In late 2006 a bright eye’d and bushy haired young maverick by the name of Michael Visser played his first game for the Waratahs in a round 15 match against Campbelltown. His results with the ball were solid rather than spectacular, taking 2 for 37 on debut.
Last round that same bright eye’d young scholar, although not as bushy haired, took his 300th wicket for the club.
Yes it’s true that Michael Visser was known for his wild, Sideshow Bob type hair in the early days of his career with the club, but as time has passed he has become more known for his tenacity, consistency and commitment with the ball.
It’s true to say that Visser was not blessed with raw speed or viscous movement. However, knowing this early, he gained immense skill in his craft by working hard, knowing his game, and having the desire to be the best he could be.
Indeed, his first few years at the club where always consistent but not spectacular, taking regular 4 wicket hauls but never setting the world in fire. That changed in a 4th grade match in the 2009/10 season where he took 7 for 10 against a helpless Blacktown side, rolling them for 26. He even did it with only 9 men on the field for the first 4 wickets of his spell after Jarrod Baker took the wrong turn to the ground at Blacktown.
That amazing piece of bowling seemed to be the catalyst for Visser believing in himself, and he started to rise through the grades. Indeed, his performances for 2nd grade in the 2014/15 season, leading them to a Grand Final appearance, was the 2nd part of his ascendancy to a top class bowler. That season he not only made his 1st grade debut but also took 45 wickets at an average of 13.77
Over the last couple of seasons, Visser has been a regular performer in our top grades. With the odd appearance in 2nd grade, he has always produced the goods when asked, resulting in an elevation straight back up to 1st grade.
Only 27 players in our history have taken 300 wickets or more, and Visser now becomes the 28th. With time on his side, he has the ability to move into the top 20 in the next year or 2. After that, anything is possible….. watch out Wazza.
Congratulations to Michael on an amazing milestone for the Waratahs, and something that the entire club and playing group are very proud to see you achieve.
Michael Visser:
Debut: 2005/06 vs Campbelltown
Overs: 1,928.1
Maidens: 425
Runs: 6,189
Wickets: 300
Average: 20.42
Best Bowling: 8 for 44 vs Northern Districts, Quarter Final 2014/15
