Glen Giddings - you can always do better
Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club Sydney | May 18, 2023
Glen Giddings made his first grade debut for Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club on 24 November 1996. Glen is the Eastern Suburbs first grade player number 571.
Let’s find out more about Glen’s journey in the game
What year you were born?
1969, Forbes, the heart of the Central West Slopes and Plains, NSW.
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
It was very hot, I was 7 years old, not sure how I went, but have loved the game ever since.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
Forbes, Lachlan Zone, Western Suburbs in Sydney, Gravesend, Kent, Orange Cyms, Western Zone, Eastern Suburbs in Sydney, Gosford, Kincumber Avoca and just started with the Central Coast over 50’s.
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in grade cricket?
I was playing a Toohey’s Cup match in the country, a few Western Suburbs players in the game suggested I come to Sydney to play. I thought why not, packed my bags, headed to the Big Smoke as an 18-year-old. The Wests players had failed to inform the club I was coming mid-season. Let’s just say after the initial confusion, blank looks and my new “teammates” telling me I won’t get a game, the club accepted me with open arms. They didn’t have a choice really as I couldn’t leave, could not afford the train ticket home. I think the club fitted me into 4’s.
At what age did you make your first-grade debut in grade cricket, and can you remember how you performed in debut?
I’m a very proud owner of 1st grade player number 571 for Eastern Suburbs. I think I was 28 years of age. Can’t recall how I went; I doubt it was earth shattering. I do know I was very nervous.
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
Bat a little, bowl a little, field a little. Just loved contributing to the team on and off the field, whenever I could.
What were your strengths as a player?
I think I got as much as I could, out of my very limited ability.
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
100 odd at Waverly Oval for Easts, was nice. 151 not out in England, small fast grounds, why do the English come to Australia…
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
Took 7 for in England. Also recall having to pick up the pieces after our number 1 spinner, Adam (Snake) Smith got smashed to all parts at Bankstown. I think it was a handy 5 for on that day. Spin to win Snake.
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
I’m going to break it up, early (country), middle (England) and later (Sydney Grade) periods of playing the game.
Michael Hillier – From Orange, tall, strong, fast.
Anderson Cummins – was either bowling for a spot in the West Indies test team or was being brought into the test squad as cover. Either way the West Indies selectors were at the ground, he bowled very quick and attempted to hit the right shoulder of every batter he bowled to. By far the quickest spell I have experienced.
Brett Lee – played him at Woollahra Rugby Ground. One of his delivery’s hit my bat and went for 4. The abuse that followed was unbelievable, not from him, but rather my captain standing at the non-strikers end. “You don’t know what you just did”. Captain was correct, next one was very quick.
A couple of notable mentions, Phil Alley, broke my toe at Pratten Park in a Poidevin Gray game, this was around the time he won a fast-bowling challenge at the SCG.
Also, Bob Barber, in fading light from 17 metres on the synthetic at Blick Oval. I challenge anyone to last a session like that. He did that to teach you a lesson, do not turn up late to training. Lesson learnt.
Anderson Cummins
Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?
David Dillon – From Bathurst, best technique, always had time and loved watching him bat. He was head and shoulders above the rest of us young western country sloggers.
Matthew Walker – Kent County Player, had the ability to easily bat up and down the gears. Punished anything loose.
Justin Langer – Different Class
David Dillon
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Justin Langer – 100 odd not out, without fuss, not one false shot.
Was there any bowler or batsman in particular who for whatever reason always seemed to cause you a few problems?
Most bowlers caused me an issue.
Can you recall a time when you thought, wow, this is a step or two up from what you were used to?
Face to face with Anderson Cummins, he was frothing at the mouth, bowling for a test position. No helmet, got the heart rate up.
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
I notice that Scott Atkinson gets a few mentions on this site, he missed a stumping of me recently. I have dropped him down a few rungs because of that. David Hunter – good keeper. Mark Pratt – annoying.
Scott Atkinson
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Mark Pratt, competitive as it gets, as you will see below.
Matt Adamson – the ex-Rugby league player. I think he could have played professional cricket as well. Everything he did on the field looked so easy.
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Adam Smith
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
Easts v Northern District. Running battle between A.Hook and Mark Pratt (skipper and wicket keeper). Pratty did his normal welcome to the crease routine. Hook told Pratty to “relax brother and enjoy what your about to see, as you have the best seat in the house”. Hook smashed us to all parts. Reminding Pratty he had the best seat in the house after every boundary he hit, relentless. Northern District 9 dec -346. The following week, M.Pratt 116no (unusually quiet during his innings) East 7 dec -351 with about an hour of play left. As Pratty walked from the field he took turns pointing his bat at every single Northern District player, giving them advice about how to play the game. A.Hook, got Mark’s special attention.
Ian Drewe turned up to a game in his tuxedo, carrying a bucket of KFC, 45 mins late, apologised to the team “the traffic was terrible”. Bowled 10 overs straight, collapsed to his knees at the end of the 10th over holding his head complaining of headache.
What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?
Ran myself out on 97, v UNSW. Still haunts me. Worst call ever.
Who was your childhood hero?
Dennis Lillee, wore a path out across neighbours front lawn, employing DK’s long run.
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Ellsye Perry, Jack Nicklaus, Rob Mendez (if you don’t know who this guy is, google him)
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
The late great Richie, everyone else, pretenders.
What was your favourite ground to play at?
Waverly Oval – Backroom, Nelson Hotel, Kitty O’Sheas, Hot Dog Stand out the front of Kitty’s.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Unluckiest bowler ever. Mr G.Harris. Should have been out first ball, but the fielder caught the ball on the wrong side of the boundary line. Whilst it was a byline in Wisden, it was memorable for me.
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
Every single one. Love winning.
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Impossible to name 3. It’s the complete blend of all the characters that would make the BBQ great. Monkey Boy, Muzzy, Horse, Jughead, JD, Snake, Blocker, Chook, Nixo, Fruzo, Patto, Tucks, Aardvark, Firehose, Prawn, Captain, Crazy Legs, J.Mac, Davy Hunter. I’m sure I have missed a bunch of others who would contribute light beer to the esky whilst fishing around the same esky looking for the super.
Mark Patterson, Kevin Roche, Greg Matthews, Peter Lovitt, Adam Smith, Adrian Tucker, Kyle Thompson, Glen Giddings, Lee Kirk
What are your hobbies?
Golf, camping and watching my kids deal with what the world throws at them.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
“You can always do better” – My pop. Love this one.
“You will never repay the game of cricket, the debt you owe” – I was lucky enough to spend a little time with Sir Colin Cowdrey. At first, I thought it was the ramblings of an old Englishman. But it has stuck with me, and he is right.
Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?
Still playing, coaching in the NSW Country junior academy program, coaching a junior rep side on the Central Coast, involved in a few committees, Eastern Suburbs and Central Coast over 50’s.
If you were running a state cricket association what would your 2 priorities to ensure cricket in the state remained strong and successful on and off the field?
Enhance country facilities, at least bridge the huge gap between metro and country. Country provides plenty of talent, it would be a healthy return on that investment.
Pick senior state teams on performance not potential.
