David Redden - one of a kind
Stockton and Northern Districts Cricket Club | February 24, 2023
David Redden joined Stockton & Northern Districts Cricket Club in 2014-15 and and quickly became an integral part of not only the Stockton & Northern Districts Club but also Newcastle Cricket. It is safe to say that David has a love for cricket and in particular grassroots and country cricket that is hard to match.
David has been involved in cricket for many years but this Q&A does not do justice to the impact he has had on the many people, teams and organisations he has been part of. Throughout the Q&A, David was typical modest and reluctantly gave insights into his life in cricket. He has not only achieved an enormous amount but tellingly he has helped countless others achieve their goals and success. A friend to many, his commitment, passion and professionalism rubs off on those around him. David Redden typifies what is great about our sport and is truly one of a kind!
What others say about David Redden:
Paul Marjoribanks – Chairman Newcastle Cricket and Chairman Country Cricket NSW
“I had always considered Denis Broad as the benchmark as a cricket team manager - until David Redden arrived in Newcastle. David offers far more than a traditional cricket team manager. He is a meticulous scorer, is fully prepared for all situations, is happy to drive the team bus and offers unconditional support to the players and coach. From my perspective it is the outstanding two way communication he provides. To observe David on game day is to see a dedicated and professional team manager at work. He is a friend and a tremendous asset to Newcastle and NSW Country cricket.”
Paul Robertson - Stockton & Northern Districts Cricket Club Secretary
When David Redden arrived at our club he said to our then president Ron Hancock "I commit to the next 10 years with the club". Ten years is a long time but this is an even bigger statement considering David lives 90 minutes away! That really sums up the man, doesn't do things in half measures, be it team management, scoring, administration or commentary. David has added so much to our club, bringing a heightened level of professionalism that not only enhances the playing experience of our members but has undoubtedly built the reputation of our club and Newcastle cricket generally. His passion for cricket (and all sports) is obvious from the instant you meet him. No job is too big or too small for him. In the very proud history or Stockton & Northern Districts Cricket Club, there will be few spoken of more highly than David.
Ben Mitchell - NSW Country Representative
David Redden is a big imposing figure, it makes sense though cause if he was any smaller his heart wouldn’t fit. One of the most selfless men I have encountered in my time playing representative cricket, It doesn’t matter what needs to be done, David’s already done it! To be away for a tournament and only have to worry about cricket knowing David’s got absolutely everything else sorted is a blessing and I don’t think he will ever know how appreciative his players are. Away from cricket if David isn’t inviting you to be a guest on one of his podcasts he’s just checking in for no reason other then to make sure you are mentally fit. I could go on and on here
Nick Foster - Stockton & Northern Districts Cricket Club Captain
"David not only is an amazing team manager who is always one step ahead but he is also a mentor and confidant to many people. His dedication, professionalism is something else and I'm sure makes our club the envy of many. David is fiercely loyal and his contribution to our great club has been simply brilliant.
Anthony Kershler: NSW Country Coach & Hawkesbury Cricket Club stalwart
Many of you will know Redders through his scoring, management and commentating roles not only with Cricket but the Australian Rules Code but what some people may not know is that David was a handy grade cricketer who played with my old Club Hawkesbury and took 37 wickets in 3rd Grade in the 1992 season which saw him receive the Award for Most Wickets in a season at the club.
Hugh McKay, former Hawkesbury President, long time player and 1992 3rd Grade Captain recounted this wonderful David Redden memory of his time at Hawkesbury
“Redders was larger than life character, a big man, with genuinely wonderful human qualities. The big guy bowled offies, that according to some may have been referred to as ‘nude’. During the season Redders began taking wickets consistently and coming into the last game of the season he and his teammates were of the belief he needed 1 more wicket to break the Club record for most wickets in a season. As fate would have it the club identified another former President Terry Jacob’s had actually taken some wickets in a semi-final that hadn’t been included which pushed the record up to 41. This however wasn’t known for some time after the last game and not before the great Redders took that magical wicket on the last day of the season, the scenes that followed go something like this.
Redders took the much-anticipated wicket and without waiting for the customary team celebration he took off running in full flight towards the boundary, arms stretched fully out to the side (image of the Hayne plane springs to mind), as he commenced his lap the arms began to flap, and it was described that he imitated a giant seagull trying to take off. Fortunately for his team mates they caught up with him before he became airborne and the time-honoured man hugs took over”
Tim Cox - Western Zone & NSW Country Representative
David joined Western Zone Cricket in 2001 through his connection to Orange CYMS cricket club and Mitchell Cricket Council. He was a prominent and influential character throughout all his time in Western Zone up until 2014/2015. Through out this time his commitment was second to none and his team management skills were the best there is. He has a simple philosophy as a manager of a cricket team "Give the players what they need"
David is much more than just a team manager though, he is an influencer and a motivator and provides support in the way of communication, preparation and planning way above players expectations. With this method David constantly overcome Western Zone biggest challenge which was the tyranny of distance to bring players together. He achieved and organised this on countless occasions both with pre-season camps and squad training sessions before NSW Country Carnivals. His passion for the game rubs off on anyone that is around him. For Western Zone, David was able to encourage and support, so the best players were available, committed and involved, which along with the leadership team of Matt Crawly, Pat Rosser and myself were able to create a culture of pride for the zone that resulted in a core group of dedicated players that provided the most successful period for Western Zone Cricket between 2010 and 2015.
Name: David Redden
What year were you born? 1968
Can you remember your first game of cricket? Yes, it was at Lake Albert Oval in Wagga, with a mown strip as a pitch.
Who was your childhood hero? Don Bradman and Dennis Lillee
Tell us about your cricketing journey? I played cricket in Wagga Wagga, Sydney & Orange. I bowled non-spinning offies and batted at 7. Loved the game, ordinary ability, however.
What clubs did you play for? I played St Michaels, Petersham-Marrickville, Hawkesbury, then Orange City & CYMS
What representative cricket did you play, if any? I played Matterson Shield in Wagga Wagga when around 20 blokes had withdrawn, and I also played a couple of representative games in Orange.
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in grade cricket? 5th grade for Petersham-Marrickville, at 19.
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer? I was an All-rounder, ok pair of hands, reasonable arm before shoulder surgery, but slow.
What were your strengths as a player? I tended to score quickly, took wickets when blokes tried to slog me, reasonable slipper, tried hard.
What was your highest score in senior cricket? 154*
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket? 7-54
Who was the best fast bowler you played with or against and why? And if you could add a few words as to why. I played against a man from Bathurst named Kent French. He ended up playing List A for the ACT Comets. He was rapid, accurate, wicked off-cutter. Best quick I played against by some distance.
Who was the best spinner played with against and why? Mark Gardner, who was an ex Randwick, left-arm orthodox spinner. I genuinely had no idea as I couldn’t figure out that I had to play him off the back foot.
Who was the best batsman you’ve played with or against and why? I played 5ths at Petersham-Marrickville with Jeremy Bray, who ended up playing with distinction for Ireland. I played against a South African who was a teacher in Bathurst named Graeme Lendrum; very classy and a great bloke.
After you finished playing you have stayed heavily involved in cricket as both an administrator and a team manager for various clubs and representative teams. We would love to get some insights from your cricketing journey after you finished playing.
What clubs did you have you been involved in since the end of your playing days for and what roles have you played? The only club I have been involved with is Stockton & Northern Districts in Newcastle. I am the current Manager of the 1st Grade side and the Assistant Secretary of the Club.
What representative teams have you been involved in?
- Orange Mens Team and Orange Under 21s
- Blue Mountains Mens Team and Under 21s
- Mitchell DCA Mens Team and Under 21s
- Western Zone Mens Team and Under 21s/Colts Team
- Newcastle Zone Mens, Newcastle Steel and the Colts Team
- General Manager, Newcastle Blasters
- Scorer, NSW Country
Who were the best three batsman you have come across and why?
- Nathan Price (Newcastle) - Just a dominant player. Aggressive, smart, intense, powerful, talented.
- Mark Littlewood (Newcastle) - Watching him bat was like getting a Masters Degree in cricket.
- Michael Slater; another dual sports star (Slater was also a great hockey player). His footwork and timing were sensational, to see him play as a schoolboy in Wagga then graduate to play for NSW and Australia was a great privilege.
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand? There are two, played less than 10 kms apart. Nathan Price’s 113* for Newcastle in the Country Final against the Greater Illawarra at Keira, and Patrick Darwen’s 100* for NSW Country at Figtree Oval against Queensland Country.
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have come across and why?
- Ben Boyd from Victoria Country
- Scott Burkinshaw, NSW Country
- Mark Cameron, Newcastle Steel/NSW/WA.
Ben Boyd & Scott Burkinshaw have been the best bowlers in Australian Country cricket for a decade, and Mark Cameron was quite simply breathtaking.
Who were the best three spinners you have come across and why?
- Chris Stanger, Qld Country - Stanger bowls left-arm wrist spin, in all forms of the game, and has great variety and control
- Nick Foster, SNDCC, Newcastle, NSW Country - Foster’s record is outstanding, and his record in Sydney T20 against the best batsmen in the State is terrific
- Ben Mitchell, Southern Zone, Riverina, NSW Country, NSW Imparja - Mitchell is a match-winner, simple as that.
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand? Tom Groth, clearly.
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit? Simon Moore and Mark Littlewood
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to be involved with? Simon Moore
Who is the funniest person you have encountered? Patrick K Rosser
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet? Tom Brady, Sir Garfield Sobers, Ronnie O’Sullivan
Who is your favourite cricket commentator? Now, Ricky Ponting; previously, it was Richie Benaud.
What is your favourite ground? Lynn Oval, Stockton
Was there a particular team you especially looked forward to coming up against? Merewether, after match drinks with Simon Moore, Josh Geary, Dan Proudman and the lads are always very enjoyable.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket? When NSW Country came from nowhere to win the Australian Country Championships in Geraldton. Scenes.
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with? Stockton & Northern Districts beating University of Newcastle outright in a rain-affected semi at Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, after we made 83 all out in the first innings. I felt like I belonged that day.
Who are the three players at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque? Chris Archer, Cameron Suidgeest, Nick Foster.
What are your hobbies? Sports commentary, Podcasting, cooking.
What’s the best advice you’ve received? Never captain a side like a Victorian
What is your occupation? Security Operations Manager
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. Introduce a NSW Country Premier League competition, with sides based in large NSW cities and sides created by a player draft. Broadcast these games, play them at night and on Sundays, finals series under lights at Lavington, Victoria Park in Dubbo, North Dalton Park and at Coffs.
2. Massively invest in cricket facilities in Regional NSW to make people want to be at cricket grounds.
Name your best team of players that you been involved with (with a short reason why you chose them)?
- Simon Moore (Captain) - the King.
- Jordan Moran – Three x Australian Country Baggy Green caps, won Australian Country Championships with two different States.
- Mark Littlewood – simply brilliant.
- Joseph Price – match-winner, tough as nails – great all-rounder
- Caleb Ziebell – great all-rounder, star sportsman in two sports.
- Nathan Price – great player, unlucky not to have won a Baggy Blue, great all-rounder .
- Ben Patterson – serious talent – great all-rounder, and his Mum would belt me if I didn’t name him.
- Ben Mitchell – on his day, unplayable. He wouldn’t dare be too cheeky with Moorey and Splinter in the team.
- Nick Foster – complex, intense, talented, intelligent, great record over 20 years.
- Tom Groth – keeper without peer.
- Scott Burkinshaw – just takes wickets, consistently.
