Brendon Briedenhann - nothing is mahala
Newcastle and Hunter Districts Veterans Cricket Club | June 20, 2023
From South Africa via Northern Ireland to Australia Brendon Briedenhann’s journey is full of stories and experiences.
Brendo thrives in the competitive battle but is a gentleman on and off the field. He’s a much loved team mate so let’s find out a little more about his journey.
Where were you born?
I was born in the Lowveld town of Nelspruit (now Mbombela) South Africa. My parents were tobacco farmers and my mum was involved in the travel industry. My parents separated when I was 12 so Mum, my youngest brother and I moved into town and later to Durban and then Johannesburg.
What is your nickname?
Brendo or Brieds
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
My father was a very good cricketer playing at a high level in Rhodesia so I was born with a bat in my hand. My first competitive game would have been at junior school in under 10’s. We used to spend half our time avoiding scorpions that were all over the field!
I was selected to play for my province at 12 as the spinner and middle order batsman. I can remember coming from the bush and playing against some of the city kids and realising the huge gulf in facilities and coaching that existed between us.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
Cricket in South Africa in those days was very different to the pathways here in Australia.
We played for our schools and every Saturday would be an inter schools match. One day, unlimited overs so as a captain you had to really be aware of the match situation, when to declare, how aggressively to bat, bowling tactics and how to set a field.
I was at boarding school at Michaelhouse in the beautiful Natal Midlands. I then had the good fortune to play for CIYMS in Belfast Northern Ireland and Umbilo Cricket Club in Durban while I was at TAFE.
My cricketing career then came to an abrupt stop when I moved back to the bush to be a safari guide, met my future wife (Australin), lived in the UK and finally moved to Australia.
When I arrived here I didn’t know a single person other than my girlfriend (now wife Rebecca). I had to get a job, started working in sales which meant Saturdays were out of the question and other than a season where I had Saturdays free where I played for the Stag and Hunter in Newcastle C&S I didn’t play again until my son asked me to play 4th grade with him for Wine Country Cricket Club in Cessnock. I was 42 when I started playing again!
I play Veterans Over 50s cricket for Newcastle & Hunter and have had the good fortune to play for the NSW Over 50s teams
Brendon and his son Johan
At what age did you make your first grade debut in grade cricket?
19 years old for CIYMS in Belfast, Nth Ireland. I opened the batting and scored 60 odd and then took 3 for 17.
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
I used to open the batting and bowl off spin. Now bat down the order and still bowl off spin.
What were your strengths as a player?
Love a dog fight, the tougher the opposition the better. I will always give 100% till the very last ball.
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
102 for CIYMS and 129 not out in my first season back for Wine Country fourth grade at Baddley Park, Cessnock.
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
5-31 vs Chelmsford Hotel at Allendale
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Lance Kluesner - fast and very aggressive
Shaun Pollock - the Glenn Mcgrath of South Africa. Great thinker, much quicker that given credit for. Used to hit an alarming number of batsmen in the helmet when he was younger.
Darren Thompson - moves it both ways, aggressive and great competitor.
Lance Kluesner
Who were the best three spinners you have played against?
John Van De Ruit - leggie with an undetectable googlie.
Cameron Ross - pick of the spinners in Cessnock, smart and can actually turn it a mile.
Dane “Poppa” Grills - sly old fox who has more tricks than a magician. Smiling assassin who will whip you out the second you relax to him.
Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against? And if you could add a few words as to why
Dale Benkenstein- South African and Durham all-rounder. Great batsman who could quickly take the game away from you.
Steve Mace - don’t come much tougher and I love that. A run machine.
Matthew Hopley - if you don’t get him early you’ll be chasing leather for a long while. Devastating when he gets going.
Dale Benkenstein
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Samuel Peacock - held the Wine Country batting together all season at the tender age of 16, Greg Thrift at his aggressive best in the Hammond Cup final and Stephen Leathley and Andy Thomas knuckling down to post a great score in the same final to post a match winning score.
Was there any bowler in particular who whatever reason always you to cause you a few problems?
Brent Watson has always got me out playing against Greta Branxton.
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?
Playing my first game in Scotland for CIYMS I got hit in the head, refused a helmet, got hit a few balls later in the head again and then was bombarded with short stuff. I was black and blue by the end of it.
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Paul Ryan, no doubt about it. An honour to play with a gloveman like that.
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Brad Banister - inspirational, thinker, tough. Great touch when batting and a real thinker when bowling.
John Barrett - you want tough, he is as tough as they come. Will run through walls for his team and will never let anyone down.
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
Dale Benkenstein - his ability to read the game was uncanny
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Brad Bannister - very funny roommate and Adam Williams’s stories will make you roll around the floor in fits of laughter.
Brad Bannister
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
On tour in Barbados our opening batsman was destroying the opposition attack when the bowler bowled a wide. Quick as a flash one of the old spectators shouted “good ball mon, only 1 run off that ball.”
Who was your childhood hero?
Clive Rice
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Kieran Reid
Roger Federer
David Boon
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Robin Jackman
What was your favourite ground to play at?
The palace -Allendale Oval
What there a particular team you especially looked forward to playing against?
Greta Branxton - love playing against Darren Thompson and they are a quality side
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Making friends for life, better than all the wins and losses
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
Lately the Hammond Cup and hitting a six off the last ball of the match against PCH to win the match in this year’s Coalfields Cup.
Brandon and his team Hunter Veterans team mates after winning the Stirling and Dawn Hammond Cup against Newcastle
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
I don’t have braai’s with only 3 guests. My entire team.
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?
Best thing that has ever happened to me, a cricket men’s shed and the opportunity to play all around the state and country. Sign up NOW!!!
What are your hobbies?
Rugby, cricket and spending time with the family.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Whatever you do, give it 100% and nothing is mahala (free)
What is your occupation?
I own the Doors Plus store in Newcastle
Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?
Still play first grade in Cessnock for Wine Country Cricket Club and of course Veterans Cricket.
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?
More money spent in regional and remote areas. Training programs for clubs, coaching programs and money for facilities.
