keeper that could sometimes hold the bat. ??
What were your strengths as a player?
I think my wicket keeping progressed over the years through hard work and commitment to be the best I could. I worked hard on my game, spending a lot of time and effort away from group training to get better, fitter and improve my skills. I did a lot of extra fitness so I could be as energetic and the best team support in the field, they are bloody long days and I like to lead by energy example and help me mentally through long days of keeping.
I did dedicate a lot to my game as many people do for Premier Cricket. A lot of extra work, the club pre-season and in-season training and long games often all weekend. I know I’m competitive and love to play hard, and really loved to win. Always enjoyed my team mates success and enjoyed the lighter fun side of the game, especially a few quiet cold ones after the game (ideally a win)
Who was the best spinner you had the good fortune to keep to?
Very fortunate to get behind the stumps to some great spin bowlers. The likes of John Holland and Bryce McGain were amazing spinners. The fizz of the ball and their control was brilliant
Bryce McGain
Who was the best fast bowler you kept to?
I had the privilege of keeping to a lot of great bowlers, it’s hard to narrow down. If I had to choose it would be Groves, Miller, Wallace, Atkins, and I better include Scott Boland in that list too after the incredible development he has made from Frankston to a national hero.
Was there any one bowler who you really enjoyed keeping to?
Darren Groves, he had the ball on a string and made so many quality batters look foolish. I always felt in the game ready for a nick when he was bowling. If we needed a wicket we turned to Grovesy, if we needed to dry up the runs we turned to Grovesy. I reckon most opposition players just wanted to see him off. He always found a way to nip the ball back into the batsman’s ‘mid-rift’ so often that it became funny to watch him embarrass a few guys by messing with their edges
Darren Groves
Can you recall a catch or stumping that still fills you with pride and puts a smile on your face?
A few really proud moments come to mind where I was able to help the team when we needed a wicket or support a bowler by getting them a wicket.
But narrowing down to one in terms of the moment of the game for me, I would say the Grand final vs Australia …ahh I mean Dandenong (included Siddle, Pattinson, Pattinson), when I was up to the stumps to Grovesy (the big fella had slowed down a fair bit by this stage of life) with James Patterson batting.
Grovesy pushed one down leg side (he tells me deliberately but there was no chance of that), and I got a leg side stumping to get us back in with a chance to win the Grand Final. Unfortunately the result didn’t go our way still but we got so close.
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
Premier cricket 101 not out vs Ringwood.
In other cricket I got a 140 in the 2nds which was a highlight as I was batting with a mate who also made a hundred. There were also a few hundreds overseas.
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Peter Siddle and James Pattinson (in the same game Grand Final). Fair to say they were too fast for me and I didn’t see it very well, and I was already on the back foot expecting a bouncer when it thudded into my shin, out LBW.
The fast bowlers that were a little crazy and scary were tough, guys like Shane Harwood, Mick Lewis, Dirk Nannes and Allan Wise
James Pattinson
Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?
Lucky to play at a time when a lot of state players (and a few Australian players) dropped back to premier cricket and it was so great to play with and against the top guys.
Lining up against the likes of these guys was a treat and they made club cricket look easy sometimes. Guys like Brad Hodge, David Hussey, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Finch, Nick Jewell, Michael Klinger, Rob Quiney and Peter Handscomb were a pleasure to watch and no doubt a level above Club cricket
Brad Hodge
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Matthew Mott played so many amazing innings for us. Two standouts included one in the grand final against St Kilda where he nearly won us the game off his own bat, and the other a double ton against South Melbourne at Frankston, he made batting look so easy.
Was there any bowler or batsman in particular who for whatever reason always seemed to cause you a few problems?
Most bowlers caused me grief to be fair. I can’t narrow to one opposition player, but I will say Darren Groves in the nets gave me real rouble. I swear he was only off half his run up and bowling medium pacers but he jagged them everywhere, nicked me up or hit me most training sessions.
Always tougher when he’s a few feet over the front line and he normally bowled when it was getting dark with the oldest ball in the kit bag. But seriously he could do everything with the ball, including hitting me in the ribs and cracking a few.
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Played against Darren Berry, and despite a bit of competitive advice from Chuck I really enjoyed it. Having been coached a bit by him it was an honour to see him in action as I have no doubt he was one of Australia’s best gloveman
Darren Berry
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Darren Groves – he was so good, so skilful and talented. But what stood out most was his work ethic and getting the best out of himself. Working as a builder all day, driving miles to training, and bowling in the nets at high intensity to get himself right for game day. He played it hard and tough, but was always fair and is a big friendly giant to his team mates. I was always expecting an edge from him behind the stumps, and if he wasn’t jagging them too far past the bat he was feeding my snicks.
James Miller – skilful with bat and ball, played his role so well and could do incredible things as he practiced and mastered his craft. He was a thinker of his game and the broader game and always had a plan to get guys out, or knew how to tackle an opposition player. He bowled with some good pace, could swing it both ways, and had a ripper slower ball. He dabbled with off spin for a few years. I loved it when ‘Funky’ called me up to the stumps as I knew he had a plan and we had a lot of success with me up to the stumps.
His injuries over the years were horrible and we could only admire his rehab and recovery each time to get himself back again
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
Matthew Mott, such a good bloke. A great leader who had all the cricket smarts and read the play so well. He was able to see the game from different angles and seemed to know what was about to happen, and he was able to pull the right strings at the right time.
Importantly he could communicate with everyone at all levels and get the best out of us all. He led by example by making plenty of runs and playing it hard but fair. It’s great to see him now as a fantastic coach of the Australian Women’s team and it’s not surprising he has lead them to such great success. When he combined with Keith Jansz as coach it was formidable leadership and not surprisingly changed the culture at our club.
Matthew Mott
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Jeez there has been some funny fellas over the years and they can help get you through some long days in the field or sitting around watching the batters in the middle. It’s a tough call to narrow down and I’m disappointed I can’t tell some stories about a few blokes. But Luke Walker and Scott Phillips have to be up there, two blokes that found the lighter side of most situations and could make everyone have a laugh about something stupid
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
As a wicket keeper I always enjoyed trying to get under the skin of the batters. I felt if they were worried about me they might lose focus on their own game. This often led to a bit back my way it was never anything to worry about.
I still laugh about Darren Berry holding up play when I came out to bat and yelling out to make sure my old man was ready with the camera to take photos. It’s fair to say my old man also got a little under the skin of a few players, he was a regular with the camera as club photographer
What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?
In Denmark I was selected in the overseas player’s team to play against the national team. An exhibition game that was a bit of a big deal for the Danish crew.
The game was a fair way across Denmark from my town I was staying so they arranged to fly me over to the game, sort out the accommodation. It was a big event under lights so I was very excited and a bit nervous.
Dad had made the trip over to Denmark at this time to watch some of my cricket and he was able to come see this big exhibition game. After all the build-up, costs and preparation, I ended up playing a shot probably a bit excessive, it went straight up and I was out very early. Very embarrassing after all the support to get me there and make the game happen
Most embarrassing wicket keeping experience was playing at Frankston and the opposition needed 4 runs off the last ball to win. We had a spinner bowling the last over and fielders everywhere on the boundary so I was very confident the tail ender wasn’t going to get a boundary to win off the last ball. I was up to the stumps and there was a bit of a chat to the batter as you do. The bowler decided to bowl a fast ball rather than a spinner (and hadn’t let me know), and the batter missed it and so did I, the ball raced away for 4 byes and we lost the game. Fair to say I was looking for a hole to climb into
David leads off his FPCC team mates in his last game and photo is taken with David and his father Brian
Who was your childhood hero?
Ian Healy – being a massive cricket nerd, I can recall staying up late to watch the Ashes or rushing home from school to watch the one day games. Any time I could see Heals take another catch or get a stumping was like Christmas.
His technique was perfect and he made keeping look fun.
When Warney started and Heals was keeping, it showed how good Heals was. I admit I did write a letter to him when I was young declaring my love for him and asking for some tips, and amazingly he took the time to write back to me, what a legend!
Ian Healy
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Michael Jordan, Don Bradman, and Ian Healy
Michael Jordan
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Ricky Ponting – he knows so much and can read the play so well and you can see his cricket brain in action and why he was such an awesome captain
What was your favourite ground to play at?
Frankston home ground, Butler Oval. I loved playing there and when we were going well there was nowhere better to be in a hard fighting game. It was rated the best ground in the competition for many years and the outfield was like a bowling green.
Also I loved that most clubs hated coming down to our ground. I felt it became the fortress we wanted to defend in those peak times. I also loved being able to play at the older traditional venues like Windy Hill, Punt Road, Arden Street and I was fortunate to play one of my last games of cricket on Carlton / Optus oval, and it was always special to be at the Junction Oval or Albert ground and take in all their history.
What there a particular team you especially looked forward to playing against?
I liked to beat everyone equally!
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Hard to pinpoint just one as I have so many highlights and great memories. I loved it when we had some great wins and I was able to contribute, and seeing the boys who worked hard get the success they deserved, and belting out the team song at the end of the day.
I loved winning finals series and making it to two grand finals, obviously would have loved that allusive premiership but competing in 2 incredible grand finals was awesome
Frankston Peninsula First Grade Grand Final team 2002-03
Back Row - Matthew Meagher, David Nankervis, Phillip Cheadle, Darren Groves, Cameron Wallace, Mark Boraston, James Miller
Front Row - Jarred Moore, Jason Mathers, Shawn Flegler, Matthew Mott (Captain), Keith Jansz (Coach), Mark Butler, Luke Walker
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
As above, but maybe the semi-final vs Geelong which lead to our Grand Final appearance.
We were never supposed to win the game at Geelong, we were underdogs and had come from lower on the ladder. We were behind the game from the start, and apparently the club had already booked the team bus half way through the game for following week’s grand final. To change that and win the game was special.
David Nankervis and team mates
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Scott Phillips, Luke Walker, Darren Groves, very funny fellas
What are your hobbies?
Family, Friends and fishing! Hahaha. Love my family, mates and the lighter side of life.
I have a gorgeous 2 year old daughter and an amazing wife, love spending time with my girls. Try to get out on the golf course when I can with a few mates but my swing still looks too much like an ex cricketer
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
The harder you work, the luckier you get
What’s your occupation?
City of Port Phillip Council, sports and recreation role
Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?
I’m doing some wicket keeping coaching for junior boys and girls, and with the senior women’s players. I love being able to share some knowledge and help people that want to improve their keeping. It’s great to help the next generation of kids or those women wanting to improve their wicket keeping,
I get a real kick from helping them and seeing them improve. I love knowing that the players improve and sometimes I hear they have done something really well behind the stumps and they tell me it’s because of my help, that’s so good to hear.
I get to the local club for a beer occasionally, and was silly enough to fill in for a game or two (obviously they were desperate)
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?
As a sports manager for my profession I know it’s hard to keep everyone happy or deliver a perfect model. I would consider having State players be more involved in their Premier clubs and play more games for the clubs by managing fixtures. This raises the standard of the competition and helps develop the other club players. This may result in more spectators, finances, and also a real buzz for those volunteers and supporters around the club
Also I think more assistance for premier cricket players to progress to state contracts or play State games. I don’t think club players get the support or opportunities to get involved with state cricket enough, but rather players are earmarked through junior academies and pathways. Premier cricket should be supported as the pathway for that next step and there are so many good players in the competition and when they get an opportunity at the next level based on performance it would help reinforce the system is working.
