Matt Whitby - never give up

Matt Whitby was a tall and economical fast bowler who made his First Grade debut for Petersham in season 1990/91.

He represented NSW at Under 19’s and Colts and took 281 First grade wickets at an average of 23.5 and scored 1,793 runs at 14.

Whitby had the honour of winning Western Suburbs A.K Davidson award for their best player in 1997. An honour he shared that year with his good mate Daniel Ryan.

Firstly, what year were you born?

October, 1972

What’s your nickname?

Hoffy (after Bronco's tall fullback Paul Hauff), Whitters or Whits

Where did you go to high school?

Sydney Technical High School, Bexley

Do you remember your first ever game of cricket?

I was 8 or 9 (U10s) and my first good memory was hitting a straight drive for 4 past the bowler, so it tells me I was always a tortured wannabe batsman.

Where did you play your junior cricket?

The great Earlwood Wanderers

Which clubs did you play for?

Petersham (now Randwick-Petersham) and Western Suburbs. I also had half a season at Melbourne club Prahran (which was a lot of fun as they had Jason Arnberger, Jon Moss, David Hussey, Anthony McQuire and Bryce McGain playing) and played for Penn Cricket Club in Wolverhampton, Birmingham in the U.K

How old were you when you first played grade cricket?

Petersham - I played Green Shield and 5th grade at 13.

What age did you make your first grade debut?

17 at Petersham.

What were your best bowling figures in first grade?

7-46 for Wests against Fairfield at Pratten Park

What is your highest score in first grade?

Funnily it was also for Wests against Fairfield but this game was at Fairfield Oval. I was 99 not out and we unfortunately lost by 5 runs.

What was your most memorable moment in cricket?

In Grade, undoubtedly my debut for Western Suburbs in 1994, taking 5-50 and the 99 not out, but that same year we were Minor Premiers and played finals which was great.

I also have a fond memory of hitting the winning runs for NSW U19 against South Australia at the Australian U19 Carnival. We were 9 down at the time so the boys were pretty pumped, hugs and high fives all round.

Whits Pride and Joy

Who’s been the biggest influence in your cricket career?

I’ve had a few I’d like to mention.

When I was at Earlwood Wanderers, I met my eventual bowling coach, Alan Staunton who was/is a genius.

Anthony McQuire is a great friend and was a huge influence, especially with my batting

My mum and dad were always a huge support also and were even awarded the Wests “Clubman” Award jointly one year

The late, and great Chris O’Neil was a great human, friend and administrator, and was also my employer (with father Bernie) for many years whilst I chased my cricketing dreams. He is sorely missed.

Who was the funniest cricketing team mate?

There were plenty, and I will offend many, but for pure dry, English wit, and for a constant flow of laughing, it has to be David Townsend (ex Randwick-Petersham). I caught up at the Sydney Test recently, and fair to say he is still in comedic form.

Who is your favourite all time cricketer?

In the International arena, DK Lillee was my idol and whom I aspired to be, and what Gilly did was simply unrepeatable

In grade, I have a huge respect and admiration for Graeme Rummans, not only is he a great person, but his record at St George (and St Kilda) makes him arguably the most winning grade cricketer of all time

What was the best win you were involved in?

I would have to stick with the NSW U-19 game against SA, but at grade level beating a full strength Bankstown at Pratten Park and taking 5 wickets was pretty special. Their captain put his bat through the change-room door during our team song, which reinforced it meant a lot to beat them.

What did you enjoy most about playing Premier/Grade Cricket in Sydney?

Unquestionably the camaraderie and the mateships formed which are still intact and flourishing today.

I ensured I always played fair, but hard, and respected the opposition. I’m pleased to have so many friends that played on opposing teams as I do from Wests and Petersham.

The great story-tellers I have met are countless and the stories seem to get better each year, but telling them and hearing them over and over is never tiresome.

If you’re in the middle seat of the middle row of Qantas QF1flight to London which team mates would you choose to on your left and right?

Firstly, as I am 197 cm, I would refuse to sit in a middle row to Canberra let alone London.

Mike Swan and Anthony McQuire- there would be plenty of laughs, we’d try and give Boony’s record a run and solve the issues of the day in Cricket from grassroots through to the International arena.

Did you have any cricketing superstitions?

No, that’s for witch-doctors, and Steve Waugh

Which ground in Sydney club cricket did you enjoy playing at the most?

The wickets that assisted my style of bowling but were also very rewarding as you had to work hard all day, were Hurstville Oval and Bensons Lane.

Who were the top 3 batsman you bowled to?

Steve Smith (the older one who played for Bansktown and Fairfield), Graeme Rummans and Rod “Loggy” Bower. I could never remove Shane Lee either to my chagrin.

Is there a batsman you’d consider one of your bunnies?

I wouldn’t say I ever had a bunny, but I enjoyed bowling to Scott Hookey, as he always wanted to hit me into the next suburb, and my away swinger tended to do the trick.

What’s the best advice you ever received?

Never give up- games are never lost and no batsman is invincible (from a few wise people)

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

I am volunteering at the T20 World Cup, which should be great and I still keep in close contact with the Wests and Randy-Petes ex-players and still watch Grade, Big-Bash and Test Cricket religiously.

My son has just commenced U-10s for St Ives, which is great.

What advice would you offer a young 13 year old who has the ambition of playing test cricket?

You need to work harder and longer than anyone else (look at Michael Clarke, Steve Smith, Ricky Ponting, Glenn McGrath et al), plus when the sledging ramps up (which is inevitable and part of the challenge) tell yourself it is a sign that the opposition rates you and don’t bite.

What are your hobbies?

Golf, swimming/beaching, spending time with mates waxing lyrical, and chilling with my boys

What is your occupation?

I work in the Commercial Property sector and have done for almost 20 years.

Are there any lessons from your time in cricket that you take into work or life in general?

Cricket defined and still defines who I am in all aspects of life. Open and honest communication, respectful discourse and always thinking of your team mates (or work colleagues) above yourself is critical. The toughness, resilience and respecting your elders (coming through as a relative youngster) also seems to be lost on the current generation.

Most importantly, never give up!!!