Justin Grant joined the Old Peninsula Cricket Club after many successful and rewarding years at Mt Eliza Cricket Club.
A decorated all-rounder Justin played Premier cricket for Frankston Peninsula and represented Mornington Peninsula on numerous occasion in Victoria Country Week.
Let’s find out more about Justin’s journey in the game
What year you were born?
1989
Can you remember you first game of cricket
Yes, I was playing for Mt Eliza in the under 12s down at Howard Parker. I remember I was on a hat trick my first 3 balls of cricket and ended up taking 4 for 4 off 4 overs
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey??
I have played cricket since the age of 10. I have played most of my cricket at Mt.Eliza CC except for a 1 year stint at Frankston Peninsula (2014/15) and the most recent season at Old Peninsula CC. I have represented the famous MPCA Purple heads at country week and was lucky enough to represent Victoria country back in about 2012. Along my journey I also had a 2-year stint over in England playing down in Sussex, which was great fun, more beers than cricket and met friends I’ll have forever.
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in senior cricket?
I played in the 5th for Mt.Eliza in the Colts team. They played half senior players and half juniors in the team and would try promote all juniors through the 5ths, it was a great thing they did.
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?
After I represented Victoria Country, I was then selected for Victoria second XI v England lions in a One-day game at the Junction oval. I was only playing for Mt. Eliza at the time so to get a phone call from Andrew Lynch chairman of selectors for the Victorian Bushrangers was not what I expected.
I had to go up to the Cricket Victoria office to pick up my clothing and gear the day before the game and the next day I was playing with Marcus Stoinis, Clive Rose and Alex Keith (now Western Bulldogs defender). I was well and truly out of my depth and my performance showed that. I was handed the ball when they were 0/120 off 15 overs and didn’t help much. I only bowled 4 overs 0 for 48 and kept getting slog swept for 6 to the short boundary. We ended up chasing down 350 in the final over to win, I was next in and thankfully wasn’t required.
Dinner at Country Week
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
I would classify myself as an allrounder. My bowling is classified as medium (that’s generous) where I like to change the pace and just try to hit the same spot and be boring, let the batsmen take the risk. As a batter I would say I am quite unique, I stand up tall like I’m playing baseball (have been told I look like an idiot on many occasions) and tend to play quite square of the wicket.
What were your strengths as a player?
I would say my best asset is my fielding. I love fielding and do work on it a bit so I hope that I can save runs or take a catch that shouldn’t be taken to help my team as best as I can
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
Playing for Mt.Eliza first XI I made 135 not out v Baden Powell on their nice new home ground, lovely to bat on.
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
I did take 8 for 29 over in England on a council prepared wicket which was borderline dangerous to play cricket on.
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Mark Fulton (Frankston YCW) - I was only 16 or 17 when I played against him, and he was just way to fast for my ability. One day I was in next, he bowled a short ball kicked off a length flew over the keeper’s head and one bounce into the fence, my heart skipped a beat seeing that.
Scott Phillips - Had good pace, swung the ball, and could nip the ball off the deck. Knew his game and knew what he was trying to do
Jake Wood (Sorrento) - Just a competitor that will bust his ass for his team day in day out
Who were the best three spinners you have played against?
Liam Bowe (Bendigo) - Played against him at country week and couldn’t read it out of his hand so had to play it off the wicket, I had no idea which was the ball was turning.
John Forrest (POB) - Genius with the ball in hand. Got great variations and the best thing about him is he can bowl in any situation of the game and do the job
Yohan Maddege (Baxter) - His got me out about 9 times so can’t go past him.
Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against? And if you could add a few words as to why
Richard Oliver (Geelong) - Made 100 against us in country week at Carlton, never looked like getting him out and I think he mad 3 100’s for the carnival.
Simon Dart (Red Hill) - classy batsmen that knows his game and can control any situation. Can flick the switch from 1s and 2s to boundaries very easily.
Many premier cricket players, they were a class above hard to point out just one.
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against? And if you could add a few words as to why
Best playing with was Bobby Wilson’s 200 for Vic Country v South Australia. It was a clinic and kept running the ball to 3rd man but if they got any straight would flick to the leg side.
Best against is Wade Pelzer chanceless 180 odd. We had no answers, everything he hit was out of the middle and we were just thankful they ran out of overs.
Was there any bowler in particular who whatever reason always seemed to cause you a few problems?
Yeh easy, Yohan Maddege
Can you recall a time when you thought, wow, this is a step or two up from what you were used to?
Playing 2-day cricket at Premier level was always a challenge. The batters were very patient and if they couldn’t score, they just left it alone and waited for their ball.
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Ben Tracy is the best gloveman I’ve played with. His gloves are clean and quick
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Gareth Wyatt the ultimate competitor who hates to lose.
Trav Campbell as of recent. His competitive, he will let you know about it and the success he has had at Langwarrin is incredible.
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with? And if you could add a few words to why
Lyle House. Played under him for many years and was lucky enough to be Vice Captain and learn from him. He had a simple game plan that worked and wanted to have fun at the same time
Who has been your funniest team mate?
His not that funny but he thinks he is so better name him. Russell Fulton
Justin Grant playing in England
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
I wouldn’t call it banter or an exchange, but I did have a camouflage grip for about 3 games and all 3 games I copped; where’s his handle, his bats broken, arrogant using a bat without a handle so I was quick to take it off
Who was your childhood hero?
Andrew Symonds loved the way he batted and loved watching him in the field
Andrew Symonds
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Roger Federer, Ricky Ponting, James Hird
Roger Federer
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Back in the day you couldn’t go past Richie Benaud and Tony Greig. In the current times I like David Lloyd.
What was your favourite ground to play at?
The Junction
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Winning the grand final at Mt.Eliza. Any premiership ill cherish forever and have been lucky enough to win a couple at country week as well.
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
Years ago, we played Delacombe Park on their ground. We were bowled out for 70 which should have been a walk in the park but we never gave in and bowled them out for 50 odd to claim the points
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Lyle House, Billy Quigly and John Forrest. I would probably have to invite Will Crowder also as he lives across the road and would invite himself over
What are your hobbies?
Anything sports related, I’ll most likely make it competitive and be shitty if I lose
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Recently I saw a quote from Usain Bolt who said “If you don’t see change or improvement in 2 or 3 weeks don’t give up, just remember I train for 4 years to run for less than 10 seconds”
What’s your occupation?
Exercise Physiologist at Evolve Somerville. Any injuries from cricket we are here to help
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?
Good facilities, makes a big difference. This helps promote good quality players to your club which makes the competition stronger.
Focus on Junior development. I see to many talented juniors get lost along the way or is to hard make the transition from juniors to seniors.
Proudly brought to you by Inside the Pavilion
Join the cricket network to promote your business and expertise. Make it easy for people to search and find the people and services they need through people they know and trust.
Join the network
