Gympie Cricket Legend Number 2 - TRAVIS CHANDLER

Travis 'TC, Shervo, Boots, Tropical Cyclone' Chandler

Today we chat to former Colts, Gympie Gold, Hell-town Hillbillies, Goodchild Shield and Wide Bay representative fast bowler Travis Chandler, a bloke that took no prisoners on the field during his 14 year reign in Gympie Cricket circles but was always one of the best blokes to chill with after the battle was finished. At one stage clocked as the quickest bowler in Wide Bay during QLD Cricket's fast bowling roadshow, 'Boots' Chandler proved to be a key player in numerous Colts Premiership winning teams and considers the 2012/13 Colts team that achieved a clean sweep in all formats as the best of the best. Travis claims Captaining this team to glory was particularly sweet as Colts were able to overcome the 2011/12 Premiers Harlequins who had proved to be a thorn in their side under the Captaincy of his brother Dean.

On an individual note big Trav had many highlights during his playing days and can be especially proud of making enormous improvements to his batting as his career progressed. He was also surprisingly quite agile in the field for a big man which I personally found out to my detriment one day at Albert Park. After striking a ball firmly through the gap between mid off and cover, I took off for what I thought was an easy single, not so, the big unit moved swiftly like a gazelle, gathered the ball cleanly in one hand and with one stump to aim at threw the stumps down from side on resulting in an enormous celebration plus massive carry on. Gees that annoyed me, I had just survived a probing spell from the big fella but he still had the final say. Needless to say I was a bit more cautious trying to pinch a run against him from that moment on. Ultimately, his all-round skills were signified by his aggressive bowling with a plethora of 5 wicket hauls topped by his 8 for 24 off 17 overs against Harlequins on a typically flat Kosminski Oval pitch. Other notable contributions from 'Boots' include scoring 70 odd in the 2012/13 Grand final, 96 not out versus Wests in a t20 match, scoring a half century in a partnership of 120 with Cameron Quinn to lead Hell-town Hillbillies to a much deserved win in the Wide Bay t20 final, being recognised as the best performed number 11 in the Sunshine Coast 1st division comp and taking a hat-trick against Papua New Guinea while playing for the Wide Bay Flames.

As an  individual who has always been grateful to volunteers within our cricket community, Travis insisted that recognition must be given to Bob and Shirley Blackburn's selfless efforts which were above and beyond the call of duty. He also wanted to thank 'Pop" - Colts number 1 supporter for being there always for his beloved club whether they were winning or struggling.

Travis would personally like to acknowledge the below individuals who in his opinion top each of the following criteria:

Favourite Gympie club team mate?   Steven Brady.

Most annoying team-mate and opposition player within the Gympie comp?

Team-mates -   Justin Chandler/Luke Preston.
Opposition Players -   Peter Kross and Shane Brown.

Best friend you made playing cricket in Gympie?   Steven Brady but I enjoyed everyone's company.

Most respected opposition player within the Gympie comp?   Neil McKean.

Best cricketer you played against in a Gympie opposition team?   The Brady Bunch.

Best batsman?   Steve Brady and Nathan Nolan.

Best fast bowler and spinner?   Fast bowler - Craig Sorrell and Spinner - Josh Seanigar or KJ.

Best allrounder?   Josh Brady.

Best Wicket-Keeper?   Mitch O Hara.

Best fielder?   The Brady Boys.

Best Captain?   Troy Ashton.

Best Sledger?   Ian O Brien.

Finally, Danny Shepperson is the player that 'Boots' can't help but be amused with. He reckons Sheppo needs a chest guard especially when trying to evade his short balls and watching Sheppo under a high ball also adds to the humour especially the misjudged catches that club him in the chest. According to Trav, Sheppo's antics are just as hilarious outside the field of play in particular during sculling competitions. Apparently Sheppo can't scull a 7once beer quicker then what Kurt McArthur's partner Kelly can scull a pot. Special mention also to Justin Chandler for managing to spew up after every single game.

Jokes aside, Travis acknowledges he loved his time playing cricket in Gympie and wishes to thank everyone for the opportunity to participate. You all are a great bunch of blokes and with your contributions Gympie Cricket remained strong.Thanks 'Boots' for being Gympie cricket Legend number 2.P.s Trav, thanks also for being my first and only karaoke partner at the old Northumberland Hotel, I reckon the paint was peeling off the walls of the police station across the road that night.