Cricket-loving Ken Piesse all set to play his first final in 35 years

Mt Eliza fourth XI allrounder Ken Piesse has gone 35 frustrating years without playing in a cricket final. But the drought is about to end.

Spin king: Ken Piesse bowling his leggies.

The start of the Mornington Peninsula finals next week are particularly significant for cricket writer and Mt Eliza fourth XI allrounder Ken Piesse.

It’ll be his first final in 35 years.

“I’ve played virtually every summer, too,” says Ken.

“Once at Frankston Peninsula our thirds finished just outside, but injuries in the two higher grades meant a constant drain on our resources at the wrong times.’’

At 65, Ken is by far the oldest Mountie ‘B’ grade player.

His team is captained by Glenn Creffield with ages ranging from 14 to 65.

Ken started at nine in the Under 14s at Beaumaris, captained the first XI at 20 and played in two premierships before concentrating on his cricket writings throughout his 20s.

He has written, edited or published 85 sports books and he still loves playing, Saturdays and Sundays if he can.

Ken Piesse last played in a cricket final 35 years ago. Picture: Chris Eastman

In 1985 after a decade out of the game, he made a comeback and played in Port Melbourne’s No.1 team as its leg spinner in the 1986-87 championship team.

“We beat Sunshine in the west group final by 2pm on the Sunday and I made the mistake of trying to drink beers with our fast bowler Stretch Aanensen, who always had a mountainous thirst,’’ he says.

“Even though I was the new boy at the club I told everyone that there was ‘still one more to go lads, one more’ before being told that it was a grand final, we’d won it, and I’d better start celebrating.

“Our championship final against Box Hill the following weekend ended in a draw because of late Sunday rains. And that was the last time I ever looked likely to play a final.

“It’ll be fun next week.’’

Ken took a hat-trick in the over 60s earlier this summer, representing the Australian Cricket Society.

And he’s enjoyed an excellent summer with Mt Eliza, scoring 246 runs (at 24.6) and taking 18 wickets (at 14.5).