Anthony Barranca - play hard, never give up
Anthony Barranca is a stalwart for Perth Cricket Club having played all his juniors and came through the grades to make his first-grade debut at the age of 20 in 1992-93.
Anthony played 136 first grade games for Perth Cricket Club in Western Australia Premier Cricket as a wicket keeping opening batter and he scored 3,246 first grade runs for the club.
Recently after a successful Over 50s Australian National Championships for Western Australia in Adelaide in November 2022, Anthony was selected in the Australian Over 50s World Cup team to play in the Over 50s World Cup in South Africa in March 2023.
Let’s find out more about Anthony’s journey in the game
Anthony Barranca wicket keeping for Perth Cricket Club
What year you were born?
1972
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
I think I was 10, playing for my primary school, Gibbs St and scored runs, how many, who knows! I just remember how much I loved batting.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
I started at Gibbs St Primary School playing for the school from the age of 10 (grade 5) until 12 (grade 7). There was a Under 13 combined school side which was being chosen from the metropolitan area. I was lucky enough to be selected and chosen to represent the Perth CC in the Under 13 WACA competition. I played my way through juniors and grade cricket, eventually playing 1st Grade. The only time I didn’t play at the Perth CC, was when I played 2 years with my great indoor cricket mates at the Applecross CC.
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in grade cricket?
I was 15 years old in 4th Grade at Perth Cricket Club.
At what age did you make your first-grade debut in grade cricket and can you remember how you performed in debut?
I think I was 20 and honestly, I can’t!
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
I’m an opening batsmen and wicketkeeper,
What were your strengths as a player?
As we all know cricket is a tough and funny game, but I’d like to think I played the game hard but fair and in a positive manner and to motivate my teammates.
Western Australian Over 50s cricket team - Australian Over 50s National Championships in Adelaide - November 2022
Who was the best spinner you had the good fortune to keep to?
A man by the name of Giles Bush who had the nickname SAW (spin a web}.
Who was the best fast bowler you kept to?
Mark Atkinson
Was there anyone bowler who you really enjoyed keeping to?
Allan McDougall could swing the ball both ways and late and as a keeper you always thought you were a chance.
Can you recall a catch or stumping that still fills you with pride and puts a smile on your face?
Leg side stumpings always give me satisfaction but to pick one would be difficult, as too for catches, but the one-handed catches in front of the slips are the ones you really enjoy.
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
For which club and where 188 for Perth CC at McGillivray Reserve against Claremont Nedlands.
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
I wasn’t a bowler, but I did get a chance to bowl 4 overs of leg spin in 1st Grade for the Perth CC against Subiaco/Floreat CC at Floreat Park, I took 2 wickets.
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Duncan Spencer and Ottis Gibson for their shear pace and Bruce Reid for being a left armer who came from a great height. If you couldn’t play off the back foot, you were in trouble!
Who were the best three spinners you have played against?
Stuart McGill spun the ball a long way. you could hear the ball fizzing on the way down.
Bradley Hogg, had a good wrongun
Tom Hogan. who had had good change of pace and gave you nothing.
Start MacGill
Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?
Damien Martyn had all the shots and made it look effortless.
Michael Hussey, fellow left hander who’s cover drive was sublime.
Shaun Marsh who always got runs against us.
Michael Hussey
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Adam Gilchrist, who scored 252 in a one day, (50 over) game against Gosnells CC, for the Perth CC.
Was there any bowler or batsman who for whatever reason always seemed to cause you a few problems?
Duncan Spencer, for obvious reasons, “Pace”!
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Adam Gilchrist, athletic, who had great hands and a great cricket mind.
Adam Gilchrist
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Michael Hussey and Justin Langer, fierce competitors who valued their wickets.
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
Mark Hullett, very good man manager, who could get the best from his players, from his approach and support, which helped form a great team.
Who was your childhood hero?
Allan Border
Allan Border
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and Roger Federer
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Richie Benaud
What was your favourite ground to play at?
Fletcher Park, home of the Perth CC Demons
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?
Forming strong friendships with men who are like minded and love the game of cricket has been very rewarding and the advice I would give anyone who has turned 50 or older, thinking of getting back into cricket is “Do It”.
You were selected and played for the Australian Over 50s cricket team that played in the 2023 World Cup in South Africa. What did it mean to you personally to be selected in the Australian Over 50s team and what was the experience like to play in the World Cup?
It was an amazing experience which filled me full of pride. I’m truly grateful for the friendships formed in such a short amount of time and representing my country is something I will cherish, never forget and hope to do again.
The Australian Over 50s cricket team training camp at Perth Cricket Club
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Scoring my maiden 1st grade 100 (100*) for the Perth CC in 1994 against Mt Lawley and having the opposition, batsmen the likes of Gary Ireland and John Maguire, come shake my hand after raising my bat and say “That’s one of the better 100s I’ve seen from a young man” is something I’ll never forget. That same game, Andrew Wilson (65 not out) and myself (100 not out) put on 162 unbeaten partnership for the 7th wicket, which is a record that still stands today at the Perth CC.
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
Winning a close one day final (50 overs) under lights at the WACA in 1995-96 to break a 1st grade flag drought and for it to be the 4th time in 5 years to have made the final but lose the previous 3, it was very memorable and satisfying.
Australian Over 50s players from Western Australian - Brad Popotto, Stephen Gollan and Anthony Barranca
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Adam Gilchrist, Michael Hussey and Justin Langer
What are your hobbies?
I breed, own and race greyhounds. I play indoor cricket and I enjoy camping.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Play hard but fair and never give up.
What’s your occupation?
I’m a vending technician for Coca Cola
Are you still involved in cricket and if so, how?
Other than back playing after 10 years of retirement, I am trying to give back to the club where I played 95% of my cricket, the Perth CC. Helping the young kids coming through the grades, improve their skills, knowledge of the game and more importantly, the spirit in which they play.
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?
Ensure test cricket is what players strive towards and that grass roots cricket is well funded.