Russell Wilkes - the harder you work the luckier you get
Somerville Cricket Club | June 24, 2023
Russell Wilkes has played all his junior and senior cricket with Somerville Cricket Club in the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association.
Let’s find out more about Russell’s journey in the game.
What year you were born?
1980
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
I was 8 in the Under 12’s and don’t think I did anything.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
Moved to Somerville as a kid and played every year since I was 8 years old for the Somerville Cricket Club.
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in senior cricket?
I sub fielded one day in the 2’s at 12 years old and got a couple of catches, then played 5ths at 14. Same again as they were short and I got 59 not out.
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?
1’s at Somerville. I watched nearly every week as a kid so it was always a goal, unfortunately we lost to Main Ridge, and I got 0-20 off 6.
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
I was an ok batter as a kid but mainly slow swing seam bowler.
What were your strengths as a player?
I think my strength was my accuracy and willingness to stick to a plan.
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
59 not out in the 5ths. 45 in the 1st’s.
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
9 for 74 in 2’s and 7 for 50 1’s.
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
I was a tailender but the couple of years I opened Dale Irving was quick and swung it, Tim Bateman, Adam Jones. I watched Barry McCormack in a grand final against Somerville he’s the quickest I seen.
Who were the best three spinners you have played against?
Tim Birch just a great competitor and enjoyed his time at Somerville. Penny from Mt Eliza was brilliant, he also loved his time with Somie and Lyle House.
Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?
Daniel Warwick just made runs for fun against us.
Chris Brittain just a class player and great guy Chicko just an amazing bat and we had some great battles.
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Daniel Warwick got 305 not out and was just brilliant. Grant Cuddmore got 220 which was an amazing innings and Jaime Symes got 150 at Graydens Rd that was effortless. Simon Burt 180 and Kevin Crutchley 181 first game for Somerville still the best bat I’ve seen.
Was there any bowler in particular who for whatever reason always seemed to cause you a few problems?
Everyone did haha but Wolf Williams as a kid and Paul Hartle.
Can you recall a time when you thought, wow, this is a step or two up from what you were used to?
Playing 1st at the start I felt out of my depth but after a few games and having good captains I knew my role and loved it.
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Can’t split Andrew West or Craig Black both brilliant and Brad Glenn opposition was a champion.
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Mark O’Sullivan was as tough as they come, Allan Donnelly and Jeremy West were my favourites.
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
Darren Kerr great leader. Leigh Lowry just knew how to get the best out of me and Andrew West just a brilliant communicator.
Who has been your funniest team mate?
John Ridout was always good value and special mention to Kenno, Triff, Lanting and Stannage
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
Mark O’Sullivan made me massage his calf in the 1996 semi-final in front of everyone. I copped it from everyone but he went on to get 120 and win a flag so it was worth it I guess.
Who was your childhood hero?
Michael Jordan, Wayne Carey, Allan Border.
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Brian Lara, Michael Jordan and Jennifer Love Hewitt.
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Kerry O’Keeffe
What was your favourite ground to play at?
The Nest, Jones Road.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
1st’s flag in 2014/15 and last year’s 3rds, it was great seeing some kids win their first flag.
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
Semi-final against Seaford in 2014/15 was an amazing game as both teams were up and about.
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Andrew West, Glen Barclay, John Ridout.
What are your hobbies?
Driving the kids to sport, golf and fishing lately is taking over.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
The harder you work the luckier you get!
What’s your occupation?
Carpet and Vinyl Layer.
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?
I would say don’t play a kid that isn’t ready and make a good blend of young and old to teach the kids in game.
