Jim Cattlin - play for the team
Gordon District Cricket Club | January 17, 2025
Jim Cattlin has made a significant contribution to the Gordon District Cricket Club on and off the field over many years.
Starting in Gordon juniors and under age cricket Jim progressed through the grades to play first grade cricket for the club. A very competent opening batter Jim and together with former Australian test opener Ian David in 1973-74 shared an opening partnership of 261.
Jim has served as Gordon DCC Club Secretary from 2007 to 2022 and is a very proud life member of the club.
Let’s find out more about Jim’s journey in the game.
Hickman & Ritchard Financial Planning are proud sponsors of Gordon District Cricket Club
What year were you born?
1943
Can you remember your first game of cricket?
Probably with Roseville Congregational Church Saturday morning Churches comp aged 10. We had a reasonable team and played on Roseville reserve on Shirley Road close by where we lived. I was mainly an off break bowler.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
Played school cricket, then with Gordon DCC Saturday morning D2 (U14) & D1 (U16) grades, Moore & Watson Shields, Green Shield, Poidevin-Gray Shield and Grade Cricket 1956-76. Played four seasons with Hampstead CC in London 1969-72 and with Marin CC in San Francisco 1977-2003.
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in senior cricket?
Played in Gordon Men’s Northern Suburbs ‘Colts’ team aged 13 in several matches.
What was the highest grade you played, and can you remember how you performed in your first game in that grade?
Gordon 1st Grade 1964 versus Randwick – low score versus Wes Hall
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
Opening bat, tactical thinker, team player
What were your strengths as a player?
Concentration and application, team player, built batting partnerships
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
160 Gordon versus Cumberland 2nd Grade at Merrylands Oval
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
Not worth mentioning
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Jeff Thompson - pace
Wes Hall – controlled pace
Dave Chardon-swing both ways and moved the ball both ways off the pitch
Jeff Thomson
Who were the best three spinners you have played against?
Johnny Martin, Robin Hobbs and David Hourn – sharp spin both ways
Who were the best 3 batters you’ve played against?
Brian Booth-relaxed and technically perfect
Neil Harvey-footwork and power
Ron Crippin-power
Brian Booth
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Batting with Ian Davis (170) at Chatswood Oval 1974-techncally correct, gradual ascendancy and power
Ian Davis
Was there any bowler or batter in particular who for whatever reason always seemed to cause you a few problems?
Dave Chardon – too many variations of controlled swing and cut off the pitch
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? If you could add a few words as to the experience
Gordon v Petersham at Chatswood Oval – Johnny Martin spinning it sharply and fielders chatter
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Brian Taber-Gordon DCC
Who are the two players you admire most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Dick Guy – hated runs being scored off him and don’t drop a catch off his bowling.
Brian Taber- played hard but scrupulously fair and looked for ways to encourage team mates
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
Dick Guy-relentless in attack and great team leader
Who has been your funniest team mate?
John Todd
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
When I skied a hook to the fine leg boundary one Saturday morning at Bankstown Oval Len Pascoe came up the pitch and said ‘You’re not a f****** 4th Grader’. I had pleasure in knocking 80 runs of him the next season at Chatswood Oval.
Who was your childhood hero?
Neil Harvey
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Victor Trumper, Jack Hobbs and Rod Phelps (unfortunately I’ll have wait until I die)
Victor Trumper
What was your favourite ground to play at?
Shore School, Northbridge
What particular team did you especially look forward to playing against?
St George – always competitive, talented and respectful
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Bob Massie’s taking 8 wickets against England at Lord’s in 1972
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
Defeating St George 1st Grade at Hurstville Oval 1966 with 5 state players in their side
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Any and all of my Gordon team mates
What are your hobbies?
Jazz music, watching sports, philately
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Don’t get out and play for the team
What is your occupation?
Retired
Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?
Still involved with Gordon DCC also Victor Trumper Society, NSW Cricket Society and Sydney Grammar School cricket
If you were running a state cricket association what would your 2 priorities be to ensure cricket in the state remained strong and successful on and off the field?
Ensure Grade cricket pitches and grounds are in top condition and promote Grade players into NSW team on performance
