My first game of Grade Cricket was as a 19 year old for Sandgate Redcliffe. It was in Second Grade vs Easts (now Redlands) and we got smashed. We were bowled out for 134 and they were 0 for 200 at stumps on the first day.
I was so disappointed in day 1 that I didn’t even turn up for day 2 until after lunch. My attitude was pretty poor and I nearly gave up on cricket after that first day and I almost turned around and left the ground when I arrived on Day 2 to see Easts were 0 for 300 at lunch and it was about 37 degrees as well. We eventually bowled them out for 500+
Luck has it that I made my debut in first grade the next game. The selectors picked me as a 19 year old to play in a One Day fixture against Toowoomba. I was fortunate to have a good outing that day and stayed in first grade after that.
I played with some tremendous cricketers at my time with Sandgate Redcliffe, here’s my best Gators team
1. Trevor Barsby
Qld legend and club Life Member. Captained us to our first ever Premiership.
2. Jon Isoardi
Although his record wasn’t as good as others, he gets in for humour value. A brilliant short leg and loved to field in his helmet.
3. Jerry Cassell
Had an opportunity to play for Qld but was a very consistent run scorer for us.
4. Peter Goggin
Classy batsmen who consistently scored so many runs for us.
5. Matt Goggin
Prolific run scorer and exceptional slips fieldsman. Never dropped a catch off me which was remarkable. Life Member of the club.
6. Gavin Fitness – Wicket Keeper
Incredible record, inspirational to play with.
7. Paul Pink
All-rounder, fitness wasn’t high on his agenda. Left arm opening bowler who could swing the ball late. Had the ability to tear apart a bowling attack. RIP.
8. Trevor Hohns – Captain
Leg Spinner who eventually played Test Cricket. Like a father figure for a young cohort like us, but had a wealth of knowledge and was obviously respected in Grade and State cricket.
9. Brendan Buckley
Quite possibly the fastest bowler I ever saw live. He smashed stumps and it was better to be in the field than batting in front of him. The slips were always so far back and just catching the knick was always a challenge.
10. Nathan Rimmington
I was only young when I played with him but he has gone on to be a great player. The way he could swing the ball at pace was a great talent.
11. Brett Mortimer
Was a rapid bowler when younger but became smarter, and better as he got older. A great team mate and we enjoyed a long partnership together. Life member of the Club.
12. Glenn Battiociotto
A brilliant all-rounder, classy bat and always seem to have a lot of time.
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