Welcome to the latest Howzat Building Waratahs in History. This Q & A is with Mark “Scud” Cameron.
Mark was an express fast bowler growing up in the steel city of Newcastle. “Scud” took 206 wickets in only 54 innings for Manly. In the 2002/03 season alone he took 67 wickets in 11 matches with almost 50 before the Christmas break. He represented NSW and Australia A and was close to selection at the highest level of Test Match cricket several times.
In his come back NSW Shield game after injury, Chris Lynn commented “Well, he bowled like the absolute wind” after “Scud” took 11 for 52 of 20 overs(still the third cheapest haul of 11 plus wickets in Shield history).
Our Waratahs in History series is proudly sponsored by Howzat Building Services. Visit Andrew Watkins and the team at www.howzatbuildingservices.com.au for all your building needs.
How did your love of cricket come about as a child? Who were your cricket heroes growing up?
I’m not really sure how I fell in love with the game… I used to play a heap in the backyard in newcastle with my neighbours (the Pappas’ and the Walkers). I loved watching Dean jones bat and Chaminda Vaas bowl.
What are your memories of the club in the early and mid-2000’s? Both on and off the field?
I smile when I think about those days, particularly off the field. Times were good, Katie (my then girlfriend, now wife) were both working, the steyne would get a workout fairly often (as did the other places in Manly). Playing was nerve-wracking early, as I had a tendency to put too much pressure on myself and I got injured fairly quickly in the year (I think I played only 7 games)
Tell us a bit about your junior journey on your way to playing at Manly?
I started cricket at 11 for Western Suburbs Junior Cricket Club (Newcastle) and then transitioned to Lambton-New Lambton Seniors. I played a few years for LNL and managed to represent Newcastle, NSW Country and Australian Country during that time. After the Australian country championships, I got a phone call from Matthew Phelps, asking me to come down and see if the place would be a good fit.
Who helped you the most throughout those initial years starting out in Grade cricket at Manly?
Mick Pawley, without a doubt. What a guy! He gave me a job, mentored me, challenged me at the right times. It would be special if he did it for only one person, but I know he did it for everyone. Truly a great, albeit a biz crazy person.
Who were some of the well-known cricketers who you came through the system with, and who was the best player coming through the Manly ranks during your juniors?
I couldn’t tell you about the Manly juniors, but the best player in my age group was a fella called Matthew Baker. Bowled rockets. Then broke his leg.
You debuted for the Waratahs in 2001 at the age of 20. What do you remember about your grade debut?
Not much. actually almost nothing. That doesn’t make much of a story, but I can only assume my impact was minimal.
Your best figures for Manly were 8-34(02/03) & 7-20(05/06), what do you remember about those games?
I think the 7 fa 20 was against a fairly strong Penrith team one year. that was a nice day, again, my memory is almost nil, other than being really happy we saw the end of Kevin Geyer.
What do you consider the best spell of bowling from yourself?
I played in a shield game against QLD at the Gabba after being injured for 18 months. I was happy just to play again. We knocked them over twice in just over a day and were having a beer to celebrate on day 2!
What do you think your strength was as a cricketer?
I could bounce back from adversity pretty well. I was disciplined with training and rehab. On the park, it helped when I bowled fast.
Who was the best player at Manly that you played with?
Good question. There were a few. The State players at the time were Phelps, Heath and Bradstreet. Timmy Cruickshank progressed after I left the club, Pipey played FC cricket in England (he also partied for his country). Cameron Lawes hit 5 sixes off Greg Matthews, so he gets a run also!
What is the best innings/bowling spell you saw at Manly from a fellow player?
Heathy bowled an over to some poor sap for Fairfield Liverpool where the over consisted of a dropped edge (thanks Timmy), and 5 plays and misses on both sides of the bat. Winga Nearly bowled us into the final against sydney uni one year, despite Greg Matthews throwing his batting gear over the fence yelling ‘I’m ready for ya Winga!’… good times.
Who was the funniest player you played with at Manly and why? Do you have any clean stories you could share with us?
Jamie Sullivan. Just thinking about that time makes me smile. Driving to cricket with ‘You make me feel like dancing’ by Leo Sayer blaring out the window while we drive to cricket, countless stories (Almost none clean). Such a loveable clown! But such a good, loyal guy.
Who set the on and off field standards?
Mick Pawley. I think Mick brought the club back from it’s needs and shares considerable responsibility for it’s current position within the SCA.
Who was the best Captain you played with and why?
I don’t think there were that many. Winga was the the captain for most of the time. Sully had a cameo also. I still remember walking in two straight lines to fielding training because Sully asked us too…
Sully’s captaincy to get Ben King to face the first ball against Doug Bollinger in peak form as his first bat in First grade was inspired captancy…. I think Kingy is still looking for his big toe!
Who was someone that you loved to play with that you loved seeing succeed?
It was good to see Timmy Cruickshank do well after I left. He had so much talent. I loved playing with Sully. He made cricket fun, which is really the only reason we should play the game.
Best Nick Name?
I only had one. Scud
What does your life involve now, and do you keep abreast of how the Waratahs are faring?
I’m living in Newcastle again, still married to Katie, we have two daughters, Emily and Mia. Emily loves cricket, Mia hates it. Both are great kids. Life is looking after those guys. I coach Emily’s Cricket team, exercise a lot, and try to compete in a few races (run / Cycling or Triathlon) a year. I work for Squadron Energy, attempting to develop wind farms across the state.
It’s hard not to keep abreast of Manly’s success, your social media is everywhere! It’s great that the club is going so well, and there are so many good people still attached to the club.
