MPCA First XI flags, 32 years apart?’: ex-Aussie Test spinner chases history for Mornington

Bryce McGain reached the pinnacle of cricket but now he’s on the verge of a unique achievement, a First XI flag at Mornington — 32 years after his last one.

Bryce McGain bowling for Mornington against Mt Eliza in the MPCA Peninsula semi-final on Sunday. Picture: Alan Dillon

It remains one of Bryce McGain’s fondest cricket memories.

The 1992-93 Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association Provincial division grand final at Graydens Rd had taken a dramatic twist.

Mornington slumped to 7-99, chasing Baden Powell’s 220.

The Dogs were down, but not done.

Another twist was to come, and McGain was front and centre.

The man who would go on to play Test cricket for Australia as a leg-spinner produced one of the all-time gutsy grand final batting displays.

McGain was joined out in the middle by Nick Johnson, and the two 20-years-olds led a mighty rebuild that carried Mornington to victory.

“We put on 120 and got it done,’’ McGain recalled on Wednesday.

“We both got fifties as young fellas.”

Bryce McGain bowling for the Dogs. Picture: Alan Dillon

Fast forward 32 years and McGain will line-up in another grand final for Mornington when the Dogs face Rosebud in the Peninsula division decider this weekend.

Victory would give him a second Bulldogs premiership — three decades apart.

Has any other cricketer played in First XI flags so far apart?

“I can’t think of anyone else,” McGain said.

“Many of the journalists I’ve been away with doing a bit of commentary in Sri Lanka, they know cricket inside and out, and they sort of said, ‘oh, you’re like (Don) Blackie and Bert Ironmonger, they were playing in their fifties’.

“I said, ‘yeah, that’s how I feel, I don’t feel old, I just feel like I’m enjoying it, you know, doing what I’ve really loved doing’.”

McGain, 53, left Mornington after that ‘92-93 premiership triumph to play District cricket at Frankston Peninsula in its inaugural side.

His cricket journey had begun…and he would go on to have success at first-class level with Victoria and, in March, 2009, he reached the pinnacle, presented with baggy green cap No. 410.

Bryce McGain lifts the Sheffield Shield.

McGain puts the baggy green on in 2009.

Throughout it all, Mornington remained close to his heart. Three years ago McGain returned to play for the Dogs, and he’s racked up the wickets since.

“I wasn’t sure how I’d adapt getting back to playing local cricket, given that cricket’s been ultra competitive and kind of do or die for a lot of years, and when it’s your job,’’ he said.

“But I’ve just really enjoyed it. I’m just having so much fun, the guys are unreal, the club’s fantastic. It’s a pleasure to play on the facilities at Mornington, they are second to none. Like, it’s so nice, and why wouldn’t I want to spend time at my old club where they helped me love the game? That’s why I am still playing now, because of that club.”

McGain took 4-33 off 17.2 overs as Mornington defeated long-time rivals Mt Eliza in last weekend’s semi-final to book a spot in the grand final.

Mornington’s 25-year-old captain Cameron Moon said McGain was more than a key player, and so admired by all of his (much younger) teammates.

“He’s very laid back and easy going,’’ Moon said.

“I think the thing that excites him most about playing is helping us develop.

“You can just see his words of wisdom have rubbed off on us. He’s helped us implement a program, not just for present success but hopefully for future success.’’

Mornington players sweat on a snick. Picture: Al Dillon

Moon said thinking about McGain’s cricket journey, from Bulldog pup to District cricket, to Victorian leggie, Test player and back to Mornington, was “surreal’’.

“He’s come full circle which says a lot about the club and what they’ve done in that time,’’ he said.

As captain, Moon said McGain was awesome to have in the side.

“Honestly, he’s that easy going that I can lean on him for advice with field placings,’’ he said.

“Even on the weekend we were looking for a wicket and he said, ‘hey, just put one bloke out and the guy will open his hands’. Sure enough, two balls later we took a wicket. Little things like that.

“I’m pretty fortunate that if things aren’t going that well I can throw the ball to Bryce. But he does more than take wickets. There’s nothing easier than being a captain and he’s got a plan in his head and we can just go for it.’’

Moon said if Mornington could go all the way, McGain’s 32-years between flags would be a treasured feat.

“At the moment we’re just more focused on this week. Hopefully we can add to our own history this weekend,’’ he said.

*McGain had a lovely moment last week when he presented Mornington Cricket Club’s under-16 player of the season award (named after him) to Lucas Johnson, son of Nick, his 1992-93 grand final match-winning partner. “Lucas has that athletic build,’’ McGain said. “I can see so much of his father in him. He’s still under 14s but plays under 16s. An incredible talent, in cricket and football, just like his dad.’’