Kyle Chats with Orange CYMS CC Club Legend, Dave Neil
This week we sat down with Orange CYMS Cricket Club legend and all round nice guy Dave Neil. This season saw Dave come out of retirement and demonstrate why he is still one of the best bats in the region. This season he hit 275 runs at an average of a tick over 30. Career wise he has played 123 matches and scored 3283 at a tick under 35 with a highest score of 156 not out. He has also bowled one over in his career for a duck egg.
- Tell me about yourself, who is Dave neil away from cricket ?
I'm a 38-year-old father of two, born and bred in Orange in regional New South Wales. I work for Charles Sturt University, and was previously a journalist. My interests are largely centred on sport - cricket, golf, football, soccer, squash, swimming - and fortunately Orange has excellent facilities and competitions that cater for all of these.
- What was it that first drew you to the game of cricket ? I've played cricket since I was old enough to hold a bat, and I remember filling in for my older brother's team when I was about five. I honestly can't remember specifically what it is about the game that appealed to me all those years ago, but I know I used to love fielding practice, and catching especially, which just goes to show how times change.
- What’s has been your career highlight?
My career highlight was being part of the Orange CYMS first grade side which won all three Orange District Cricket Association premierships in the 2014-15 season. There is no question that was the best and most complete team I have been a part of.
- What has been the hardest/ worst moment on a cricket field ?
My Worst moment? Being part of five Orange CYMS first grade sides that lost grand finals previous to the 2014-15 season was less than enjoyable.
- This past season was your first full season in a few years, what drew you back and has it reignited your passion ?
The main attraction of playing full-time in the 2019-20 season was the return to the inter-town competition. The opportunity to play Bathurst-based teams, especially on their wickets and grounds, was refreshing after so many seasons of playing in a five-team, Orange-only competition. Despite some extremely ordinary performances personally, and what probably amounted to a slightly above average season for CYMS, I really enjoyed the season.
- You play locally with Orange CYMS, what makes CYMS a great club ?
There's many things that combine to make Orange CYMS a great club: a long and proud history, a hard-working and forward-thinking executive, a commitment to excellence and fair play. But more than anything CYMS is a true 'club', one which places an emphasis on promoting a team-first mentality above individual achievement. I feel very lucky to have played more than two decades in the club's colours.
- What’s the best and worst thing about playing cricket in country NSW ?
The best thing about playing in country NSW is the opportunity to play various forms and levels of competitive cricket. First grade cricketers in Orange and Bathurst play both longer-form and T20 cricket, including day-night fixtures in the Royal Hotel Cup. The standard of play across all formats is high, and the best players are given further opportunities to progress and excel at the district and Country NSW levels. The worst thing? To be honest there's not too many drawbacks to playing cricket in country NSW, although most UK imports will be extremely disappointed with the standard of afternoon teas on offer. It's BYO.
- What chances and opportunities could CYMS offer to a potential international recruit ?
As recently as a couple of seasons ago Orange CYMS enjoyed a player exchange program with Doncaster Cricket Club. Under that arrangement English players would be provided accommodation, assistance in finding suitable employment, and other kinds of support for the duration of the Australian cricket season. The club's extensive network of past and present players means that those opportunities still exist for international players looking to play a season in Australia, and I would encourage anyone that fits that bill to get in touch.
- You have previously played in England, how did you find the experience?
I was lucky enough to play two seasons in England when I was (much) younger: one for Woolpit Cricket Club in Suffolk, and another for Braithwaite Cricket Club in Cumbria. They were two of the most enjoyable seasons of my cricket career. Both clubs went out of their ways to make me feel welcome and look after me, including arranging to have teammates drive me to and from almost every fixture. The cricket was competitive and played on pitches that were as far removed from those I grew up with as possible, which was a steep but valuable learning curve for my progression as a batsman. The off-field aspects of those seasons were also fantastic: every team had a picturesque home ground and pavilion, almost all of which included a bar that would be flooded with cricketers as soon as the day's play concluded. I spent countless happy nights meeting cricketers from across those regions and beyond, many of whom I am still in touch with almost two decades later. Playing overseas was one of the most rewarding aspects of my cricket career, one which I'd happily recommend to any player.
- What’s your cricket story how did you end up a CYMS legend ?
My cricket story? I'm not sure. I guess a decent summary is that I'm a top-order batsman and occasional wicket-keeper. I've scored enough centuries to not embarrass myself in the company of actual batsmen, and enough ducks to take a seat at the table with most tail-enders. I'd say I've had more successful seasons than not, although that ratio seems to be shifting to the negative with age. I just love cricket: the game itself, the challenges, the chance to compete, and the opportunity to pull together to achieve something you couldn't do yourself.
Well that was Dave Neil from CYMS in orange. A truely great bloke and legend in the game. Next week we will talk with Centrals legend Graeme Judge on what draws him to the game year after year and what makes his club tick.