Joey Lane - win the toss and bat

Andrew King | July 13, 2023

Joey Lane had a long and distinguished career playing in the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association and made his debut for the Purple Caps at Country Week at the age of 38.

Let’s find out more about Joey’s journey in the game. 

What year you were born?

1968

Can you remember you first game of cricket?

Earliest memory was playing at Frankston YCW under 12’s as an 8 year old. Can only remember how exciting it was to be on a proper cricket field in whites!

Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?

All my junior cricket was at YCW and then into seniors as a 16 year old and I went to Frankston Sub District at 18 and played 5 seasons. I went back YCW and then Captain Coached Moorooduc for 6 seasons.

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

16 at YCW. District back then.

What was the highest grade you played and can you remember what you were feeling when you were selected and how did you perform on debut?

Probably Country Week. (Debut at 38yrs) I was making runs in Sub District at Moorooduc and lucky to get a purple cap with my brother Matt.

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

Top order batsman, part time keeper.

What were your strengths as a player?

Aggression, didn’t like being bogged down.

What was your highest score in senior cricket?

154 for Moorooduc against YCW (my 1st game against my former club, I came out to bat and there was a dollar coin where I was to take centre, planted by Waterhouse, Burch and Bedford all giggling away in slips)

What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?

Got 2 wickets once I reckon! Must have been tailenders.

Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?

Scotty Phillips - Was quick from ball 1 and he held his pace all day.

Mark Fulton - Just wanted to hurt you

Chris Brittain - Brilliant control and a real competitor.

Who were the best three spinners you have played against? 

Greg Lamb - crafty old bugger. Had some great battles.

Kevin Prendergast - brilliant control and very patient.

Paul Bradley - never ever felt comfortable against him

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Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?

Anthony Blackwell - brilliant at crafting an innings.

Rob Bedford - made runs in important games

Paul Bradley - turned games more than any cricketer I’ve seen.

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

Paul Bradley 200 off about 80 balls! Something like 18 sixes. Also Brendon Long also hit 94 off 27 balls in the mid 90’s.

Was there any bowler in particular who for whatever reason always seemed to cause you a few problems?

Paul Hartle and Ces Mack - Both had my measure for long periods.

Can you recall a time when you thought, wow, this is a step or two up from what you were used?

Country Week Grand Final at the Albert. Got 30 odd not out and it was the first time I’d ever batted in a helmet and was very scratchy. But I was there at the end with Braddles who came in and hit a run a ball 50.

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

Brad Glenn and Jeff Calder - both brilliant, especially up to the stumps.

Brad Glenn

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

Rob Bedford and Paul Bradley both hated losing.

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

Rob Bedford. His cricket brain was phenomenal. Great to be on his side rather than against him.

Who has been your funniest team mate?

Shaun Walker, Brian Keogh, David Webster, Paul Waterhouse & Kenny Cremen.

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

Neil Barfuss chasing a criminal after a car chase ended up at Samuel Sherlock side street. He took off from mid-wicket and returned 10 minutes later with crook in a headlock for the police!

Who was your childhood hero?

Alex Jesaulenko

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

Roger Federer, Kobe Bryant and Tiger Woods.

Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?

David 'Bumble' Lloyd

What was your favourite ground to play at?

Samuel Sherlock Reserve & Moorooduc Ducpond.

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?

Playing a game with son Jonah in the lower grades at YCW and playing in a tied grand final for Moorooduc against Pearcedale and winning it as we finished on top. Fiery encounter!

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

Country Week Grand Final. Amazing week with some absolute legendary guys. Always a special memory.

Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?

Waterhouse, Cremen, Spud Atkins.

What are your hobbies?

Bit of golf and fishing with son.

What’s the best advice you’ve received?

Win the toss and bat.

What’s your occupation?

Sales Rep - McCann Optical Parts. (Homer McCanns business)

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?

All teams must have at least four under 21’s in their 1st XI and they can bowl all day if need be.

In the event of a wash out, all teams must still gather at ground and mingle over a beer. Great friendships are made.