Rebecca Goodhew (Cady) - From the Country to Premiership Keeper to Coaching

Penrith Cricket Club | September 19, 2024

What year were you born?

1995

Can you remember your first game of cricket?

I started my cricket journey when I was 4 years old through milo cricket; however, I am from a big cricketing family so the game was always a part of my life. I can’t remember how it went, but I am sure I would have had a great time. 

Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?

My cricketing journey has been quite unique. I joined the Western Academy at a young age and consistently played above my age group throughout the NSW pathway, which required me to grow up quickly. At 15, I began travelling to participate in the Sydney Premier grade competition, initially playing for Bankstown and later for Campbelltown and Sydney.

During my adolescence, I was diagnosed with epilepsy, which was linked to stress and mental illness. This condition significantly impacted me between the ages of 15 and 18, ultimately leading to my decision to step down from the Under 18 NSW team, not only as a player but also as captain. Following this, I took a break from cricket for many years to focus on my mental health and manage my epilepsy.

When I was ready to return to the game, I briefly played for Sutherland before finding a permanent home with Penrith, where I finished my career and I now coach with a wonderful club and coaching group.

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

I debuted in First Grade for Bankstown at 15 years old.

What was the highest grade you played, and can you remember how you performed in your first game in that grade?

The highest level I played was NSW Cricket Pathway up to the Under 18 State team. I opened the batting the entire tournament and did well, not only for my own personal goals but for the team.

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

Wicketkeeper/batter

Rebecca in action for Penrith at Howell Oval

What were your strengths as a player?

My greatest strength is being a good team member on and off the field.

Who was the best spinner you had the good fortune to keep to?

Erin Burns

Who was the best fast bowler you kept to?

Ellyse Perry

Was there anyone bowler who you really enjoyed keeping to?

Samantha Arnold

Can you recall a catch or stumping that still fills you with pride and puts a smile on your face?

Yes. I was playing as the female representative for First Grade in the inter-club match between Sydney and Sutherland men's team. It was played on the SCG, and I took a diving catch to the opening bowler.

What was your highest score in senior cricket? For which club and where?

My highest score was 115 in the City vs Country Team on Blacktown Sports Oval. It was equally as memorable because I had been dropped from the NSW training squad, and this score enabled me to be selected in the touring team that year.

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

·        Ellyse Perry

·        Keegan Tucker

·        Emma Hughes

Elysse Perry

Who were the best three spinners you have played against? 

·        Erin Burns - amazing variation and ability to read players

·        Kira Churchland - a true student of the game, who had the ability to bowl exactly to a plan

·        Beth Lane - possibly the most amount of leg spin turn I have had the pleasure of keeping against.

Who were the best three batters you’ve played against?

·        Alex Blackwell - amazing batting style and a true 360 player

·        Michelle Goszko - I have never played under a better leader, who blazed a path forward for not only cricket but women

·        Phoebe Litchfield - not only an awesome person on and off the field but a player with the ability to change games.

Alex Blackwell

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

Naomi Stalenberg - I was batting with Naomi and we collectively chased down 380 to win against Sydney in a game that was magic to be a part of. Naomi scored 200+ runs and it was game that I will forever remember as an unwinnable victory.

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

Rachael Haynes is an incredible batter, and it was always hard to bowl and set fields to such a great player.

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?

Yes, I was selected in an open City vs Country series where Alex Blackwell was my Country Captain and I felt very fortunate that I had an opportunity to wicketkeep while Alex was in first slip explaining to me her field placement decisions and her analysis of the batter.

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

Alyssa Healy

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

Samantha Arnold - she is not only an incredible person but an amazing leader who has the ability to connect to all players.

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

Michelle Goszko – she’s an incredible cricketer in her own right; however, as a captain, she is a true leader who leads from the front and has the ability to make a real impact not only on outcomes of games but also on young players’ development and growth.

Who has been your funniest teammate?

Tiegan Kavanagh (Kav)

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

I can’t remember an exact moment but basically any game Kav and I have played together has always been hilarious.

What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?

Diamond duck during a City vs Country game

Who was your childhood hero?

I didn’t really have a childhood hero, but I always looked up to any female athletes at the top of their sporting code.

Who are the three sportspeople in the world you’d most like to meet?

·        Ash Barty

·        Sam Kerr

·        Ronda Rousey

Ash Barty

Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?

Mel Jones

What was your favourite ground to play at?

SCG

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?

Winning the First Grade Premiership in 2022-23 with Penrith and retiring from cricket

Penrith's First Grade Premiership in 2022-23 with Rebecca in the middle in the front row

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

First Grade Premiership in 2022-23 with Penrith

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

·        Samantha Arnold

·        Tiegan Kavanagh

·        Elise Noble

What are your hobbies?

Golf

What’s the best advice you’ve received?

You only fail when you stop trying

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

I have transitioned from player to a level 2 coach and I have been very fortunate to learn from the best at Penrith Cricket Club.

If you were running a state cricket association, what would your two priorities be to ensure cricket in the state remained strong and successful on and off the field?

·        Mental health and well-being programs for female cricketers

·        Fostering a safe, inclusive and empowering team environment