Mark Dunn - the more you practice, the luckier you get
Mark Dunn played most of his cricket on the Mornington Peninsula and still enjoys the game playing for the Morning Peninsula Veterans cricket Club.
Let’s find out more about Mark’s journey in the game
What year you were born?
1956 (eight ball over days!!)
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
Under 16’s at Chelsea YCW. Must have gone OK as I won batting and bowling awards that season.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
Juniors at Chelsea YCW and Aspendale. Seniors at Aspendale, North Melbourne (only 4 games), Frankston Peninsula, Somerville, Frankston YCW and finally Heatherhill. Now playing Over 60’s with Mornington.
Mark Dunn unfortunately bowled around his legs
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in grade cricket?
Aspendale, 16 years of age.
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 about 17. Nothing spectacular I think.
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
Primarily a top order batsperson who dabbled in bowling (medium and spin) and also wicketkeeping.
What were your strengths as a player?
Solid opener then solid middle order then….
Victoria Junior (Under 21) Cricket team that played in the Australia Carnival at Flinders University in Adelaide in 1977. Mark Dunn is third in from the right in the back row
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
Just over 100 for Somerville vs Seaford in Provincial. Probably about 1986. I did make 243 for YCW 4ths in 1996 (called back from retirement)
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
8 for 27. Frankston Peninsula 3rds in about 1984. One of those great days.
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Peter Klauer - wicked accuracy and movement
Graham Young - fast, bouncy and rarely loose
Colin Costorphin - very fast. No contest!!
Who were the best three spinners you have played against?
Paul Bradley - quick and accurate
Brian McCue - very clever
Graham Smith - also very clever
Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?
Rob Bedford - power and skill
Graham Yallop - sublime timing
Don Rixon - too easy.
All left handers too I think.
Graham Yallop
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Brendon Gardner, Heatherhill Provincial Two’s. Made 200 and was in total control.
Was there any batsman/bowler in particular who whatever reason always seemed to cause you a few problems?
Bloody Peter Klauer. Had no answer.
Can you recall a time when you thought, wow, this is a step or two up from what you were used to?
Selected in Victorian Under 21 team for the Australian Junior Cricket Carnival in 1976 in Adelaide. Didn’t know what to expect but went OK.
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
No one comes to mind but have been privileged to see Frankston Peninsula 1st keeper, Jacques Augustin. Amazing hands.
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
David Martin and Keith Janz.
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
Keith Janz. An amazing student of the game; always thinking and never gives an inch. Quality player and person to boot.
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Mick Buckley from Somerville. Had the driest sense of humour, which appealed to me.
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
Playing Tyabb for YCW in Peninsula Twos perhaps early 1990’s. Peter Wilkins was bowling well and I was keeping. Batter asked me “Who’s the Italian guy bowling?” The name Guido was born and is still used today.
What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?
Playing for Frankston Peninsula 2nds. Trying to impress skipper for a finals berth and was throwing everything at this regulation spin bowler and hitting absolutely nothing. Was over quickly.
Who was your childhood hero?
Paul Sheahan. Always loved the fielding side of the game and loved how he moved in the field. Pure magic to watch. Could bat a bit too!!
Paul Sheahan
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Walter Lindrum, W G Grace and John Coleman. Clearly, the older they were, the better they are.
Walter Lindrum
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Bill Lawry.
What was your favourite ground to play at?
Albert Ground. So much history. But Frankston Peninsula is wonderful too.
Was there a particular team you especially looked forward to playing against?
Mentone. Always a bit of niggle. They thought they were #$%@hot; we didn’t.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Being selected in Australian Junior Cricket team at culmination of above mentioned Carnival in 1977. Never got to play anyone, but I still have the medallion to prove it.
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
Heatherhill 3rds playing Mornington in semi final. We were bowled out for about 70. Bowled them out for about 60. Another early finals departure avoided. And we went on to win the Grand Final.
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Mick Buckley, Peter Lane and Ken Piesse.
What are your hobbies?
Table tennis, snooker/billiards, bike riding, vets cricket and University of the 3rd Age. And seeing and minding our grandchildren.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
The more you practice, the luckier you get.
Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?
Playing vets cricket with Mornington. Also net captain at Frankston Peninsula.
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?
Get coaches (male and female) properly trained and integrate the skills from other sports e.g. baseball; learn how to throw properly.