Annison the middle order master

Wanderers are not short of star batsmen in their top order, with Ross Graham, Bruce Gillingham and Shayne Bidwell all prolific run scorers.

But one player often forgotten is former captain Brad Annison, whose blazing 100no last weekend paved the way for Wanderers to over-run long-time rival Towns and put their finals hopes in serious strife.

The powerful right-hander has an impressive record, more than 6500 runs at an average of more than 42.

Just eight A-grade centuries might seem light on for the years Annison has spent playing in Geraldton, but he often bats deep in the order and a tally of 46 half centuries suggest he’s a player who rarely misses out on runs.

Graham has the class, Bidwell has raw talent and Gillingham is simply a super player, but Annison has power and oodles of it.

There have been many occasions when the top order have faltered and it’s been Annison’s middle order heroics that have not only dug the yellow caps out of a hole, but helped them build more than competitive totals.

Annison began his playing career at Wanderers in 1996, after receiving a teaching post at the then Geraldton Senior High School.

“I moved to Geraldton in ’96 and Faichs (John Faichney) got me on board at Wanderers, ” Annison said.

“He was my high school phys. ed. teacher at Kelmscott and I also spent time with him when I was playing at Willetton.”

Annison moved to the region after teaching stints in Collie and Denmark and was also a relatively accomplished cricketer in the metropolitan area, playing second and third grade for WACA club Willetton. Although he made his Wanderers debut in 1996, he then took a couple of seasons off before returning.

“Mainly because I was playing footy as well at Towns, but I got the desire again and fortunately we’ve had a lot of success in that time, ” Annison said.

Annison hasn’t bowled since the 2005-2006 season because of a back injury, but his reportedly highly unorthodox action has produced 40 wickets at an average of just 15, with a best of 5-20.

He said the fire still burned, despite winning 10 premierships with Wanderers, and he had no immediate plans to retire.

“I’ll keep playing until the body doesn’t allow it, ” he said.