Tony Bransdon - be the one who changes the game
Newcastle and Hunter Districts Veterans Cricket Club | August 05, 2023
Tony Bransdon plays Over 50s Cricket for Newcastle and Hunter Districts Cricket Club.
A hard hitting batsman and medium pace bowler with many tricks after years of experience playing Shires Cricket in Sydney and first grade cricket in Newcastle with Merewether.
Tony now lives in on the Mid North Coast of NSW and apart from playing Veterans Cricket he really enjoys helping the younger players come through the grades at Beechwood Cricket Club.
Let’s find out more about Tony’s journey in the game
What year you were born?
December 1970 in Nowra NSW
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
Yes, I started later than most, I was 14 years old and can’t recall doing anything noteworthy.
Tell us about your cricketing journey?
My footballing mates from Ashcroft High got me into cricket when I was 14. We played for Mounties Jnr Cricket Club in the Fairfield Liverpool Cricket Association and had a pretty decent side that won a few premierships along the way. Over time, I developed into a good quality opening bowler and middle order batsman. I enjoyed it immensely, but I remember my passion at the time was very much with Athletics and Rugby League. Whilst I did enjoy cricket, it was not as high a priority to me and was just something I liked to play with my mates.
I know this is a little bit off topic, but it sets the scene for how I came to love and live for cricket over the last three and half decades with all due respect to the different love I have for my wife and kids.
During those early years, I showed potential in rugby league and athletics as they were my real passion and talents at the time as I’d played Harold Matthews, SG Ball and Jersey Flegg. I never saw myself as a great footballer but I was blessed with the gift of speed. I used this to my advantage on and off the field over short distances and of course the blue ribbon 100 and 200 metre events.
I was lucky enough to play with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Presidents Cup U/23’s team and was even offered a partial scholarship at Ashcroft High to compete in the American Athletics Associations – College Athletics Circuit when I finished my schooling. Whilst a reasonable amount of the cost was covered by the scholarship, not all of it was and my parents who always worked hard running their own business still couldn’t afford the remaining cost, so I had to reluctantly decline the kind invitation. I still think back to what might have been at times but have no real regrets, I did what I could and got to experience things that many don’t.
I do however, remember being devastated at the time when I finished my footballing and athletics career at a very young age in my early 20’s due to a serious knee injury that required a full knee reconstruction. Because of that, I wanted nothing to do with football or athletics for the years that followed only to get back into it in the last couple of years through coaching 9 and 10 year olds which I love doing.
After my football and athletics careers finished I concentrated much more on my cricket. I did have brief stints in the Sydney Grade cricket scene with Bankstown and St George District Cricket Clubs in the late 80’s and early 90’s while playing rugby league and doing athletics but I was only ever able to play a handful of games for each club due to my constant unavailability because of heavy training schedules with football and athletics. In hindsight, I guess under the circumstances of what eventuated it was a missed opportunity because I never played in the Sydney grade scene again.
Instead, I opted to just enjoy the game more by playing with friends in the local 1st, 2nd and 3rd Grade competitions wherever I was living at the time. Over the last three decades or so I have played with a number of clubs for one reason or another, usually work and family commitments. But my favourite clubs have included Mounties, Merewether in Newcastle, Mulbring in Cessnock, Port Pirates and Beechwood in Port Macquarie. Beechwood is my current club where I still play at a 2nd grade level.
I’ve had the opportunity to represent over the years at association level in competitions such as the Martin and Telegraph Shields which we were very successful at and also whilst I worked for the Navy during the early part of my career. But essentially I probably missed the boat during my early years because I concentrated so heavily on my football and athletics. I’ve had fun nonetheless and played with and against a lot of class players and generally good blokes who went on to bigger and better things with their cricket.
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in grade cricket?
At 16 during the mid-80’s I was invited to trial with Fairfield Liverpool but always wanted to ultimately play grade cricket with either Bankstown or St George. They were the gun clubs in the grade competition amongst a couple of others at the time and were full of state and national representatives that I followed closely. I loved the aggressiveness of which they played cricket!
Ultimately, I decided to take my chances and trialled with Bankstown. I was stoked to have the opportunity and privilege during the trials of facing Wayne (Cracker) Holdsworth and other very talented bowlers whilst gun players like Steve Waugh and the club 1st Grade Captain/Coach – Steve Small, Ken Hall, Kevin Roberts and even Steve’s close friend John Coutis (Club Manager) were all watching on from behind the nets. Batting was definitely not my forte in those days, I was certainly ok, but my bowling was clearly my strength.
I remember I faced up without a helmet and Steve Waugh said to me “are sure you want to do this without a helmet young fella”? I said I’ve never worn a helmet and don’t own one!
“Ok” he said, “let’s see how you go”. My net session went quite well, I even blasted one straight back past Holdsworth whilst he ducked for cover. Next minute, Steve Small, said to me, “watch the next ball young fella”, not knowing what he really meant, I soon would, when sure enough I got the message quick smart after Holdsworth let one rip so fast at just short of a length that I still haven’t seen it 30 odd years later. It actually took my hat off before I even moved the bat. To this day, touch wood, that’s the closest I’ve been to being hit in the head or face with a cricket ball.
That year I only played a handful of 3rd Grade matches for Bankstown due to unavailability because of football and athletics commitments. I can’t recall doing anything of note other than taking a few wickets and I don’t recall ever getting an opportunity to bat.
At what age did you make your first grade debut in grade cricket and can you remember how you performed in debut?
I never played first grade in the Sydney Grade competition, I did play a handful of games in 2nd Grade with St George just prior to retiring from Rugby League and Athletics before my 21st birthday.
When I was 22 I played with Club Liverpool in the FLCA competition and made their firsts. I can’t remember exactly how I went but I did enough after that to play many years of first grade cricket with a lot of clubs including Mounties now in the (Sydney Shires) competition, Wollongong in the (IDCA), Southern Lakes (Now known as Toronto Workers), Merewether and Mulbring in the (NDCA and CDCA) and more recently Port City Leagues and Port Pirates in the (Hastings River District Cricket Association). I currently still play 2nd Grade for Beechwood in the (HRDCA) Competition on the beautiful Mid North Coast of NSW.
Merewether Cricket Club
Back Row - Matt Nixon, Jarred Mouncer, Matt Jordan, Damon Tindal, Tommy Salter, James Dillon, Martin Krause
Front Row - Tony Bransdon, Eddie Fisher, Elliott McLeod, Darren Inglis
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
During the younger part of my cricketing life I was definitely a Bowling All-rounder who was good in the field but as I got older I worked much more on my batting and I’m definitely now more of a Batting all-rounder who can bowl anywhere in the line-up and bat generally in the top 6.
What were your strengths as a player?
I have always been very much about the team. I used to play it as hard as anyone and hated losing but always knew that if you show class when you win you will always show class when you lose. I still play it hard and to win but have mellowed somewhat with age.
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
271 not out in a civilian Navy versus Army one-day game at University Oval, Sydney but seeing as though this wasn’t an officially sanctioned game it is 155 in a First Grade game in Wollongong for Wollongong.
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
7 for 24 off 27 Overs in a 2nd Grade Grand Final for Mounties in Sydney.
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Zoron Milosevic - unknown to most but still the leader of this pack. He was tall and as fast and scary as anyone you will ever face and had pure anger and aggression towards the batsman. He detested them and made sure they knew it.
Adam Willmot – A tall and very crafty and sharp bowler who could move the ball both ways at a whim.
Wayne Holdsworth – anyone that can remove someone’s hat without them seeing the delivery and not cause any damage has to be in this list despite his notoriety.
Wayne Holdsworth
Who were the best three spinners you have played against?
I can’t remember he’s name but he was a South African U19’s Leg and offspiner in a touring game I was invited to play in. He was amazing and I was completely bamboozled by him as were most of my teammates. I have never played against anyone quite like him or even close. It was a rare occasion where I was completely tied down and no matter what I did I just couldn’t get him away. He got me in the end after I’d survived for twenty or so overs.
Tim O’Neill – he is a very crafty off spinner for the Merewether DCC and a primary reason we won so many NSW SCG Country Cup games and tournaments.
Elliott McLeod – he was not necessarily the best or even the most consistent bowler but he could produce the most amazing balls from time-to-time that were simply unplayable and would get anybody out, in particular his flipper. I saw the best batsman take him apart briefly and then he would make them look stupid having the final say most of the time.
Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?
Mark Bosnich – yes that’s right, the Australian legendary soccer goalie, he was without a doubt in my mind the classiest batsman you could ever have the privilege to play against and watch. He had every stroke, all the time in the world up his sleeve and would have played cricket for Australia if he hadn’t of played soccer. I think he made the right decision in the end though.
Adam Willmott/Jason Hudson – to me these guys were both very classy players and could bowl very well also.
Pat Richards and Jamie Ainscough – both magnificent batsman and bowlers for their respective teams but also pretty decent ARL and NRL rugby league premiership winners and Grand Finalist respectively.
Mark Bosnich
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
I’m going to be cheeky as I’m very proud of my 271 not out. . It was just one of those rare days where everything just seemed to work in my favour. I’ve scored 10 other centuries but that day is my special memory
Was there any bowler in particular who for whatever reason always used to cause you a few problems?
Not really. If I was getting tied down I would always change my game. Sometimes it didn’t work but I’m happy it worked more often than not.
Can you recall a time when you thought, wow, this is a step or two up from what you were used to?
Yeah I’d have to go back to the South African U19’s touring player who I only played once. He constantly made me rethink my abilities throughout my innings no matter how much I tried to change things up throughout. I wish I could recall he’s name, I’m not sure whether he went on to play for his country in first class cricket but he potentially could have, he was magnificent.
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Without a doubt, Frank Araco, he was spectacular and agile behind the stumps for a solid nuggetty guy against both the fast and the slower bowlers. He rarely let a bye through and took some very special catches and lightning quick stumping’s. Could bat well too…
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Simon Moore and Bobby Melish. There’s no one more passionate, committed or competitive as these two guys. Both naturally talented and had the spirit, fight, guts and sheer determination to win with a never give up attitude and it always got across to the rest of the team.
Simon Moore
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
Bobbie Melish and John McGowan – we all played together in Sydney, they were the ultimate competitors and as tough as nails. Bobbie was bad cop and Johnny was always good cop and they worked well together. They both taught me so much about myself, my own game and in particular took a personal interest in improving my batting back in the day when I was more of a fast aggressive strike bowler.
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Bobbie Mellish, he had a story for everything and even a story behind the story. He was the most amazing man and all-round top guy but could also be a pest. One of the greatest team men you could ever want to meet, play with or against.
Of course I also have to include Zoron Melosovic and an old footy mate of mine by the name of Andrew Lee who played a bit of cricket. I’ve only touched the surface in stories, some of the things we all got up to I’m still surprised at times we are still around. I could tell some stories about all of our escapades off the field in particular. Great times…..
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
Yes I remember Zoron Milosevic have an interlude with an incoming batsman once. He’d just hit the opposition’s best batsman the ball before in the face, instantly knocking him off his feet to the ground and unfortunately there was blood on the crease. Before he bowled his next delivery, he went down and said to the incoming batsman “see that mark on the pitch, you’re next”. Then he clean bowled him with the best inswinger and took 8 wicket that day. He was always getting into the batsman’s heads.
In my younger days I used to take this little yellow duck that used to quack, quack, quack when you squeezed it and I used to put it in my pocket whilst standing at slip or close to the wicket. Whenever we got someone out for a duck, I tended to give the duck a little squeeze. Thankfully it was accepted in pretty good spirit as the batter would just shake their head, usually smile and keep walking.
What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?
Getting a diamond duck in a Grand Final and losing my shoe in the process halfway down the wicket, thankfully I made up for it with the ball but it was still very embarrassing.
Who was your childhood heroes?
I had three and they were all cricketers even though I was very much into my football at the time - Viv Richards, Malcolm Marshall and Allan Border.
The two West Indians were the best and most destructive at what they did and Border was just shear guts, grit and determination facing the might and power of the awesome West Indies teams of the day and almost single handed keeping the Aussies in the match.
Allan Border
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Carl Lewis because he was the best overall athlete the world has ever seen, Ben Johnson because I would like to ask him why he did what he did and Usain Bolt just because he is the fastest man on earth.
Carl Lewis
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
I can’t go past Richie Benaud the doyen of cricket but a close second would have to be the 12th man Billy Bemingham. Lunch with the two of them would be a crack up.
What was your favourite ground to play at?
I had a number of them to be honest but mainly, Oxley Oval, Stockton Oval, Townsend Oval, No1 Sportsground, Hurstville Oval, University Oval, Rosedale Oval and of course I can’t go past the Sydney Cricket Ground.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Several years ago, whilst I was playing for Merewether, I missed half a year before Christmas because of my work in mining and construction. I came back after Christmas and played the remaining games and was in the most amazing run of form. I scored a number of hundreds and fifties and took a number of wickets as well. I wish I could do that every year.
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
There’s two spectacular victories I remember like it was yesterday. Crazily though I can’t remember who we played in the 2nd grade grand finals.
The first was a match against a previously undefeated team that hadn’t looked like losing all year. They were extremely strong in batting, bowling and fielding and we hadn’t got near them in the two games we played against during the season.
They’d defeated us outright in both games and looked like it was going down the same path when they bowled us out for 81. My opening bowling partner Zoron Milosevic had pulled a hamstring in his second over and was done for the match. Seventy nine overs later we bowled them out for 73 and partied like it was 1999, I got my best ever bowling figures that day.
The second victory was exactly a year later in the same match, against a different team. This time we were clear favourites but nobody expected what was to happen next. We batted first and put together a significant score of over 400 runs. That night once again my opening bowling partner in crime, Zoron Milosevic and I took it upon ourselves to party in Kings Cross until 6:30am and turned up the following day for day two clearly under the weather but was still able to bowl them out for under a hundred. Another big night followed with the rest of the boys this time.
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Everyone is invited. No party is any good with just three of us.
Newcastle Over 50s Cricket team v The Presidents XI in the Final of the Vineyard Carnival in April 2022
You’re now playing over 50s cricket, what’s the best part of playing veterans cricket and what advice would you offer anyone over 50 who is thinking about playing again?
I love over 50’s, the guys we play with and against. The mateship, the war stories, the experiences and the opportunities to play representative cricket in Over 50s teams. Catching up with old mates is very special and getting them out or hitting them over the fence is also pretty fun.
Best piece of advice I would offer – Don’t even consider not thinking about it. You’re a long time retired and a long time permanently asleep after that. Just do it as Nike would say...
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy fishing but don’t do enough of it. I enjoy playing golf but I’m not much good at it and I can still party with the best of them, just not as often and not to the detriment of those I love and my passion for cricket.
I also purchase, restore and sell classic and muscle cars. Breed Labradors, I have a nice little property portfolio which I like to restore and flip.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
I remember my Ashcroft High School cricket, football and athletics coach, Mr. Paul Johnson once told me this pretty much word for word and I’ve never forgotten it. In fact, I’ve tried to live all aspects of my life by it.
He said, “Tony, never play for red inks, the game is much bigger than that, you’re bigger than that. Be you, be explosive, be the one who changes the course of the game and in-turn history. Make things happen because that’s what the people come to see. No-one ever remembers those that just coast along playing it safe”.
What is your occupation and who do you work for?
I oversee a number of businesses as per my legal profession under my company BandB Pty Limited. They include Adept Human Resource Consulting Solutions, Tony Bransdon Property Group which includes: sales, property management, residential design and construction of duplexes and finally a Sushi and Sashimi restaurant by the name of Innes Circle Sushi and Sashimi.
If you were running a state cricket association what would your 2 priorities be to ensure cricket in the state remained strong and successful on and off the field?
I believe most people play their sport at all levels because they love the game and love to compete and want to stay reasonably fit for their age. Stay young so to speak, but most importantly everyone enjoys the social aspect and mateship that team sports brings.
I love the way the USA, UK and NZ over 50’s competitions make a great spectacle of their respective competitions and often televise them online to make them more watchable from a spectator’s point of view. Even to the point of playing rev up music on occasion between overs and wickets like the BBL would all add to the excitement and watch ability. I’d love to see this more widely introduced in Veterans cricket where possible.
I’d also love to see more effort and acknowledgement of player awards but not just the old average and aggregate type awards. I’d love to see better recognition of performance, effort, improvement, team work and spirit to name a few. I believe we could do this better, because in years to come when we can no longer play, whilst a good wine is always great it’s not very memorable. There’s a reason why the services do this type of thing so well, because they know the families are the ones that will ultimately end up with these great memories.
