John Forrest arrived at Old Peninsula Cricket Club and has made a tremendous contribution to the club on and off the field.
He’s been a player, coach and mentor to many.
Let’s find out more about John’s journey and insights
What year you were born?
Way too long ago… 1977
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
Played my first game as a junior at Long Island in U/12’s. Was about 10. 3rd ball I bowled I dropped an absolute pie caught and bowled… split my webbing and left the game to get 6 stitches
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
Played all my juniors for Long Island who were an absolute powerhouse in Juniors (and seniors for that matter). After U/16’s I played at Frankston Peninsula for a couple of years. I got an apprenticeship as a Baker when I was 17 and gave up for a year because I had to work Saturdays which was crap. Got fat, came back and tried to bowl mediums for a few years and had a heap of back problems. Spent a couple of years back and forth between Long Island and Frankston Peninsula until going to play at Langwarrin under the great Tim Harper (as his assistant coach).
Found my love and passion for coaching there and went on to Coach the Pirates in 2003… been there ever since.
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in senior cricket?
4th X1 when I was 15 at Long Island
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?
I played in Frankston’s 2’s when I was 16 which was big challenge. Probably wasn’t really up to it but gave it a crack. Was ok with the ball but crapping myself with the bat!
I’d say Country Week is the highest standard I’ve played. Bloody loved every minute of it
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
I guess in MPCA I’m an allrounder. Bowl slow left orthodox spinners that don’t turn, low to middle order bat who can adjust to most scenarios.
What were your strengths as a player?
I think it’s above the shoulders for me. My best strength would be the way I think about the game and can read situations.
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
123 V Mornington at the Harry Mac (Peninsula School) for the Pirates. Was my first of only 2 senior 100’s
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
7 for 16 for Frankston Peninsula in the 3rds at Jubilee Park
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Paul Hartle – Arnie was just a freak! Made the ball talk. Played with and against him. Just a match winner
Jake Wood – ultimate competitor, gives everything and is a ripper bloke. Took 7 fa against us in a semi and carried his side to the impossible win. Was all heart and I don’t think I’ve seen a performance or effort like it.
Adam Jones and Dale Irving – just in awe of the both of them and the way they continued to bowl fast year after year no matter their age. Both match winners and have seen both bowl devastating spells
Who were the best three spinners you have played against?
Brian McCue – Cuey was the king of deception and variation
Matt Prosser (Winx) – Matty’s control for a leggie is exceptional. Whilst he’s got a great record already, his best is yet to come which is scary! Hope he goes and plays higher… too good for local cricket
Justin Bridgeman… haha joking… Bowls pies. Yohan Maddage. Variation and control is incredible.
Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?
Anthony Blackwell – as a cricket lover, I could watch Blackers bat all day. Had the ability the change the length of any ball he faced
Nick Jewell – never been so intimidated bowling to someone and thinking… if this bloke wants to, he could hit me for 6 every ball I bowl
Daniel Warwick – just a class above in our comp and for a very long time. Best player of spin I’ve bowled to
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
All for the Pirates - Wade Pelzer 180 odd not out V Mt Eliza out of 260, Dylan O’Malley 200+ V Flinders (just a piss take) and Benny Coates 180+ V Tyabb… can’t split them
Was there any bowler in particular who whatever reason always seemed to cause you a few problems?
Too many to name! Justin Grant comfortably the hardest to score off and ultimately would just get me out… think I average about 3 against Mt Eliza because of him and Housey
Can you recall a time when you thought, wow, this is a step or two up from what you were used to?
Maybe a couple of times in Country Week when opening bowlers came back on to knock over the tail and they’d be genuinely quick… I begged Bobby for years to be the non-bat to avoid it!
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Shane Brown had incredible gloves for the Pirates. Up the jump he was the best I’ve played with
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Anthony Blackwell and Tim Harper. Both extremely talented, highly competitive, got the best out of themselves and others… both absolute gentlemen of the game too
Anthony Blackwell
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
Tim Harper was incredible to play under. I learnt so much from him as a mentor. Would have loved to play Country Week under Dan Warwick too but the stars never aligned. Great tactician
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Been too many to just say one I recon… Al Davie from Langwarrin was a ripper, Housey and Billy Quigley at Country Week provided some quality entertainment
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
Most of them would’ve come from Eiv Bowen… apart from not being able to catch anymore I had to take myself out of slips to get away from him and his calls from gully… bloody funny man
Who was your childhood hero?
Cricket wise - Mark Waugh and Allan Border… clearly very different cricketers, loved Waugh’s elegance and admired AB’s grit. Plugger Lockett and Rob Bangers Harvey for footy!
Mark Waugh
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Roger Federer (just the king), Tim Paine (big man crush), Richie McCaw (All Blacks legend)
Richie McCaw
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Ricky Ponting – reads the game like no other. Can listen to him talk insights on the game all day
What was your favourite ground to play at?
Local cricket wise it’s pretty hard to go past The Harry Mac (home ground). The Albert is pretty special
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
I’d say all the flags no matter where they were or what grade including Country Week
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
I’d have to say semi final V Baxter in 2013 when we won by 1 run and went on to win the flag from 4th.
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Brian McCue for the stories, Lyle House so I’m not the first one drunk, Wade Pelzer, good partner in crime
What are your hobbies?
Love fishing, interest in horse racing, family camping
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
If you want a different experience, start by challenging your mindset
What’s your occupation? We love to get the business a plug
Sales Director at MAURI (part of George Weston Foods)
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?
Focus on grass roots… make the sport more interactive and fun for the kids with the right focus on upskilling junior coaches and volunteers.
Keep challenging what we did and how we did it last season to understand how we can improve moving forward. Don’t be frighten to make changes to continue to evolve the game
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