Michael Hussey's Postcards

TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2001
You win some, you lose some: Mike Hussey on cricket's highs and lows

Cricket is a great game. One day you can be on top of the world and the next you want to find a big hole and crawl into it. I have been fortunate enough to play in two grand finals this season - for one win and one loss. The first was a one-day final for my club team, Wanneroo, where we defeated Willeton in a tight match under lights at the WACA and the second was the Mercantile Mutual Cup Final against NSW, where the Blues were too good for the Warriors. The contrast in the change rooms after a win and a loss is something to be seen.

The Wanneroo A-grade team has been in four out of the last five one-day finals. Before this year we had lost each final in which we had played. This year we managed to beat a strong Willeton team with players of the calibre of Sean Cary, Brad Hogg, Mark Walsh and Shaun Marsh. It was a tough game as the Roos made a smallish total of 183 and then dismissed the Dragons for 141. The scenes in the change rooms after the match were very boisterous. The initial reaction is one of excitement, with lots of hugging, throwing of beer and singing of the team song. It is a scene of twelve fully-grown men acting like schoolboys. A ringleader then comes to the fore and initiates more singing and celebration as he involves all of the players and the supporters that filter in after the match. Everyone has to come on to a stage and drink from the Cup, with long time supporters making emotional speeches. This is followed by all players and supporters analysing the match and telling everyone how good we all are.

The change room after the MMC loss to the Blues was totally different. My initial reaction is one of extreme disappointment and anger. The music is quietly playing in the background as you entertain thoughts of what more you personally could or should have done to make the result different. The coach gives encouragement and says to keep our heads up and be proud of our performance. It is a horrible feeling and you wish you could just crawl away, find a hole and hide yourself in it. We all sit at our lockers, pack up our kits and sip on a cold drink.

Playing in a grand final is a wonderful experience and one that you never forget. Some people go through their whole careers and never get to play in a final. It is an experience to be savoured and in the event of winning a final, one to be celebrated and remembered for life.

As for the Warriors' fortunes over the last month, it has been a case of ups and downs. The obvious down is the loss in the MMC Final at the WACA, on the day that Sir Donald Bradman passed away.

Tom Moody has just announced his retirement from all first class cricket and we marked his decision with an outright win against South Australia, with Simon Katich continuing his great season with a score of 228 not out in the first innings. 'Moods' has had an amazing career with 300 first-class matches and we hope he becomes a successful coach during his stint with Worcestershire. I also hope he can return to WA one day and coach the Warriors to more Pura Cup and MMC victories.

Tom's retirement has meant that the Warriors could blood some youngsters into first-class ranks. Shaun Marsh played his debut game against the Redbacks and didn't look out of his depth at all. He is only seventeen and looks a real class act. Scott Meuleman will be given his opportunity to make his debut in the next game against Tasmania. He is a part of a very famous family of cricketers where son, father and grandfather all played first-class cricket for WA. He has had an excellent season for club side Melville and, given the opportunity, will be successful for WA for years to come.

Matthew Nicholson and Brad Williams have recently made successful comebacks from injury and will add a lot of penetration to our attack. As they get more match practice they will get stronger and bowl with more discipline and hopefully put a lot of pressure on the opposition batsmen.

On a personal note, I am heading to the UK in the winter to hone my skills playing County cricket for Northamptonshire. I am really looking forward to the challenge and to improving my game. The experience of playing in different conditions against different players should be invaluable.

Until I write again soon,

Mike Hussey

More Postcards 18 January 2001 Mike Hussey on the Warriors' start to the New Year 24 December 2000 Mike Hussey on the events that might help turn Western Australia's summer