Trent Ryan cricket journey
I played all my junior cricket with Redcliffe Kippa-Ring under the watchful eye of Jim Boardman, a cricket legend in the area and the founder of Warehouse Cricket Association.
Jim was also the coach of the Sandgate Redcliffe under 18's so I followed him across with my older brother in 1983. I moved into grade cricket for the Gators in 1985 and made my first grade debut that season. My debut involved 16 players with international or state cricket experience, it was quite the eye opener.
I played first grade cricket for Sandgate, Colts and a season at Norths until an early retirement in 1997. This was mainly due to working at Queensland Cricket fulltime. Cricket on the weekend lost its fun and stopped being a passion as it became work and play.
Who would have thought you could have too much cricket in your life. I still think I missed what could have been the best years of playing.
What really made me assess whether I should play on was a game against Wynnum, a traditional grudge match. The fireworks started from ball one and I think around 16 players got their names in the umpire’s book. We certainly had a solid number of players appear at the tribunal hearing after that match.
As I was a sitting member of the conduct committee it became a bit of a problem when you have to appear as a player so I decided to finish up and concentrate on my coaching with Qld Cricket.
I made a comeback in 2000 as a fill-in at Sandgate and managed a first grade premiership. I then had a serious knee injury in the off-season and had to hang the boots up for good, or so I thought.
I started playing some over 40's for Sandgate about 5 years ago and one thing lead to another and Over 50's cricket is now one of the best things in my life. To be involved in cricket again as a player has been a blessing.
The fact that it has led to being able to represent your State and Country has been surreal but the mate ship and support you get from your fellow players is the true treasure I take away from it. I can't be more appreciative of the friendships it has rekindled, and the new ones formed.
Q&A Interview with Trent
What year you were born?
1968
What is your nickname?
"Bridge" or "Rhino"
What was your most memorable in junior cricket?
Can't recall a lot of them but scoring my first century at primary school aged 10 was pretty good. Apart from that the 9000 backyard tests with my brothers were good times.
Do you have a particular routine before a game?
These days its strap knee, voltaren rub on both knees & right shoulder, skins go on, and make sure my knee brace is packed.
What do you like to do on your days off?
Play golf, go to the gym or relax with the family on a beach with a few waves rolling in. A 3 of those activities can be followed by a nice cold beer, sometimes even 2 or 3.
How do you amuse yourself on a plane flight?
Very rarely get to fly anywhere these days unless it's for cricket so on the way there it’s read a book, on the way home sleep off a hangover.
Which singer/band would you like to see perform live?
I am an Aussie rock boy at heart so always love seeing Hoodoo Gurus, Midnight Oil, Chisel, most things 70's and 80's.
Who is the king of selfies at your club?
"The Big Show" - Andrew Reddich
Who has been your funniest team mate?
All time that would have to be Brendan Creevey, but there have been plenty.
Who has been the most annoying team mate?
I don't have any really as I tend to accept people for who they are, we're all different and that's what makes cricket such a great game all different types of characters.
If you won the lottery what would you buy first?
Something nice for the wife so then I could buy myself a Bugatti Chiron.
What’s your favourite city in the world to visit?
I love relaxing at Hamilton Island. I haven't been for a while, they have awesome golf course, just spectacular.
Who was your childhood hero?
A local Redcliffe rugby league player. I used to love going to watch the mighty Dolphins play as a kid so it was Tony Obst. Lucky me, I play golf with him every week of the year and he is still as tough as they come, loved his competitiveness and drive.
Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?
Fastest spell was Patrick Paterson. Quickest single delivery Anderson Cummins. Scariest (did not see either ball he bowled to me) Malcolm Marshall. In club cricket and not far behind them was Greg Rowell.
Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?
Trevor Hohns and Malcolm Francke. I only played Malcolm when he was in his 40's and it was always entertaining being on the field with him. I found it a challenge against both of them because they weren't big turners of their leggie and most balls whether a leggie, toppie or wrong un landed on the same line so you really had to watch their hand. Trevor got me out with a flipper that I just didn't see coming.
Who are the next two batsman to make their debut for the Queensland Bulls in Shield cricket?
Corey Hunter and Jack Clayton have both scored impressive runs the last couple of seasons so they should be the next couple to get a cap.
Who are the two opponents in Queensland Cricket you admire most in terms of skills and competitive spirit?
When I debuted in Brisbane Grade Cricket everyone had what could be loosely described as competitive spirit, it was verbal war every week. But as the seasons went by and the conduct committee came into place cricket became a little bit more civil, so it was actually the "quiet assassins" in opposing teams I admired and respected. I mentioned him earlier, Greg Rowell went about every game and training session with a competitive desire to be better and achieve his best results, it was a big challenge playing against him.
Skill wise there were plenty as Test and Shield players nearly always played grade cricket when available. I played against Stuart Law a lot as we are the same age, so from junior cricket onwards, and he was always stand out as far as I was concerned. Also got to play with him and I marvelled at his ability.
What has been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Over 50's World Cup win for Australia 2018 in Sydney has to be right up there, and a close second was coming back after 4 seasons off to play in a First Grade premiership winning team for Sandgate Redcliffe. I managed to be at the crease when the winning runs were hit. Excellent celebration Gator style, shit those boys knew how to have a good time.
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
The final of the Over 50's World Cup. We won by 3 runs with 10 balls to spare against Pakistan. They were 9 for 90 chasing 165 and they nearly pulled off a remarkable victory. The whole tournament was great fun and getting to Captain your country for a couple of games was pretty special. Yes it was "only", Veterans Cricket (as some people may say) but the work put in to get there for me with my "physical disability" made it a proud moment and reward for a lifetime of cricket pursuits.
What’s your most treasured possession?
My front door key, it gets me in the see my family every day.
What are the three things you’re looking forward to doing outside cricket?
So when I am finished with over 70's it will be play golf, play golf, play golf.
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