David Wrixon - give it 100% and enjoy yourself.
Belmont District Cricket Club | February 05, 2025
What year were you born?
1966.
Can you remember your first game of cricket? How old and do you remember how you went?
I was in 5th class, mats were rolled out on Cahill oval, and you batted from one end.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey. Where you’ve played, clubs you’ve played for?
I started playing with Floraville Public School, then progressed to juniors at Belmont Cricket Club, and then eventually into seniors at Belmont.
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in senior cricket?
It was 5th grade, and I was around 14 years old.
What was the highest grade you played, and can you remember how you performed in your first game in that grade?
I played all grades at Belmont, my first game in first grade was at Cahill oval, I was 17 years old, Kerry Thompson was the captain, Gary Gilmour was in the side, 2nd week was washed out, I bowled a couple of overs, not really needed.
Garry Gilmour
How would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
I started bowling leg spin up until just before my first-grade debut, I changed to off-spin, I was a bowler who tried to hold up one end. With the bat, not a big hitter.
What were your strengths as a player?
I was never a gifted player, I loved the game, I trained hard, in nets and at home, and I did prize myself on my fielding as well.
What was your highest score in senior cricket? For which club and where
I did score a 50 in fourth grade, at Awaba oval, in first grade I scored 47.
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket? For which club and where
At Learmonth Oval I took 14 wickets in a match.
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
There were a lot of really good fast bowlers around back then, I cannot pick 3,
Who were the best three spinners you have played against?
Again, there were a few great spinners around, Robert holland (dutchy), Mark Curry (prawns), David Palmer(dart), Greg McNeil (boxer), and Michael Hill, they were all unique, and never gave the batsman anything.
Robert 'Dutchy' Holland
Who were the best 3 batters you’ve played against?
Again, there were a few classy batters, Mark Curry, Greg Giese, Gary Gilmour
Mark Curry
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Greg Geise, it was a one-day country final at central coast, he battered most of the 50 overs in 38deg heat for 150 odd.
Greg Geise
Was there any bowler or batter in particular who for whatever reason always seemed to cause you a few problems?
No not really.
Can you recall a time when you thought, wow, this is a step or two up from what you were used to in grade cricket?
I was picked to play for NSW country at the country championships, I had a good carnival, I was picked in the Australian country side to play against Sri Lanka in a one-day game, I bowled Jayasuriya, and ended up 2 for 33 off 10 overs, plus 3 catches, I had to pinch myself.
Sanath Jayasuriya
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
I played a lot of rep cricket with Simon Moore, he was the best I've seen.
Simon Moore
Who are the two players you admire most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Mark Curry, Russell Neil.
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
I have been so lucky, I have had great captains, Kerry Thompson, Chris Williams, Russell Neil, Bernie Cook, Robert Mayo, Ronnie Crippon, and Mark Curry, and each one of those taught you stuff each week.
Who has been your funniest teammate?
Craig Hamilton.
The Belmont Hotel is a proud sponsor of the Belmont District Cricket Club
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
Playing a rep game for Newcastle, I bowled a full toss, I heard this, 'Come on wricko, use the facilities'. -Phil Stanbridge.
Who was your childhood hero?
I admired Gary Gilmour, as a young fella, I would ride my bike down and watch him play for Belmont, and then I got to play with him.
Who are the three sportspeople in the world you’d most like to meet?
Arthur Beetson (league), Stan McCabe(cricket), Grace Marks ( my grandmother, she played cricket in the 1930s)
Arthur Beetson
What was your favourite ground to play at?
Easy, I loved playing at Cahill oval.
What particular team did you especially look forward to playing against?
Charlestown, there was always a lot of banter, we had some great games, semis, finals etc.
What’s been your most memorable moment
Playing against Sri Lanka and then Pakistan the following year.
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
Semi-final against Stockton, it was so intense.
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Phil Stanbridge, Simon Moore, Stephen Mace.
What are your hobbies?
My daughter Grace got into softball, so I coach that, and I play bowls on gala days with my son Liam.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Train hard, listen to advice, give it 100% and a big one, enjoy yourself.
What is your occupation and who do you work for?
I work for 2 schools as a general assistant, blacksmith and Kotara, plus my son has a concreting business, Local concreting mate.
