Ryan McQueen - be kind to your mother
Ryan McQueen has played all his cricket in the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association. Starting out as a junior with Frankston YCW he moved into the seniors before joining Seaford Cricket Club.
Let’s find out more about Ryan’s journey in the game
What year you were born?
1986
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
I was 11 playing under 12’s for Frankston YCW. Had an opening stand of 40 with my life long best friend Cameron Rowlands, we had to retire on 20 back then.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
Juniors & seniors with Frankston YCW 1997 – 2007/8 then Seaford cricket club 2007/8 to current.
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in senior cricket?
I was 13, my one and only game in the 4ths. I’d never seen so many eskys laying around the boundary in my life!!
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?
Provincial firsts for YCW. I made my firsts debut against Mornington at Gardners at 15 years old on what seemed to be the darkest day I have ever played cricket. I was told by Neil Barfuss to count every dot ball Marc Uccello faced (big mistake). Once tea came around Marc made it clear that he was coming for me when we batted. A raging Nick Johnson was waiting for me when I came out to bat and the whole slips cordon were chuckling away as I was nervous as anything. 4 bouncers in a row then I nicked off for 0!! Fair to say I had nothing to add after that.
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
A cricketer that took a while to understand my strengths and weaknesses through ill-discipline. Once I figured that out I knew my game, which was at age 29!
I’d like to say all-rounder but I’d cop heaps from the boys!! I’m an opening batsman who bowls a bit and as captain for the last 5 seasons I’ve bowled a lot more. I don’t think I’ll get that chance again.
What were your strengths as a player?
Researching the opposition players, and showing on field leadership. Attacking the game head on from ball one.
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
167 for Seaford CC v Tyabb at Seaford in a semi-final 2019-20
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
7 for 8 against Rye at Rye 2020/21 season
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Scott Phillips – quick, crafty and just a super bowler.
Matt Meagher - always asking questions, perfect action and line, we had some serious battles.
Isru Dias - wasn’t the quickest but line and length was amazing.
Who were the best three spinners you have played against?
Shaun Austin from Carrum - he just tossed them up and got me out every single time.
Daniel Kelly from YCW & Sommerville - wished he played longer. Best left arm orthodox I’ve seen in the MPCA.
Tom Barron from Mounties - I think it was left arm straight spin but he had my measure (8 times)
Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?
Nick Christidies - Chicko just whacked them!! Always making bulk runs for fun.
Bob Wilson - Mr Peninsula rarely fails and I’ve have been on the receiving end a few times whilst playing against.
Gaz Wyatt - takes the P1 when the game is there for the taking. He was the first bloke I ever seen play a reverse sweep and smoked it for 6.
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Chris Britain hung over after country week at Long island, peeled off the quickest 180 I’ve ever seen.
Jim Boyd 200 at RF MILES against Boneo was chanceless.
Chris Brittain
Was there any bowler in particular who for whatever reason always seemed to cause you a few problems?
I hate to say it, but its bloody Cam Williams and I don’t know why he just bowls merry mediums.
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Brad Glenn, quickest hands in the peninsula.
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Rob Bedford - the man was a genius on the field. The best batsman I have played with.
Neil Barfuss - the man taught me how to be competitive, he was an energizer bunny and never stopped.
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
Rob Bedford, on field leader of men, always got the best out of his team.
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Faisal Payenda, god he came out with some rubbish on the field!!
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
Bart Hudgson deliberately bowling a ball off the pitch when I was on 97 to finish the game so I fell short of my ton. The umpire made him bowl the rest of the over out, I got my ton, and a few choice words were exchanged.
Who was your childhood hero?
Wayne Carey! The king had it all.
Wayne Carey
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Tiger Woods
Steph Curry
Ricky Ponting
Steph Curry
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Kerry O’Keeffe
What was your favourite ground to play at?
RF MILES, & Delecome Park
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
District Firsts flag for YCW
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
Reverse outright win V Baden Powell. Dan Polson was bananas at RF Miles
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Josh Trevitt, genuine egg but I love him.
Andrew McMannis, we can talk about how many catches you dropped off his bowling at second slip.
Scott Diggle, a man with an infectious smile and a great bloke to have a beer with.
What are your hobbies?
Horse racing and golf. Taking the family to the footy for torture at every North Melbourne game.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Be kind to your mother.
What’s your occupation?
Quarry supervisor at Hanson Construction Materials, blast rocks week in week out.
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?
Keep the promotion of milo or blasters strong with all local clubs to ensure our juniors coming through have the platform to succeed