Mark Ridgway

A lion hearted veteran, Mark Ridgway is a pace bowler who has been a regular member of Tasmania's side since joining the State's ranks (following many years of plying his trade at club level in Melbourne) at the beginning of the 1993-94 season. From his short, stiff run-up and mechanical-style action, his predominant weapon is an outswinger but he also possesses the ability to deceptively swing the ball (particularly once the shine has been removed from it) in reverse fashion. Having previously continued to stave off thoughts of retirement with the sheer consistency of his performances, Ridgway did appear likely to give first class cricket away following Tasmania's unsuccessful 1998-99 campaign. But in a salutary reminder of his determination and passion for the game, he vowed to remain a member of its squad, especially enthusiastic to continue to serve his adopted State once it appeared that its principal strike bowler, Colin Miller, was to head to Victoria. Now approaching the age of forty, the bald scalped Ridgway is a larger than life character and is renowned among teammates and opponents alike for his sense of humour and free spirit both on and off the field. (John Polack, October 1999)