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Mark O'Neill
Cricket CoachSydney, New South Wales, Australia
Played first class cricket for Western Australia and NSW
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question
Q: Craig Simmons retired from cricket on Saturday 2 December 2023
To say he has been a fabulous player is an understatement.
Craig is the best player I have coached that was never picked for Australia simply because very short, minded administrators would not afford him the opportunity that they sometimes gift to players of far less performance or talent in first class cricket.
However, that short sighted response by two associations never dimmed his enthusiasm for the game and as a result his energies were directed to his beloved Rockingham Mandurah and Gordon in the Sydney premier league whereby the way he holds the record for the most runs in a season.
I remember watching his first BBL hundred from my lounge room and jumping up and down screaming with joy, I was so happy for him.
His performances for the Mariners are legendary including taking the side to a first-grade premiership which by the way was a far cry from when the club was rebooted
In the lead up to the Rockingham first 1st grade season I was asked who should open the batting first game. I was adamant that the first player picked at the top of the order would be Craig.
Needless to say, there was a bit of sniggering going on until they watched him bat in the first net session. All of a sudden everyone knew he could play.
To Paul Simmons and Sue Simmons you have been so supportive of your son and have ridden the ups and downs with him over a very long career. You should be very proud of the person he has become.
Congratulations Craig Simmons on your retirement.
It’s time to have a rest.
Mark
To say he has been a fabulous player is an understatement.
Craig is the best player I have coached that was never picked for Australia simply because very short, minded administrators would not afford him the opportunity that they sometimes gift to players of far less performance or talent in first class cricket.
However, that short sighted response by two associations never dimmed his enthusiasm for the game and as a result his energies were directed to his beloved Rockingham Mandurah and Gordon in the Sydney premier league whereby the way he holds the record for the most runs in a season.
I remember watching his first BBL hundred from my lounge room and jumping up and down screaming with joy, I was so happy for him.
His performances for the Mariners are legendary including taking the side to a first-grade premiership which by the way was a far cry from when the club was rebooted
In the lead up to the Rockingham first 1st grade season I was asked who should open the batting first game. I was adamant that the first player picked at the top of the order would be Craig.
Needless to say, there was a bit of sniggering going on until they watched him bat in the first net session. All of a sudden everyone knew he could play.
To Paul Simmons and Sue Simmons you have been so supportive of your son and have ridden the ups and downs with him over a very long career. You should be very proud of the person he has become.
Congratulations Craig Simmons on your retirement.
It’s time to have a rest.
Mark
