Craig Bayldon - never give up
Hawkesbury Cricket Club | February 26, 2023
Craig Bayldon made his first grade debut at the age of 17 for Parramatta District Cricket club on 15 February 1986 against Western Suburbs at Pratten Park.
What a debut it was as Craig skittled Western Suburbs to take 6 for 32 and Western Suburbs were bowled out for 56.
In a career from 1985/86 to 2002/03 Craig Bayldon played for Parramatta and Hawkesbury Cricket Club and took 432 first grade wickets at an average of 26.47. Craig took 5 or more wickets in an innings on 14 occasions.
Let’s find out more about Craig’s journey in the game
What year you were born?
1968
Can you remember you first game of cricket? How old and do you remember how you went?
I was around 7 playing Under 10’s for Belrose in the Manly Competition. No recollection how I actually went but I must have enjoyed it.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
Junior Cricket was with Baulkham Hills. I played 1 year in the Shires competition for Baulkham Hills in their first year in the competition instead of playing U16’s, then went to Parramatta (Cap # 461) from 1985/86 – 1997/98 and then Hawkesbury (Cap # 81) between 1998/99 – 2017/18.
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in grade cricket?
1985/86 – 16 old - Graded in 5th grade, there was a pull out prior to game 1 and I started in 4th Grade v Waverly I think it was.
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 first grade debut in the same year 1985/86. I had just turned 17. I was playing 3rd grade at Sydney Uni on the top field and first grade were down on the main field. I got a bag of wickets and scored runs in that game and must have impressed someone as the next week I went from 3’s jumped 2nd grade and was selected to make my debut in 1’s, playing at Pratten Park against Wests.
We batted first and were bowled out for 151. I came in at 9 and scored 15. I remember getting smashed in the ribs by an Andrew Jones short ball, this was an eye opener I had not faced anyone that quick before. We then bowled Wests out for 56. I opened the bowling and took 6/32 from 15 overs. I think Allan Turrell our keeper grabbed 5 of them. It was a memorable debut.
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
I would class myself as an all-rounder although I probably should have scored more runs than I did and often threw my wicket way taking the game on. It was however with my bowling that was different.
I had 2 phases in my bowling career.
First at Parramatta I started as a bit of a tear away fast bowler and through the years at Parramatta with experience learned to bowl with better plans and consistency. I took 297 First grade wickets as a quick at Parramatta.
I was having continual problems with a groin injury; I would get it right and injure it again. I used to muck around at training bowling leg spin. In 1996/97, I was captain at Parramatta at the time and we were playing Petersham and nothing much was happening for us. I had tweaked my groin earlier in the innings and was not bowling. I knew when I bowled spin at training it did not seem to hinder my injury so I brought myself on and bowled some leg spin. I took 5 wickets, including my 300th wicket as a stumping. I was wondering why all these years I was bowling 25 overs a day in the heat off a long run when I could have been bowling spin. I decided to then just concentrate on leg spin and I bowled the rest of my 1st grade career as a leg spinner.
Second - I moved to Hawkesbury in 1998/99 season as a leg spinner and played 1’s there until midway through 2002/03 season. We were playing the Australia day Saturday, Monday game. I was a Police Officer at the time. I played on Saturday, went to work after play to do the night shift and got involved in an incident at work where I was injured. I had 5 or 6 knee operations following this and did not play any cricket for about 6 years before returning to Hawkesbury to captain and mentor the young players in the lower grades until a couple of seasons ago which I totally enjoyed.
I finished with 432 First Grade wickets. 297 as a quick and 135 as a leg spinner.
What were your strengths as a player?
Never give up. I would always say you cannot take a wicket without the ball in your hand. I honestly do not remember ever asking a captain I played under for a spell. I would keep bowling until the ball was taken from me.
NSW Under 19 cricket team 1986-87
Back Row – Jack Wilson (Manager), Wayne Holdsworth, Craig Bayldon, Andrew Martyr, Justin Quint, Nigel Brookes, Brett Williams, Scott Prestwidge, Ted Cotton (Coach)
Front Row – Adrian Tucker, Rodney Davison, Paul Ryan (Vice Captain), Garry Lovett (Captain), Craig Haworth, Chris Fox
Biggest Challenge?
Being a junior police officer and playing first grade, in order to make sure I had weekends off in summer I basically did permanent night shifts. Saturday, Sunday games were very difficult. I would wake up on a Friday after working Thursday night, Work Friday night, go straight to Cricket on the Saturday then finish play and go straight to work Saturday night and repeat again on Sunday. I would go from Friday to Monday morning without sleep.
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
My highest 1st grade score was 114 for Hawkesbury v Sydney University at Bensons Lane. I did get a big hundred, not sure the exact score but it was over 150 opening the batting in second grade at Manly oval whilst playing for Parramatta.
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
In First grade as a quick - I think it was 6 for 28 v Balmain at Merrylands Oval and 11 for the match. As a Leg Spinner I took 6 for 35 and 10 in a match at Bensons Lane v Petersham.
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played with?
Neil Jones – Parramatta. We formed a good opening partnership together. Neil and I also went to the same High School and took our school to the final of the Davidson Shield.
Daniel Jackson – Parramatta. All heart. Loved playing. Totally different person once he crosses that boundary. Gave everything he had. He had a long career for a quick taking over 600 wickets. The kind of bowler every captain loves.
Wayne Holdsworth – NSW U/16’s & U/19’s – Scary quick, a genuine wicket taker and proven performer at all levels.
Wayne Holdsworth
Who were the best two spinners you have played with?
Anthony Kershler – I played a lot of cricket with Kersh at Parra, Hawks and in Police Cricket. For his longevity, volume of wickets and the ability to tie up an end he was good to have at the other end whilst bowling.
Robert Aitken (senior) – He was my skipper when I made my debut at Parramatta. Although it was near the end of his career, I played 2-3 seasons with him. He took over 800 first grade wickets and his control and knowledge of the game was second to none.
Anthony Kershler
Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played with?
Brett Williams – Parramatta. At times made batting look so easy. Opening the batting he would take anything short on and would invariably come out on top. In his partnership with Tim McMahon who batted in a similar manner they would get the team off to a flyer.
Greg Mail - Parramatta and Hawkesbury. I think it may have even been Greg’s first grade debut or thereabouts but we played Mosman on a stinker at Merrylands. It was a 4 innings outright win to us with no team scoring more than 110 and we passed the score 9 down in the 4th innings. Maily was not out in both innings 30 or 40 and you could see then he was going to make lots of runs. His record speaks for itself.
Wayne Seabrook – Parramatta. Another very destructive batter who played with a mix of touch and brute force. I witnessed a few unbelievable innings from him from both on the same team and the receiving end against him.
Wayne Seabrook
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Mark Waugh at Merrylands Oval. It was in the game where the Orange balls were being trialled. I think he came in right on the stroke of tea and was only a couple not out. After the break he toyed with us, manipulating the field around and played the most amazing innings to watch. I know it sounds bad but I remember not wanting him to get out. I think he miss-hit one ball all day which was a top edge off a pull shot. You could see the fine leg coming around to take the catch and (un)fortunately with the bike track around Merrylands Oval he put his foot on the track taking the catch and was not out and it was a 6. I think he scored 120 odd runs in that final session and Bankstown made 500 or so in the day. I will add though we did not lose the game. It rained all week and there was no play. We walked away with a well-earned draw.
Can you recall a time when you thought, wow, this is a step or two up from what you were used to?
In my debut season we made the semi-finals and played St. George. I think I had played maybe 3 first grade games prior to the Semi’s and we had played well. St. George batted first, I was opening the bowling and we got pummelled. Wayne Seabrook smashed 130 odd and was out just after lunch. I think 3 of their batsmen got good hundreds that day and as a young fella it was the first time I had felt as a bowler being totally dominated and being grinded into the dirt.
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
For pure wicket keeping skills, Allan Turrell. Silky smooth and rarely missed anything.
Allen Turrell
Who has been your funniest team mate?
You could always get a laugh from Tim McMahon. Tim loved a punt and would do just about anything for money. I remember one day at Old Kings, well into the 40 degrees -a stinker. At lunch Tim asked everyone how much we would give him to field the whole middle session with a sleeveless vest, a long sleeve jumper and another sleeveless vest over it. I think we agreed on $5 each so $50. He did it. It wasn’t made easy for him with the skipper sending from one side of the field to the other. He was close to collapse on a couple of occasions. Then to top it off at tea he is in the dressing room and asks how much we would give him if he kept his feet in the ice esky for the whole tea break without taking them out. Madness. He could not walk for a while after the break.
I would also throw Michael Goeke into this category. Just for being Michael Goeke. Those who know him would understand what I mean.
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
One of the funniest comments on the field I remember came from umpire Ian Thomas. Barry Smith was bowling leg spin back in the mid -90’s prior to the rule change. He bowled one of those balls that as a leggy the ball sometimes just gets stuck in your hand. It somewhat resembled the ball John Howard was famous for bowling on television. Anyway it pitched about a third of the way down the wicket, it did not bounce very high, it bounced again on a good length, I don’t remember who the batsman was but he had an almighty swing, missed and he was stuck in the pad. Barry was going berserk with his appeal, pleading with Ian to give it out. Ian Thomas replied, ”Barry. It pitched in line, it struck him in line, the ball was going on to hit the stumps but I just don’t think it had enough on it to knock the bails off. Not out.” What do you say to that?
What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?
The only one that comes to mind was the classic stylish leave of the ball (which was rare for me to leave a ball, I chased everything) that took out middle stump.
Who was your childhood hero?
Like any young fast bowler growing up when I did, it was Dennis Lillee. Allan Border and David Hookes were up there to.
Dennis Lillee
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Donald Trump (does he count as a sports person?), Tiger Woods and would love to meet Sachin Tendulkar in India.
Sachin Tendulkar
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
I loved the excitement and enthusiasm with Bill Lawry and the stories, jokes and laughter of Skull (Kerry O’Keeffe).
What was your favourite ground to play at?
As with any cricketer from NSW the SCG is an absolute standout. Every chance I had to play there was a privilege.
Bensons Lane was also a great place to play. As a club having the 3 grounds all next to each other I think brings the club closer together and players get invested what others in the club are doing and how they are performing. Also the opposition never liked to play there. It was always generally 5-10 degrees hotter than most other grounds in Sydney. We had the best flies who would pick the most appropriate time to buzz inside the grill of an opposition batters helmet as the bowler was just about to let go of the ball, we had them trained well.
NSW Colts Cricket team 1989
Back Row – Craig Bayldon, Greg McLay, Warwick Adlam, Justin Quint, Martin Haywood, Craig Hughes, Michael Bevan
Front Row – David Kelley, Michael Slater, Adrian Tucker (Captain), Neil Marks (Manager), Mark Atkinson, Rodney Davison
Was there a particular team you especially looked forward to playing against?
Bankstown when at full strength. Best seat in the house. It was always a challenge and a good bunch of blokes.
Also loved the games against Parramatta after moving to Hawkesbury and catching up with all my mates again. A bit of friendly rivalry also.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Unfortunately, I never got to win a grade cricket premiership, I did play in a final against Bankstown where we were in the field for 2.5 days and about 250 overs, amazing but not memorable as I would have liked to forget the way I felt during the warm ups on the morning of day 3.
I just loved playing cricket, competing, and any first grade win was a great win, to sing the team song have a few beers and talk rubbish in the change rooms with your team mates and opposition was amazing.
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Through my playing days at both Parramatta and Hawkesbury we had core of players who I played a lot of cricket with and are still good mates with today. Honestly to spend all summer in the heat with the same bunch of blokes each weekend you have to enjoy each other’s company. I would be happy to have Saturday arvo and well into the evening BBQ with any of the guys I played with or against for that matter. Wherever this occurred I am positive it would be a great, fun day.
What are your hobbies?
Having played through the times when you just did not miss a game for holidays or for any reason really, I spent my whole cricketing life not ever having a summer holiday. I have always loved camping and 4WDing and since cricket has finished, I have upgraded to an off road caravan after promising my wife I would stop playing, and I have been making up for the lack of summer holidays and pretty much travelled all through central Australia all of QLD and Eastern Australia. Looking forward to doing the West of Australia. I try to get out in the van at least a weekend every month somewhere (outside of the lockdown periods).
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Stay consistent and have more patience than the batsman.
What is your occupation and who do you work for?
Following my injury in 2003 I was medically discharged from the Police. I had my own Private Investigation business for about 12 years and I have recently commenced working as an Investigator with the Department of Education.
In 2009, a friend of mine Dennis Papworth and I started a Sports Company – Bluetongue Sports which is Indoor and Outdoor cricket equipment and sports clothing business. We started this as a hobby in the garage around our normal work and it has grown considerably. Check us out at www.bluetonguesports.com.au
Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?
I am still involved with Hawkesbury Cricket Club on the Management Committee, and licensee. I would also fill in for the odd game here or there if required.
In 2011 I got back involved in Indoor Cricket after about a 25 year hiatus, playing in the Masters Championships. The Indoor Masters Championships are held yearly and played at a very competitive level. Again it is another opportunity to get the competitive juices flowing and make friends all over Australia. I have been lucky enough in this time to win 4 National Championships in the Over 45’s division and represent Australia in the same division.
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?
1. Have NSW / Australia contracted players more available to play premier cricket.
I know elite players demands and restrictions are different to how they were when I first played 1st grade however nearly every grade game you would play you would come up against a test player or a shield player which as a young player entering first grade was an amazing experience. I do not underestimate what a player can learn just from being on the same field with players like this and then catching up in the dressing rooms after the games, having a beer, listening to stories and soaking it all in.
2. More emphasis placed on continual, consistent first grade performances for First Class selections rather than how a player performs at an underage carnival.
