Clint Keble - back yourself
Paul Ryan | August 13, 2023
Clint Keble started his cricket journey in Frankston as an 8-year-old and some 45 years later he still loves the game and contributes greatly on and off the field.
He played first grade premier cricket in Victoria for Frankston Peninsula Cricket Club and Hawthorn Waverley Cricket Club. In 22 first grade games for the two clubs, he scored 399 runs at an average of 21with the highest score of 56 not out. He also took 4 wickets at 26.50.
We’ll learn more about where Clint has played throughout his journey but it’s important to acknowledge his terrific contribution to Toombul District Cricket Club in Queensland Premier Cricket. Clint is Toombul DCC 4th grade captain and his experience, knowledge, communication skills and competitiveness is so important to the development of younger players.
Clint also plays Veterans Cricket for Queensland.
Let’s find out more about Clint’s journey in the game.
What year you were born?
1970
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
1978 Playing for Frankston YCW V Baxter (in Victoria Under 12s).I was 8 batted 11 (1 no) and bowled 1 over, played in shorts.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
Frankston YCW as a Junior up to 1984
Frankston – Sub District 1984 to 1993, playing 1st X1 at 17
Frankston became Frankston Peninsula Cricket Club (Premier Grade) in 1993, playing a few 1st X1 games (Cap #19), also played 2nds that year.
Hawthorn Waverley Cricket Club (Premier Grade) in 1994 – 1998 played 1st (Cap # 710) and 2nds (Captain) over a 4-year period.
Captain / Coach Kilsyth (RDCA) 1998/99
Captain / Coach Mitcham BHRCA) 1999/2000
Captain / Coach Ashwood (ECA) 2000/01
Ashburton – (ECA) 2001 – 2006 played in 5 straight Grand Finals only to win one. Had a hip reconstruction in 2006 and a move to QLD with work.
Played golf (Keperra - QLD) for the next 12 years.
Toombul 4th Grade Captain in 2018 and still current. At this time I also played Toombul over 40s where I met Andrew Knight (Chairman Over 50s Cricket Australia & Veterans Cricket Australia (Board Member) and my journey in Veterans cricket started.
Captain of the Brisbane Over 50s and premiership winners in 2022
QLD Overs 50’s Captain at present
Clint Keble batting
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in senior cricket?
Frankston Sub District (17)
What was the highest grade you played in senior cricket?
First Grade at Frankston- Peninsula v Footscray (Merv Hughes and Tony Dodemaide playing on a wet deck) Footscray made 48 and Frankston Peninsula made 62, I made a duck. The next week I made 56no V Hawthorn
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
Top Order Right Hand Bat and medium right hand outswing bowler, who is very competitive and passionate about the game. Not a bad slipper
What were your strengths as a player?
Not a gifted player but worked hard and very competitive and aggressive at times, read the game well.
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
122 with Ashburton v St Kevins in 2004
What were your best bowling figures?
7 for 14 in under 14s.
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
David Saker - he knew where to put the ball to hurt you.
Tony Dodemaide - seam and swing
Merv Hughes - great bouncer
Who were the best three spinners you have played against?
David Emerson (Collingwood)
Bryce McGain (Frankston)
Brian Keogh (South Melbourne)
Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?
Gary Cosier (Kew – Sub District)
Michael Klinger (Prahan)
Warren Ayers (Melbourne)
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Gary Cosier made a 140 odd when playing with Kew when I was 17 and he played some of the best pull shots I have seen.
Was there any bowler or batsman in particular who for whatever reason always seemed to cause you a few problems?
Aaron Bradley – Mulgrave (we lost 4 Grand Finals in a row when playing for Ashburton)
Can you recall a time when you thought, wow, this is a step or two up from what you were used to in senior cricket?
My 1st X1 debut v Footscray
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Peter Roach (Hawthorn Waverley) his energy was contagious.
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Cameron Carey – Ashburton and Peter Roach – Hawthorn Waverley
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
Lance Willis Frankston 2nd XI. Grit, determination, and discipline (learning experience). He was like a father fixture; I am trying to be that captain with Toombul and our 4th X1
What are the two attributes of a captain you admire most?
Never give up and communication
Who has been your funniest teammate?
Sean Walker - Frankston
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
So many over the years hard to recall just one.
What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?
1st ball of the day v Footscray - LBW not playing a shot (2nd X1)
Who was your childhood hero?
Viv Richards
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Tiger Woods, Viv Richards, Steve Waugh
What was your favourite ground to play at?
Victoria Park (Collingwood) made my 2nd 50 in 1st Grade.
You’re now playing over 50s cricket, what’s the best part of playing veterans cricket and what advice would you offer anyone over 50 who is thinking about playing again?
Do it and you can play at different levels. You can be competitive or just be social, you will make friends for life, you can travel (within state, country or around the world), great to keep the body moving and for your mental health. It’s a big man cave.
Brisbane Over 50s premiership winning team - 2022
Queensland Over 50s cricket team v NSW Over 50s - Cooper Finlay Cup 2023 - Captain Clint Keble - font row third in from the left.
Clint Keble's Queensland Veterans Cricket caps and shirt
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Every game – love the game.
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
Ashburton Grand Final win in 2001 V Richmond Union
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Dennis Prendergast (Frankston), Peter Roach (Hawthorn) and Andrew Knight (Toombul / Brisbane)
What are your hobbies?
Golf, Walking
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Back yourself
What’s your occupation?
CFO with Ausroad Group
Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?
Currently playing with
· QLD Over 50s - Captain
· Toombul 4ths Premier Grade – Captain (Summer)
· Brisbane Over 50s – Captain (Winter)
· Norths Over 40s – (Winter – Premier Grade)
· Stafford Over 40s – (Summer – Sub District)
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?
Make sure boys and girls enjoy the game!
