Jason Kelly - never put limitations on yourself in life

Paul Ryan | October 14, 2024

Jason Kelly played first grade cricket in NSW Premier Cricket for Petersham, Hawkesbury and Parramatta Cricket Clubs.

From 1997 to 2021 Jason played 234 innings in first grade scoring 5,198 runs at an average of 25.48. He scored 5 centuries and 21 half centuries with the highest score of 193.

Let’s find out more about Jason’s journey in the game.

 

What year you were born?

1977

Can you remember you first game of cricket?  

I was 7 years old in my first game of competition cricket. I played at Pitt Street Park Wentworthville for Wentworthville Waratahs batting on a cement pitch with compound balls. Batting in pairs, I scored 14 runs I think, no outs from my 10 balls faced and took 2 wickets from my 2 overs bowled and a catch.

Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?

I am a Parramatta District Junior. I played my junior cricket with Wentworthville Waratahs (up the Tahs) till the age of 14 before going to Bankstown playing 2 years Green Shield. I played for Panania East Hills in U15s and 16s in the Bankstown District Cricket Association before going back to Parramatta District CC playing a couple of seasons in 3s, 4s and 5s where I played in a 5^th grade semi-final with John Aitken (JA as skipper) before going to Petersham Marrickville the following season being graded in 3s. I made my 1^st grade debut for Petersham 6 rounds later so it was a very fast transition from 5s to 1s. I played 3 seasons at the mighty Petes before they amalgamated with Randwick. I played in the UK in Derbyshire Premier League for Ilkeston Rutland CC in 2001/02. I came back and played at Hawkesbury CC (go the Hawkies) for 3 seasons in 1’s – a great club. I returned to my junior grade club at Parramatta District CC playing 1s for a number of seasons before I skippered the last 2 seasons as First Grade Captain finishing up in 2010/11. I also had another stint in the UK at Westcliff On Sea Cricket Club in the Essex Premier League in 2007/08 – loved the UK. I came back to play after the birth of my son Cameron in 2011 and played a couple of seasons at Auburn CC in the Sydney Shires competition (First Grade) and then Third Grade at Parramatta District CC. I do also represent the NSW Police Cricket team having worked for NSW Police Force (Administration) for 22 years and still play to this day for them.

Jason Kelly

In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in senior cricket?

I made my senior cricket debut for Wenty Waratahs in C Grade at age 11 and played seniors at Wenty Waratahs until the age of 14. There were no restrictions with age and bowling back then. I played cricket all day from 8am in the morning (Juniors) till 5.30pm in the evening (Seniors) – “couldn’t get enough”.

What was the highest grade you played, and can you remember how you performed in your first game in that grade?

1^st Grade in Sydney was the highest grade I played. I represented Sydney Central in a few representative games against Sydney West, NSW Country and ACT.

My 1^st grade debut was against Randwick CC at Petersham Oval scoring 12. Andrew Downton (Merv) who I grew up playing against in our local Parramatta District happened to get me out caught behind going after a quick bouncer – was trying to hit him onto West Street such was our rivalry on the field (good mates off the park).

If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?

I led from the front on and off the field. I enjoyed taking it up to the opposition and backed my ability both with bat and ball. I batted 3 most of my 1^st grade career trying to emulate my batting and approach to cricket on my childhood cricket heroes Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting (current). I bowled first and second change medium pace – letting it rip off a short run up. Daniel “Jacko” Jackson nicknamed me the Burglar as I’d always pick up a wicket and make something happen when nothing was happening – one of my traits with the ball in hand. Some days they came out great, other days I didn’t know where they were going as I could swing the ball both ways and bowled the occasional beamer, haha. I’m not sure how many 1^st grade and overall grade scalps I took – be interested to find out.

What were your strengths as a player?

Tenacious, lead from the front, gritty, determined, took the game on and always backed myself in any situation batting, bowling and in the field. I loved the challenges faced out in the middle against tough opposition.

What was your highest score in senior cricket?

I scored 193 in 1^st Grade for Parramatta District CC Vs Manly at Old Kings Oval chasing 360 odd hitting 27 x 4s and 2 x 6s off 204 balls. Bob Simpson (former Australian Test player and Australian Coach) was our 1^st grade coach at the time said to me on Thursday at training, “JK, if you score a double hundred on Saturday, we will win the match”. At first I thought Bob was joking, but he was deadly serious. I’ll never forget that moment because at the time of passing Manly’s total, I was 190 not out. Jacko yelled out to go for a double century as at that time, no 1^st Parramatta District CC player had scored a double century at Old Kings in 1^st Grade. I ended up beating Doug Walters record of 190 so am very happy to be on the Highest 1^st Grade scorers list at Old Kings Oval with Doug at Parramatta DCC.

What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?

I took a number of 4 fas in 1^st grade with my skiddy med’s – 4 for 30 odd for Hawkesbury Versus Eastern Suburbs at Alan Davidson Oval (opening) in 1s. I also remembered taking 4 fa versus Fairfield in a 1 dayer at Rosedale Oval. I never took a 5 fa in an innings in 1^st grade unfortunately. I took 7 wickets in a match for Hawkesbury first grade Vs Sutherland at Caringbah Oval (Glen McGrath) where I took 4 fa in 1^st innings and 3 fa in 2^nd innings beating them outright after losing first innings getting Peter Wooden out just before stumps – one of the best wins I was involved in with Hawkesbury. I took 9 for 36 for Wenty Waratahs in U11s I think from memory versus Fairfield Pats and a few hat tricks in my time at Merrylands High School and for Wenty Waratahs.

Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?

Paul Goldsmith from Penrith – was always at you all day bowling with good pace and bounce particularly at Howell Oval shaping the ball away late – a great competitor and very rarely gave you any bad balls.

Trent Johnston (TJ) – bowled very good wheels, was always at you, big in swingers and off cutters and swung it away also. Faced a very scary spell against TJ at Petersham Oval where he went through us fairly quickly playing for the Bears.

Don Nash – Nashy was genuinely scary quick in his early days hitting the deck hard, swinging the ball away late and bowled quick bumpers. Doug Bollinger – Don’s Fairfield teammate was also a huge handful – massive heart, always at you. Bowled very good wheels and loved a sledge “yeah yeah”. Doug knocked my leg stump out playing a 1 dayer at Merrylands Oval after I scored 193 Vs Manly. Still to this day, don’t know how he swung it around my legs L to R to cartwheel my leg stump out of the ground – received a great sledge also for my troubles.

Daniel Horsley at Pratten Park was a handful, Matt Baker at North Sydney, facing Wayne Holdsworth, Scott Thompson, Brett Lee, Damien Preo, Mitchell Clayden and Scott Coyte at Raby, Daniel McLaughlin, Stuart MacGill, Ken Hall, Gavin Robertson and Greg Matthews, Aaron Bird, Jamie Heath, Mark Cameron, Phil Alley, Shawn Bradstreet – I faced some unbelievable spells of bowling over time.  

 

Paul Goldsmith

Who were the best three spinners you have played against?  

Greg Matthews – I witnessed Greg tell one of the batsmen I was batting with at Sydney Uni how he was going to get him out and on what ball. It went to script – amazing control, flight and turn particularly at Uni No 1 and at Waverley Oval.

David Freedman – being a left arm wrist spinner. Freddie’s turn off the wicket “biting and bounce”, wrong un and control was phenomenal and was so hard to read.

Robbie Aitken – was so hard to read with his doosra. Amazing bowler who could bowl for long spells containing an end. Robbie had one of the best spin coaches in his father Rob Aitken Senior. Rob Junior would of played for NSW and possibly Australia in 20/20 if it had been around back in the late 90s/early 2000s. He could hit the ball as hard as anyone I’ve seen, a great spinner and great fielder (rocket arm) from playing Baseball – the complete all round player. His younger brother Glenn “GA” was a great off spinner. Michael Wood’s L arm wrong un was one of the best in the business too.

Greg Matthews

Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?

Greg Mail – so consistent and polished was “Maily”. Very rarely played a loose stroke. He made us pay many a time if he gave us a chance. Scored big runs.

Grant Lambert was another standout. How Grant didn’t regularly open the batting for NSW during his time in the First-Class arena after dominating 1^st grade cricket as an opening batsmen for over a decade still makes me shake my head when I think about it. So strong when facing short pitched bowling – played both sides of the wicket. Grant also opened the bowling, definitely one of Sydney 1^st Grades best and most consistent allrounders in the last 50 years.

Andrew Sainsbury – always seemed to get big runs against us particularly at Waitara. Very composed, determined and methodical in his batting approach.

Murray Creed from UNSW was also another stand out – very similar batsmen. Knew his game intricately, took the game on when he needed too playing to his strengths. Drove well and was strong on both sides of the wicket. Dominated First grade for a number of seasons batting 3.

Greg Hayne was a rock opening the bat for Balmain also. Always put the bad ball away playing to his strengths.

Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

I was around 16 years of age and went up to Hurstville Oval to watch St George First Grade Vs Northern Districts with my step dad “Ian Macca”. We arrived just before tea. Northern Districts were chasing a big total and Randall Green was batting. He absolutely tore apart the attack in the last 2 hours of the day hitting the likes of Neil Jones and co around the park getting NDs home scoring a ton. It was some of the best batting I’d witnessed which still sticks with me to this day – pull shots, cover drives, straight drives moving the field around at will and hitting gaps. I was blown away at how hard and clean Randall hit the ball facing some hostile bowling.

Witnessing Michael Clarke score a double ton against us at Old Kings was a fantastic innings to see firsthand. Our groundsman helped Michael on this day preparing a belter. Ben Rohrer, Kevin Geyer, Phil Jacques, Greg Mail, Brett Van Deinsen, Paul Maraziotis, Tim Cruickshank, Matthew Phelps, Grant Lambert, Scott Hookey, Martin Haywood, Graeme Cunningham, Ed Cowan, Nigel Taylor, Paul Toole, Nathan Catalano, Dominic Thornley, Ian Moran, Ed Cowan and Jarrad Burke – these are just some of the players which come to mind and great innings witnessed in my time. All great players who scored big runs when they got in and took games away.  

Was there any bowler in particular who whatever reason always you to cause you a few problems?

Dylan Connell from Gordon. I dreaded playing Dylan at Killara. He bowled with pretty good pace nipping the ball back in viciously at times. He knocked me over a number of times LBW and bowled. Unfortunately, Dylan had my number on most occasions.

Can you recall a time when you thought, wow, this is a step or two up from what you were used to in grade cricket?

My first season in 1^st grade coming into 1’s at Petersham in Round 6 after finishing the previous season in 5^th Grade for Parramatta in the Semi Finals. The cricketers I played in my first season in 1^st Grade moulded me into the player I became in my 1^st Grade career including Richard Chee Quee at Randwick in my 1^st grade debut. Fielding at short leg under the lid and Cheeq’s nailing a few drives off Paul Stepto and a pull shot over the fence for 6. The power and execution of his shots and his tenacious attitude telling Steppy to get back to his “$” mark when a few explicit where shared between the two (men going hard at each other). “Welcome to first grade JK”.

Facing the likes of Phil Alley from Mosman charging in coming over the side screen at Petersham Oval bowling very quick on a wettish deck and finishing up in my face at the end of his run up each ball. He towered over me being 6ft 10 huffing and puffing and wanted to kill me.

Being greeted at the fence by Steve Small playing Bankstown at Bankstown Oval (1^st time playing there) and being called everything under the sun on my way walking out to bat taking guard to face Wayne Holdsworth (former Australian and NSW quick) and Scott Thompson (at the other end – former NSW quick).

Playing Phil Marks from North Sydney, facing Stuart MacGill (former Australian Test leg-spinner on a bunsen burner at Petersham Oval), Matthew Phelps and Shaun Bradstreet from Manly, Trent Johnson – former NSW and Ireland quick at North Sydney, Damien Preo at Campbelltown – short in stature bowling very quick hitting Graham Doig’s handle and half volleying into the fence at Raby, Don Nash (former Australia A and NSW fast bowler) at Fairfield – taking guard after Don pinned Matt Cassar breaking his chin at Rosedale in a pool of blood – bowling serious heat on an overcast afternoon. So many great memories. I could go on and on. I learned very quickly how 1^st Grade was played back in my very early years in First grade at Petersham (playing tough cricket against men on the field and having a beer with the opposition at the end of the game off the field). They were great days which I reflect on still to this day – so grateful to have been part of the arena.

Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

Phil Emery – such soft hands, very tidy behind the stumps and had a strong presence on the field.  

Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?

Grant Lambert – to be able to open the batting and bowling in 1^st Grade for over a decade and dominating both facets of the game – truly remarkable from Grant and should have played a lot more first-class cricket for NSW.

Scott Thompson was another fantastic player to watch his craft both with the ball (bowling wheels for Bankstown and with the bat – could turn the game with his clean striking of the ball). Both players were so skilful and competitive in their own rights and helped their teams win a lot of cricket matches on their own merit.

My Parra teammate Daniel “Jacko” Jackson was like Phar Lap – he just never gave up. I don’t know if I ever saw a bowler beat the bat more consistently than Jacko. I think if I’d played my whole career with Jacko fielding at mid-off when he was bowling, Dan would definitely have been the leading wicket taker “fast bowler” of all time in 1^st grade and may have played Shield too – Daniel was that good.

Grant Lambert

Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?

Greg “Davo” Davidson – Davo being a greenkeeper was great at choosing when to bat and bowl (most of the time). His presence on the field (7 foot) and communication on and off the field with the playing group, lower graders and club officials as well as being a great bloke were fantastic attributes which stuck with me when I skippered Parramatta in 1’s for 2 seasons.

Who has been your funniest team mate?

The Staunton brothers at Petersham “Andrew “Oogie” Staunton – “Hey”. Oogie was so fired up looking like a white Native Indian chief with the amount of white zinc he applied to his face and body each Saturday charging in bowling good wheels (slinger) and Paul “Ziggy” Staunton. I’d definitely be in the trenches with these two. They were all heart and soul on the field and there was never a dull moment – banter, the boys losing it, fun times. Ziggy’s impersonations in the change rooms were something else “so funny”.

Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?

There was many. One which stands out was a game as 1^st grade skipper Vs North Sydney at Old Kings Oval. James Aitken was batting. I chased a ball out to the boundary which James had hit and the ball had trickled and stop right next to a Pine Cone which was not touching the boundary fence about 3cms off (the ball was still in play). Rob Aitken Senior was sitting on the bench seat right in front of me behind the fence. As I came running to the ball, RA’s telling me to call it 4 “call it 4”. I said as I picked it up, it’s still in play. James and his partner were standing towards the middle of the pitch. I threw the ball in to Robbie Hearn our keeper who whipped the bails off. Rodney Tucker was officiating at the end I threw the ball in. He gave James out as the ball was still in play. Well was there an uproar. Matt Burton who was skipper of North Sydney and his team threatened to leave the ground at tea. Rod was also thinking about leaving the ground. Darren Goodger (Sydney Grade Cricket Umpire Lead) had to attend the match and mediate the situation between the 2 teams and the umpires such was the banter going on. Thankfully the game continued and we ended up having a good win. Every game played after this between Parramatta and North Sydney, we would always make sure we would leave 10-12 Pine Cones at the fence as the North Sydney boys took the field for their warm ups at Old Kings or North Sydney Oval. It’s great all involved in this match on both sides can still have a laugh about this to this day with the Aitkens (James, Robbie and Glenn). Definitely an unforgettable moment on the field!

Who was your childhood hero?

Steve Waugh – was lucky to play against Steve playing for Petersham Vs Bankstown at Petersham Oval. He got a golden duck snicking off to Matt Cassar caught behind where the whole oval was covered in topsoil.

Steve Waugh

Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?

Steve Waugh – my cricket idol growing up. Loved everything about how Steve played this great game.

Rodger Federer – the complete elite sportsman on and off the field. Another legend.

Steven Gerrard from Liverpool Football Club in the UK. Having played soccer at a high level as a junior representing NSW in schoolboys, watching Gerrard play for my favourite EPL team and for England – what a player and leader!

All three sports persons thrived under pressure – winning the key moments and were admirable on and off the sporting field.

Steven Gerrard

What was your favourite ground to play at?

Old Kings Oval – such a beautiful traditional cricket ground, great deck for both batsmen and bowlers and a good size oval. Hurstville and Bankstown Ovals were also great to play at – first class grounds.

What there a particular team you especially looked forward to playing against?

I enjoyed playing Western Suburbs. I scored a lot of runs against Wests at Pratten Park and at home for Parramatta and Hawkesbury. We did win a fair few of our matches against Wests. I enjoyed the battles on the field against the likes of Daniel Smith, Steve Phillips, Michael Bright, Col Barry, Grant Roden, Joe Mennie, Matt Day, Dan Horsley and Peter Burkhart. Playing ND’s at Waitara was another great deck to bat on and scored plenty of runs there and at Old Kings.

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?

Scoring 193 in First grade at Old Kings Oval Vs Manly in front of my late Pop who was my biggest fan and my dog Snowy.

Jason Kelly walking off the field after scoring 193 v Manly

What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?

There’s been some close wins and memorable matches. Chasing 360 odd against Manly at Old Kings was a highlight. Winning against Sutherland at Caringbah Oval after losing 1^st Innings outright was another great memory. Beating Mosman at Allan Border for the Hawkies and watching Slade Munoch bowl rapid to Shane Lee was quality.

Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?

Greg “Davo” Davidson – his deep voice, 7-foot physical presence and can tell a great yarn.

Michael Goeke “Goekes” would also be an invite. Never a dull moment with Goakes for those who know him –a lot of laughs and loved the circuit.

Graham Doig “Doigy” – just a quality bloke. Went pretty good on the circuit back in the day. We all loved the circuit! Throw in Daniel “Jacko”, Ziggy, Andrew “Harro” Harrison, Micky Wood and Shannon Lane – quality individuals, David “Towno” Townsend and Dave Fulton from the UK, it would be a cracking BBQ. There are so many more players I could of mentioned too.

What are your hobbies?

I do a form of Japanese Healing recently attaining my Shodan (Black belt level) - “Ki Shiatsu” – using Yin/Yang philosophy, 5 elements and pressure points (Energy) in helping people to work towards creating balance in their lives in serving others. I go fishing with my son. I also have a big garden to look after (love nature) and love to jam playing the congas, djemba African drums, Drums and Timbales “music” having a jam with friends.

What’s the best advice you’ve received?

Keep your own counsel, never put limitations on yourself in life. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail and Everything in moderation is another great saying – thanks Mum.

What is your occupation?

I am currently a Program Manager working in Infrastructure and Assets for Corrective Services NSW, NSW Government role – past 5 years and NSW Police Force (Business Administration) for 22 years prior to this. I’m also starting to do some part-time work with Ki Shiatsu – JK Shiatsu in giving back and wanting to help others which is key in life.

Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?

I do some cricket coaching 1-1 and small groups (JK 193 Cricket Coaching) with a few different players (young men to young boys) across various levels. I am getting back into more formal coaching at Norm O’Neill Cricket Centre this season with Hamish Solomon in giving back to this great game. Grade cricket coaching might be on the radar for me next season – there’s a shout out for me St George and Sutherland (local Grade teams)..

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?

Getting back to grass roots cricket establishing clear pathways for kids playing in local association teams being affiliated with both shires and grade cricket clubs. Pathways are key for young aspiring cricketers to keep them engaged from a young age right through to First Grade and First class.

I also believe making cricket gear and registrations more affordable. Quality bats with the big cricket companies costing close to $1000, it’s just not affordable for young families living in Sydney in 2024.

More $$$ needs to be given back to grass roots community cricket clubs and associations to ensure they have good quality facilities and accessible resources for young players as this is the future of our game and will always be with funding received from Cricket Australia and Cricket NSW.

I also think the game of cricket needs to be explored more in terms of the formats played, more day/night cricket played during the week like they do in the UK.

Exploring key features of cricket including the hours of play, number of overs per side and playing for a result each match (not draws like in the Grade Finals with the winner finishing higher on the ladder – boring cricket), looking at the number of players which make up a team in trying to revamp and rebrand the game to keep it viable over the next 30 years and beyond.

Looking at Baseball and Rugby League, why couldn’t teams across all formats sub in players during the game (have 3-4 players nominated at the start of the match who can be brought in at any time subbed in and out) to enable batsmen to bat, bowlers to bowl, good fieldsman to field. It would enable players who can’t commit to playing the whole match (2 days, 1 whole day) to participate for a few hours of the game doing what they’re skilled at and enjoy.

I believe this would certainly attract past players back playing and retain current players playing longer in passing on skills, knowledge and experience to the youth coming through as TIME is one of the biggest deterrents in the world we live in today. Food for thought CA and Cricket NSW.