Johnny Moyes

Who was Johnny Moyes?

Alban George "Johnny" Moyes MBE MC was a cricketer who played for South Australia and Victoria. Following his brief playing career, Moyes, a professional journalist, later gained greater fame as a writer and commentator on the game.

As a right-hand batsman Moyes scored 883 runs at an average of 29.43 and a highest score of 104 in 103 minutes, against Western Australia in his first season. His leg break bowling took 5 wickets at an average of 53.60, with best figures of 2 for 22. He was considered good enough to be selected for the Australian tour of South Africa in 1914, but this was cancelled because of the outbreak of World War I. He played for the Rest of Australia against New South Wales and Victor Trumper was so impressed that he invited him to play as a guest for Gordon Club in a club match. However he was out first ball!

Moyes served with distinction in World War I with the 1st AIF in England and France, earning the Military Cross. He played in a number of services’ matches in England and played two matches for Victoria.

Moving to Sydney as news editor and sports editor of leading newspapers, Moyes joined Gordon. In one club game he scored 218 runs in 83 minutes. He captained Gordon to a grade premiership in 1923-24, scoring 174 in the final. As a state selector for New South Wales in 1926/27 Moyes helped Don Bradman get his first taste of interstate cricket.