Dwayne Paisley - you owe the club everything, the club doesn’t owe you

St Andrews Cricket Club | April 11, 2023

Dwayne Paisley is a Life Member of St Andrew Cricket Club.

Over 23 years and still playing today Dwayne has been a dedicated and loyal servant to the club as a player, captain, coach and sponsor.

He is a premiership winning First XI captain with a strong focus of the development of the younger players through the grades.

Dwayne has played over 250 First XI games for the club, scored in excess of 7,500 runs and taken over 200 wickets.

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

 

 

What year you were born?

1977

Can you remember you first game of cricket?

I was 7 playing under 12s for Croydon Hockeyers (Croydon Ranges now). I was as tall as the stumps and the coach batted me at 3. I got cleaned bowled first ball and unlike the participation rubbish these days, I was out. I learned to get better it you won’t bat for longer.

Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?

I played all my junior cricket with Croydon Hockeyers and also played seniors from the age of 12 in a team with my dad and brother. When I was 21 I wasn’t thrilled with the club merger and the direction the club was going and my cousin was the president at St Andrews and asked me across. I love my old club and all my family and mates I grew up with, but since I walked into the Saints I’ve fallen in love with the place and I’ve been here ever since (23 years).

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

It was a long time ago but from memory I played in the 4s on my debut as a 12yo. My Dad and brother were also in the team. We had 2 other families in the teams with a father and 2 sons. 9 of the 11 players were father and son which was fantastic. I remember getting my first wicket, LBW and the opposition umpire triggered his mate. I’m not sure whether he hates his mate or wanted the little kid to get a wicket but either way I will take it.

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?

My senior debit was for Croydon Hockeyers first eleven as a 15 year old. I opened the batting against a strong North Ringwood with some serious players. They made over 400 and rolled us easily in the first dig but we held out and didn’t get beaten outright. I made a 50 in the second dig and I remember the old blokes on the other team shaking my hand afterwards which was special.

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

I would say a batting all-rounder. I’ve opened all my life and bowled first change for about 10 years before old age and injury have slowed me down a bit.

What were your strengths as a player?

I’d say being as competitive as I can whether that’s in the field, batting or bowling. I open the batting and like to take the new ball on and score as fast as a I can. When I bowled I liked to swing the ball around and make it hard to score

What was your highest score in senior cricket?

At my previous club Croydon Ranges we were chasing 290 and I was hungover thinking we were no chance of getting the runs. Obviously feeling ordinary I thought I’d take the bowlers on. I hit the ball as clean as a whistle and was out for 151 in the 38th over.

What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?

At my current club St Andrews in the first eleven I was playing against East Ringwood. I picked up 6/29 off 17.

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

Back in the day every week you faced a serious fast bowler. I faced guys like Downes, Jensen, Pedler and Huntingdon. It’s hard to say who the best was as they were all terrific. They just bowled serious heat and moved it around all whilst trying to really hurt you.

Who were the best three spinners you have played against? 

I don’t rate spinner’s (lol) but a guy from Warrandyte Matt Sazenis was always on the money. Sometimes I got hold of him but he also got me out a few times.

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

My memory these days going back is a bit blurry after playing so many games but I always remember Andrew Downes. He played every shot in the book and ran between the wickets so perfectly. He was a top class player

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

Matthew Sutherland in a qualifying final for us batting at 7. We were 5/50 chasing 232 and he batted with the lower order to see us win the game 9 down with an over to spare. He hit 107 not out and it was truly incredible to watch.

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

Not really that I can recall. I’m sure some have got me out many times but I try to never let a bowler settle in or have the better of me. I like to take them on and put the pressure back on them.

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

There was a guy who played one season at South Croydon in about 1995 who was a Premier cricketer, Andrew Huntingdon. He would’ve of bowled 140km+ and was dead set frightening. I remember as a 18 year old dead set scared for my life. They beat us outright very easily

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

At my club we were very fortunate to have the greatest local wicket keeper around in Matt Harvey. This bloke is a genuine freak and besides his many amazing days behind the stumps on grand final day in 2013 he took 2 of the best leg side stumpings and 2 very nice catches to change the game single handily.

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

Again the guy I’ve mentioned a couple of times Andrew Downes. He bowled fast, swung it, batted extremely well, gun fielder and a genuine great guy. Matt Harvey who I played with was the best keeper going around, destructive batsmen and a genuine terrific fella.

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

Greg Moorhouse, he was as tough as they come. He valued his wicket higher than he valued his life. He knew how to push guys to their limits and you just had to do everything you could to win to make him happy. He was hard but exactly what is needed.

Who has been your funniest team mate?

Aiden Williams only played a handful of first eleven games but he is a genuine funny guy. He plays for fun and brings everyone around him up with him. Whenever he gets a wicket he pulls out the shoe phone, the worm or any other crazy ideas he has. I remember he hit the winning runs batting at 11 one day and he rode the bat down the pitch like a horse whipping his own arse saying I love cricket. Absolute weapon!

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

Many I can’t say here but one of the greatest was a guy called Belly at Warrandyte. Greg Moorhouse was batting and was about 10 off 80 balls. Belly walked up to him and said “no wonder kids are taking up basketball, who would want to watch batting like this”

Who was your childhood hero?

Gilchrist. Left hander who doesn’t die wondering. My type of guy.

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

Adam Gilchrist, Michael Jordan and Shane Warne

Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?

This is real tough. Bill Lawry and the great, 2/222 Man

What was your favourite ground to play at?

My home ground at Manson Reserve, Wantirna. What a place and I have some amazing memories here

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?

Captaining and playing in the 2012-13 Wilkins Cup 1St X1 premiership and also 2019/20 captaining and winning the Newey plate 1St X1 side with 8 guys under 20 in the team.

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

2012-13 qualifying final. We were 5/50 chasing 232 and we won the game 9 down with an over to spare. Incredible day.

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

I’m going with 4. Greg Moorhouse, Matt Harvey, Danny Mather and Cal McKenzie

What are your hobbies?

Cricket, holidaying outside of cricket season, coaching my daughters under 10 cricket team

What’s the best advice you’ve received?

You owe the club everything, the club doesn’t owe you.

What’s your occupation?

Owner/ Operator of Saints Landscaping and garden maintenance

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?

Ban batsmen from wearing helmets. Since the introduction of helmets players techniques are now very poor as they have protection and take their eyes off the short ball. I’d also make junior sport free to participate for all children 6 to 16. I’m sure sponsors would line up to pay for it.