How long have you played cricket, Pirate?
Thirty years. Though I’m now Officially Retired.
What’s your role at WCC?
As an ex-committee member, ex-captain and Officially Retired player it’s whatever I want! [Laughs]. No – I’m a supporter from afar. I live in Christchurch.
Tell us briefly about your journey in cricket
I started aged six playing Kiwi Cricket for Summer here in NZ and continued playing cricket in high school, representing 1st XI in my last year of school. Moved into 2nd grade and 1st grade for Riccarton Cricket Club in Christchurch. Moved overseas and played 1st XI for West Lothian in Scotland. Moved to Sydney and played for Warringah CC in 1s and 2s.
What’s been your best personal performance?
155 not out playing seconds for Riccarton
What’s the best team performance you’ve been involved in?
In 2004 in Scotland we went through a whole season without losing a competition game. We played two knockout games, losing one. What happened was the Scotland comp had the three winners from East, West and Borders play off for two places in the league above. Renfrewshire won both games against the Borders and West Lothian, so the showdown was between my guys, West Lothian, and the Borders team for last promotion spot. I opened the batting and batted right through and brought up a hundred with a six. And we were promoted.
Shades of Steve Waugh in the forward defence of Scott "Pirate" Ryan
Who have been the best 2-3 players you’ve played against?
Strathfield's Garry Sheen was an absolute freak; remember he swept our fast bowler off a length. Back in Christchurch grade cricket were a couple of handy bowlers in Black Caps medium-fast bowler Chris Martin (I was his bunny) and fast bowler Shane Bond, who could swing it both ways at extreme pace.
Same for the best 2-3 players you’ve played with
Shannen Stewart was an absolute talent who ended up making the Black Caps. Did everything I couldn’t. Steve Ware was an all-round expert and carried a team on his back. And Adam Huxford was a schoolmate who should have gone onto to bigger and better things. Great all-rounder.
What’s been the best performance you’ve seen by a team-mate or opponent?
Best bowling was Matt Butcher’s eight for 9 against Lindfield with two dropped catches. I dropped one of them. With the bat, Shannen Stewart scored 142 at Forfarshire, just dominated from ball one, everything came out of the middle.
Who has been your funniest team-mate?
Some of the stuff that goes on in Matt Anderson’s head and then comes out of his mouth on the field is … let's just say he was always a joy to play cricket with.
Pirate plunder: Scott Ryan pulls a short one into the 'burbs.
Who was your childhood cricket hero?
Sir Richard Hadlee. I would watch his "How To Play Cricket" video every morning before going to school. Chris Harris was a freak in the field and I ended up playing against him in later life.
Who’s your current favourite cricketer?
Kane Williamson. To watch the ball and play so late is everything I could not do as a cricketer. Great eye, great hands.
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Who are the three cricketers in the world you’d most like to have over to a dinner party?
Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff, Ross Taylor and Viv Richards
Who’s your favourite commentator?
Kerry O’Keefe. When most commentators are PC these days it’s lovely to see someone be himself.
What are your ambitions in cricket personally?
Playing with my son some day would be pretty cool.
Can you tell us which players people should be looking out for in terms of higher rep honours?
Abijeet Virdi – given all the awards he won this year he looks like a cracking little player.
What’s the one thing about you most people don’t know?
I’m part Maori ginga.
As ever, WCC thanks our valued sponsors the Harbord Hotel and Executive Project Management.
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