David Carson - punt high and follow on

UNSW Cricket Club | January 30, 2023

David Carson made his first grade debut for UNW Cricket Club during the 1994/95 season at the age of 17 and went on to score 6,062 first grade runs for the club at an average of 28.72. He scored 6 centuries and 30 half centuries.

David was the captain of the 2004/05 UNSW first grade limited over premiership winning team and had the honour of being awarded Life Membership on the club in 2012.

Let’s find out more about David’s journey in the game

David Carson celebrating with his UNSW team mates after winning the Limited Overs final against Sydney University in 2004/05

 

What year you were born?

1977

Can you remember you first game of cricket?

My first cricketing memory is playing in my grandparents’ backyard on a Christmas Day when I was maybe 3 or 4 years old. Terry towelling hats and stubbies (of both kinds) aplenty.

I recall my first ‘game’ was on No 3 Oval outfield in Dubbo, as a sub for my brothers Under 9s team as a very keen 6 year old. 

Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?

I started with junior cricket in Dubbo (Newtown CC). After advice from Dave Martin, I trialled for Petersham Marrickville Green Shield side in Sydney and played Green Shield as a 14 year old.

Off the back of a successful Green Shield campaign where we made the semi-finals, I ended up playing for NSW U17 side in the Australian Championships in Hobart in 1993 and then Adelaide in 1994. During these years I played for Western Zone, Combined High Schools and then NSW Schoolboys in 1993/94 and 1994/95.

Petersham Green Shield team

From U14s onwards, myself and other handy younger cricketers were fortunate enough to be coached and mentored by former NSW Sheffield shield opening batsman Stuart Webster. In my view, his knowledge, guidance, no nonsense attitude and work ethic were a key reason that quite a few players in and around my vintage from Dubbo played NSW junior cricket (N.Pilon, T. Cox, B. Cox, M. O’Connor, B. Hunt, Don Nash to name a few Dubbo lads).

After school, I headed to Sydney, living on campus at UNSW (Baxter College) and playing cricket for UNSWCC. The club was led and administered by many UNSWCC luminaries over those years (Lawson, Chapman, Jourdain, Dixon, Livingstone, Robson, Jebb, Jones, Serov et al), who provided understated examples of how to go about things in cricket and life. Such is the understated nature of some of these folk that I only learned of details around the dominance of the UNSWCC older generation last year during covid lockdown, with their success during the 70s and early 80s winning premierships recounted and put in book form (Pariahs to Premiers). A fascinating read for grade cricket buffs.

Following studies I played 3 seasons in England in the Hampshire League: two with Hambledon at “the home of cricket” overseen by el Presidente Chris De Mellow and playing on the hallowed turf of Ridge Meadow. I also played one season after this with British American Tobacco (BAT) in the Hampshire League, after their previous oversees player pulled out at the last minute. In those days, BAT provided a carton of smokes for any player who took 5 wicket or scored a ton as a performance incentive. How times have changed!

When captaining the UNSWCC first XI, I was fortunate to have an excellent support group directly around the team, led by the larger-than-life country coaching legend Warren Smith and ably supported by Pete Richardson (Manager), Scorch Evans (keeping Wazza under control and providing guitar in the sheds) and Rae Stein as scorer. Notably both Pete and Scorch had already achieved life memberships at other cricket clubs before joining us.

I also had a season with the Colombo Stallions in 2013 when posted over to Sri Lanka for work, experiencing the unpredictability of coir matting!

In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in grade cricket?

I made my debut in 2nd grade as a 17 year old against my old club that I played greenies with (Petersham). My ears were stinging after that episode! Plenty of sledging ably led by skipper David Townsend which has stuck in my memory to this day.

At what age did you make your first grade debut in grade cricket and can you remember how you performed in debut?

I made my 1st grade debut after two games in second grade. Not 100% sure who it was against, but pretty sure I didn’t trouble the scorers too much.

I do have a reasonably clear recollection of one of my first games though, which was against Waverley.

A wicket fell close to lunch and I was encouraged to take my time getting out to the middle by some of my team mates to ensure this would be the last over faced. While this went against my instincts, I complied, but regretted the decision very soon afterwards!

I got busy faffing around, rearranging my kit etc and opened the gate, only to be being greeted by some of the opposition (Greg Matthew, Mark Patterson, Kyle Thompson and co), who kindly escorted me to the centre, gave me a detailed critique on the delay tactics and provided various other salient character assessments. 

Whilst the delivery of the message was somewhat rough around the edges, it was an important lesson for a young cricketer that I certainly heeded. Suffice to say, from that day on I made my way to the crease without delay, irrespective of the game situation!

David Carson - UNSW Captain on tour in Himachal India

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

During schoolboy cricket – middle order batsman and LAO spinner.

During my late teens I attempted to remodel my grip and action with the ball with disastrous consequences. This resulted in me focussing on batting and relegated bowling to part time status.

What were your strengths as a player?

Allan Borders resolve in difficult situations was something I admired and (tried) to emulate as best I could. I’ve never had great interest in cricketing statistics, preferring to focus on contributing to the team. On reflection, a glaring weakness would be unwillingness to play to my limitations with the bat! This often resulted in dismissal…

I had a pretty good record in elimination games (finals) performing under pressure at schoolboy level and the one senior year of finals cricket.

What was your highest score in senior cricket?

Highest score – 183 not out in Green Shield for Petersham against Fairfield. Funnily enough, I recall the morning of the game, where one of the teams’ dads offered any of us $100 for a five wicket or ton, after cleaning up on the punt the day before. By lunch I was 99 not out and soon after the cashola was mine!

Highest 1st Grade score in 1st Grade – 173 against Bankstown in 1997 against a strong Bankstown outfit headed by Wayne Holdsworth, Greg Trevena and Kenny Hall

What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?

I burgled a few four wicket hauls in 1st grade when the Village Green doctor came in.

Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?

This is an interesting question as it depends upon the criteria defining the term “best”.

If the criteria is pure speed, it is hard to go past Brett Lee. The only thing faster than Binga in the middle, was Binga off 18 yards in the nets as a schoolboy running through the crease as all fast bowlers do.

I had the fortune of witnessing Brett Lee’s overnight transition from young medium pacer to tearaway speedster. Game 3 in Australian U17 carnival, our team (NSW) were shot out by Victoria at TCA ground in Tasmania for about 180. After a huge spray from our coach, Graham Errington, Binga marked out the long run and proceeded to bowl the fastest spell I had seen. Seriously quick.

From then he progressed quite quickly into NSW and Australian Colours for obvious reasons.

In early times before lights, most nights at grade cricket training were also hair-raising encounters, with our lunatic fast bowlers waiting until after dusk to pull out the new rock, come steaming in off the long run and run through the crease off 18 yards. Egged on by Henry Lawson.

Horley, Gainsford, Gallop, Trafford, Harpoon Heyson and Langford Smith in particular were notables in this regard.

On ground, Steve Nikitaras, Dan Horsley, Simon Cook, Wayne Holdsworth and Matt Nicholson all hit the bat very hard. Chris Killen pinned me when I was 16 at No3 Oval Dubbo, after he returned to the bush from playing first class and grade cricket. I’ve still got a scar on my ear from that encounter - he was your classical psycho fast bowler! Fast, nasty and plenty of verbals.

I had some great battles with Anthony Stuart, who hit the bat, hit great lines when the decks were receptive and kept coming at you from all angles with a big engine all day if it was flat. Respect

Brett Lee

Who were the best three spinners you have played against?  

Mo Matthews, followed by Adrian Tucker and Stuart Macgill.

Mo, for his skills which were executed over a very long period.

Mastered the technical art of off- spinning and challenged batsmen in all aspects of the game, even well into his 40s when still playing in first grade. He had a rare ability to adjust his bowling tempo to suit the conditions of the surface, and or approach of each batsman.

I particularly enjoyed the chat, mind games and theatrics when coming up against Mo - the game was certainly never dull. Nor was having a beer at our local (Clovelly Hotel).

MacGill spun the ball hard, had all the tricks and dominated at first class and test level, so no surprise he is on the list.

Tuck was quicker through the air and had a great wrongun, which made getting down to him more difficult. This variation opened up opportunities to get batsmen caught on the crease.

Who was the best batsman you played with or against?

Best was Michael Slater. Slats simply appeared to be playing on another level. Elegant destruction at its finest. He had a rare ability to totally dominate attacks from ball one. It was very enjoyable watching him take attacks apart from the non-strikers end and observing the look on bowlers faces as they saw their best deliveries dispatched to all parts.

Michael Slater

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

Michael Slater 200 v St George at Hurstville Oval was on another level.

For mere mortals, Gavin McDonald in a CHS match on Synthetic for Western Region v South Coast was right up there. Brett Lee was playing and bowled gas, as you can image on synthos. I remember Gavo idolized Dean Jones and charged all comers on the way to an imperious century.

Was there any bowler in particular who whatever reason always you to cause you a few problems?

Flat, fast, accurate off spinners with boring ring fields and military medium pacers often got my wicket, particularly in younger years.

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 and you really had to knuckle down to survive? 

Yes, during my one season playing finals cricket. Semis and finals have an extra dimension to them, which I enjoyed and had some success as a schoolboy.

It was great to have I had at least one opportunity to test skills in both the one day and two day final series in Sydney 1st Grade.

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

For a big unit, Pilo (Nathan Pilon) had great hand eye and footwork. As kids, I used to enjoy bowling with him behind the sticks, as he used a leg side stumping to trap legendary Dubbo cricketer Bob Stroud as 13 years olds playing 3rd grade for Newtown. Devastating batsman to boot.

Andrew Neilan (UNSWCC teammate) made keeping look effortless and broke UNSWCC keeping records many times over. I can’t recall him dropping one.

Nathan Pilon keeping for Victoria

Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?

It is hard to go past Geoff ‘Henry’ Lawson. Serious skill and speed as a fast bowler and master tactician. H played his last game of 2s in my first game for the club. Whilst the after burners had been turned off by then, his competitive flame still burnt brightly. I’ve yet to see anyone more competitive than him on the field, although Daniel Christian is a very close second.

Henry is also the most inspirational club person I’ve seen. For a Test legend, he was everywhere around the club (and still is). Behind the scenes, at practice, watching all grades, spending time equally with 6th and 7th graders or 1st graders alike. So generous with his time.

I will never forget a game we played on the UNSWCC UK tour in 2001 against MCC.

Henry was skipper and a South African batsman was just hitting his straps against a mildly hungover UNSWCC bowling unit.

Henry halted the game from mid-off and made a change in the bowling.

He brought a young Dan Christian on with the ball and proceeded to provide tutelage on exactly where to bowl to this guy (at his melon) and why fielders would be placed where (around rib cage and surrounds). Theatrics included striding down the pitch to the batsman’s end and gesticulating from short leg. I’ll leave it to the imagination, but the field Henry set involved 2 short legs, a leg gully and man on the hook and extensive testing out of the middle of pitch. Very amusing.

UNSW Club legend Geoff Lawson

Neil Maxwell also comes to mind. An aggressive fast bowling psycho on the field. Off the ground, he was a leader and made a genuine effort to interact with the opposition and pass on his insights of the game. I recall him pulling me aside at the Grand final breakfast prior to the 1st Grade grand final in 2004/05 with some words of encouragement for myself and our side, who were heavy underdogs coming up against a star-studded Sydney University outfit. All class. 

Others I admire include Anthony Stuart and several players in and around my generation, headed by Graeme Rummans. He had a phenomenal record in finals over a long period and is a great fella to boot. Others include Grant Lambert, the Clarks (Tony and Anthony), Greg Mail and Greg Hayne for their resilience and ability to execute their game plan for a long period of time.

Which umpire in NSW Premier Cricket did you admire most in how they managed a game?

Darren Goodger. Very skilled, perceptive and a great sense of humour

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

Ian Salisbury – An outstanding player, skilled people manager and master tactician, Sals had the royal flush for skippering. Together with his wife, Em (now sadly no longer with us) they fostered an inclusive and egalitarian social atmosphere across the club for several years.

It is said there are two types of people: those that drain with negativity and those that uplift your spirits when in their presence. Sals and Em were certainly of the latter - it’s hard to imagine two more positive, uplifting and inspiring people.

Ian Salisbury

Who has been your funniest team mate?

The funniest times I have had have been whilst on cricket tours. It simply doesn’t get better than touring! And often the humour comes most unexpectedly.

The first was touring Malaysia, playing for Qantas in the world business cricket challenge. We had a very strong side littered with state players including Kevin Roberts, Craig Glassock, Matt Phelps, Dale Turner and some pretty handy grade and country cricketers (Paul Goldy, Steely Dan, Ben Nott, Johnny Collwell, Andrew Grant).

One game as a young and impressionable player I went into bat looking to contribute - Kev Roberts was at the other end dominating proceedings against India Cement.

I nervously looked down to take guard, picked the chalk up from behind the stumps (we played this game on synthetic) only to see some pertinent advice already chalked on the crease line by Kev - “TEE OFF!!” it said in underline CAPS. I looked up to see Kev splitting himself sideways.

Another was on the UNSWCC UK tour, the source of many amusing episodes.

At the time I was playing in the UK and had a vehicle as part of the deal. During the tour, I lent it to four teammates (my brother Pete, W Saunders, T Richardson & R Hamman), who decided it would be a good idea to shoot over to France for a couple of days.

Unbeknown to me, they also parked the car illegally in Dover prior to departing for Calais, accruing a few hundred quid in fines which they conveniently forgot to tell me about.

Embarrassingly, some months later, I got a call from a very annoyed Club President regarding the origin of the fines. After making some enquiries from the perpetrators I realised that I had been stitched up and I was left paying the fine.

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

I can recall an exchange that still makes me shake my head in disbelief to this day.

While in England playing cricket one summer, I was involved in a 22 man melee during a mid-week twilight cricket competition grand final. Bizarre.

At the time, I was working at the Bat and Ball pub in the Hampshire countryside at a place called Hambledon, where incidentally the laws of cricket were made! A few of the regulars used to play mid-week cricket in the evenings, and one day asked me to “Fill in”.

When I arrived at the ground, I realised it was a grand final and the competition was also meant for local cricketers only. My initial hesitance in playing as an expat quickly abated, when I realised the opposition were fielding 5 enormous South Africans.

As the game progressed verbals flowed from both sides. As we were heading towards victory batting second, the wicketkeeper took one keeping glove off, gave me a mouthful and indicated that he was going to fill me in after the game if I didn’t tread on my stumps immediately.

As any young wannabe Rugby half back would do, I hit the winning runs and went directly for a hand shake from him, which then elicited a wild swing from his right paw. Cue Mellee.

As my team piled in from the sideline, the scene descended into absolute chaos. Haymakers everywhere. 

What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?

I have no recollection your honour. However, I recall having witnessed a pretty amusing dismissal executed by a fellow team mate of mine at UNSWCC in 1st grade, who shall remain nameless.

Let’s just say that the day before his list A debut for NSW, the unnamed one was dismissed by a double bouncer in a 1st Grade 1 day game out at Penrith, which he chased some 20m only to shank it to a disbelieving fielder.

Very amusing for us to watch this unfold, and the subsequent volcanic outburst back to the sheds.

Who was your childhood hero?

Allan Border and Brian Lara. Border for his grit and Lara for his grace. I can recall as a kid waking up in the early hours to watch some Lara magic.

What was your favourite ground to play at?

The two most memorable grounds would be Village Green (UNSWCC) and Sydney Uni No 1.

As my home ground, I’ll always have a soft spot for the Village Green complex. In the early 2000s, the ground was immaculate, and I have thousands of memories of beers in the sheds with various great bunches of guys over the years. Over the years, many of my close friendships have been developed from shared experiences at the Hive. It is such a shame the University have destroyed this ground.

Sydney Uni No1 is memorable in a few ways;

My first experience was of disappointment:

Heartbreaking semi-final defeat as a 14 year old playing Green Shield for Petersham. After our team of underdogs led by Super Coach Allan Staunton (great man) during the season, we made the semis. On a miserable day, we bundled Manly out for 60 and were 0 for 10 or 15 before rain stopped play. Manly went through as higher ranked team and won the final. I will never forget that feeling of despair shared by our team in those dark sheds and the many Petes supporters who came to watch that dreary day.

The second was of elation: I was fortunate to skipper UNSWCC as we won the first-grade limited overs premiership in 2004/05 against the favourites Sydney University.

It was great to experience the immense support from the club and our old boy network singing from the bleachers and join us in the sheds for some enthusing after the game.

The third was of heartbreak: Losing the 1st grade long form grand final the same year in a nail biter to the star-studded Sydney Uni side. With 3 guys that played Test cricket (Greg Matthews, Stuart MacGill and Ed Cowan) and two others who played first class cricket (Matthew Phelps and Greg Mail), Sydney Uni were expected to wipe the floor. However our side remained in the contest throughout, only to be passed 9 down in the second innings late on day 3.

UNSW CC Old Boys 2015

What there a particular team you especially looked forward to playing against?

I always enjoyed the challenge of coming up against Bankstown. Always a strong club, full of first-class talent to test your skills against. I have fond memories playing against Wests in the late 90s – a highly skilled, competitive side. A few years my senior, Peter Burkhart, Matt Whitby, Neil De Costa were always great to talk cricket with after the game, a few times at St Pats in the wee small hours of Sunday and Monday am!

I always enjoyed playing the local sides Randwick and Waverly (now easts) – listening to Anthony Stuart, Andrew Millican, Adam Warren, Mark Patterson et al critique my game at close quarters always created another performance expectation and desire for a result.

In later years when Sydney Uni became a powerhouse after creating their Foundation, I relished the battle of the bookworms (UNSWCC v Sydney Uni)

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?

Off the paddock - UNSWCC has so many successful, inspirational, interesting and accomplished human beings who also happen to be great people and great company. Being awarded life membership at UNSWCC is the one thing I most cherish from my cricketing days.

On the paddock – any win as the underdog, particularly in a big game.

On this basis, winning the 1st grade Limited Overs competition with a great bunch of mates is hard to top. No one gave us a chance to even make the semis.

So many great memories from that year in particular.

What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?

I would define the best win as most unexpected. Using this definition, the best underdog final win in cricket was probably at schoolboy level. Playing in the National U17 final at TCA ground against South Australia, we were under the pump at 6 for 130 and staring down the barrel. I joined Jason Holley and we managed to put on 120-130 to get us to a total around 300. With some miserly bowling we rolled them for 150 with a bowler down from memory. Victory from the jaws of defeat - the sweetest kind. That day was my best bowling performance with 3 for 35 from 30 overs with the ball.

Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?

Too difficult to choose! That is the great gift of cricket – shared experiences over long periods of time, often in trying circumstances builds strong friendships and lasting connections with teammates.

The perfect alternative to the BBQ of 3 for me is to attend one of UNSWCCs old boy’s matches or reunions. It is a great opportunity to catch up with current and ex club luminaries from the 1970s through to the current day. I am greatly looking forward to this once I can get into (and out of Sydney).

When I was in Sydney I also really enjoyed the Noble Bar catch ups at Test Matches, where there are plenty of opportunities to catch up with old cricketing teammates, opposition and avid cricket followers, listen Tub Elliott egging Jungles on with his latest cricketing theories

What are your hobbies?

Hanging out with my girls in the River City, trying to keep fit (ish), riding & swimming.

What’s the best advice you’ve received?

“Punt high and follow on” – from my old man. Pretty sound in cricket and life, even if it is a rugby analogy!

One I often hear from my entrepreneurial brother in law use is a ripper too – “You miss 100% of shots you don’t take” - This is attributed to Michael Jordan (I think)

Final one from Yoda – “Do or do not, there is no try”

What is your occupation?

Myself and two other business partners run a Geotechnical Engineering Consultancy – CGC. We have a small, growing team of committed staff.

Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?

Watching from the bleachers.

If you were running Cricket NSW what would your 2 priorities to ensure cricket in the state remained strong and successful on and off the field?

Respect, nurture and support:

• the country cricket breeding ground – this ecosystem produces many elite players and lifelong cricket supporters.
• the women’s game – aside from the fact we have a champion side, continued focus in this area will build community and creates supporters meaningfully engaged in the game.