Oliver Hing - you only get out what you put in

Western Suburbs District Cricket Club Sydney | January 25, 2023

Oliver Hing made his first grade debut for Western Suburbs District Cricket Club on 6 November 2021 to become the clubs first grade player number 727.

Let’s meet Oliver Hing

 

What year you were born?

1997

If you can share with our readers how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?

Wicket keeper battern

Tell us about your journey, what clubs have you played at and where are you playing now?

Hornsby District junior. Played junior representative for Hornsby, Ku-ring-gai & Hills District. Spent just over 10 years at Northern District Cricket Club where I spent time in the Young Rangers program through to Green Shield and all 5 grades.

Now playing with Western Suburbs Cricket Club.

You transferred from Northern District to Western Suburbs in season 2021-22. Why the move and how have you found it so far?

A few things. The opportunity to keep wickets in 1st grade. Work with Mark Atkinson. And a fresh start for me personally and my cricket.

So far it has been awesome. The club has taken great care of me which has made it an easy transition. From the club officials, coaches and players, everyone has made me feel welcome and I couldn’t be happier.   

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?

Hard to go past my 1st Grade debut in November 2019 – it was a long time coming but feels good when you get rewarded for hard work.

At what age did you make your first grade debut?

21

Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?

Brad Haddin

Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?

In my short career thus far, probably Nathan McAndrew.

Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?

Wasn’t in a game but Nathan Lyon had come down to NDs training early to have a hit with his brother Brendan (NDs head coach). He ended up having a bowl at a few of us and have never experienced anything like it. The revs, shape, turn and bounce he got on a dead training wicket reinforced just how good the goat is.

Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

Playing for NDs against Wests. We were chasing 250 ish. I think we were 3 or 4 for not many overnight. Benny Davis batted the whole day with wickets falling around him at regular intervals. Showed his class by playing a chanceless innings and farming the strike when needed toward the backend. Scored the winning runs. What a player and awesome bloke.

Is there a particular catch or stumping that you’ve taken that still brings a smile?

Last round of the 2019-20 season against UNSW playing for NDs. It was a rain affected game where we didn’t start bowling till 7pm. I remember Ross Pawson bowling very sharp and I was struggling to see them due to bad light. Low and behold, Pawso cut Matt Gilkes in half and I managed to get some good air and catch it clean in my right hand.

Oliver takes a stumping off Wests leg spinner Tom Brooks

Who are the two players in NSW Premier Cricket you’ve come to admire most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?

Tough question. Without naming anyone I’d have to say anyone who year in year out is at the top of the wickets and/or batting ranks in 1st grade.

Who’s the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

Beau McClintock from Balmain. Silky smooth.

Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?

My old NDs 3rd grade captain Matt Johnson. Drive to win inspired everyone. His ability to get everyone in the game when the wicket was flat with a couple of set batsmen were in was second to none. I remember a few times he would stop the game to tell a batter to tuck his shirt in or say how he would get someone out and pulled it off. No wonder he won a couple of 3rd grade premierships within a few years. Great leader and man manager.

Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?

It was a 3rd grade match at Sydney Uni No 2 years ago. Phil Melville was down at fine leg and came across some chunks of concrete on the edge of the boundary. Melly is good for a blow up and has made plenty of teammates laugh over the years.

He said something along the lines of:

“If I injure myself on these, the insurance premium I’m going to have to pay will be $100k… half your f***ing uni fees!”

Pretty sure everyone on the field had a giggle.

Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?

Parents have been great supporters but David Lowery without a doubt.

Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?

Pushing myself to be my best, which gives me every opportunity to do well. Knowing you have done this you can then relax and reflect while hopefully sharing a beer with my teammates.

Who are the three people in the world you’d love to have a chat to in person?

Kerry O’Keefe, Ricky Ponting, Craig Bellamy

What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?’

Brewery Hopping, Cooking, Live Music, Beach

What’s your occupation?

Sport Sales at Channel 7

Do you have a favourite quote?

“You only get out what you put in”

Can we ask, what would it mean to you to play for first class cricket?

Would be very rewarding knowing the hard work, performances and sacrifices have paid off. I don’t think many people playing cricket wouldn’t have dreamt about it.