Tim Sargent - Goodwood Cricket Club Legend
Goodwood Cricket Club | May 12, 2023
Goodwood Cricket Club – 6 April 2019
Congratulations to Tim Sargent who has been inducted as the 7th Club Legend in our almost 100 year history.
Tim has been an outstanding on-field contributor to our Club for 27 seasons. In that time he has achieved a high level of excellence. Tim began with Clarence Park in the 1991-1992 season and won the A Grade bowling trophy in his first year with 30 wickets. Following a season of district cricket at Adelaide you returned to our club when Richmond and Clarence Park merged in season 1993-1994. Tim has gone on to take more than 750 wickets putting you fourth on the all-time list.
Let’s find out more about Tim’s journey in the game
What year you were born?
December 1965
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
I was 10 years of age. Didn’t sleep at all that night thinking about how well I was going to do. Reality was it we lost and the only thing I really remember was I put the box on the outside of my jocks. First lesson in cricket was learnt
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
I have played competitive cricket since I was 10 and have never stopped other than a small break to do my Chartered Accountancy studies for about three months over one summer.
- Rostrevor College Old Collegians – 1983 to 1988
- Clarence Park Cricket Club - 1988-1989
- Adelaide District Cricket Club 1989-1991
- Richmond Clarence Park / Goodwood Cricket Club – 1991 to now
At what age did you make your first grade debut in grade cricket and can you remember how you performed in debut?
I played my first game A grade game for Adelaide against Woodville at the age of 25. First ball I faced was from Shane George and after he came off it was Dennis Hickey. I made about 20 not out mainly snicks to third man which Woodville was not that complimentary about. That was an experience I will never forget particularly when Shane George told me he was no longer going to pitch the ball up to me but rather bowl short at my head. Took one wicket that day and that was Dave Kelly who played a bit of first class cricket for South Australia A.
Shane George sends one down for South Australia in the 1995/96 Sheffield Shield Final against Western Australia
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
I’m a left arm quickish opening bowler that moves the ball of the seam with a changeup of pace.
What were your strengths as a player?
Main strength has been my accuracy and being able to bowl tight lines and lengths the majority of the time.
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
Highest score is 84 and that was for Rostrevor Old Collegians against St Peters Old Collegians at St Peters College.
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
9 for 14 for Goodwood. Took the first 8 wickets but some off spinner wanted to take the ninth and hog the glory.
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Best Keeper was at Rostrevor Old Collegians was an Englishman called Colin Metson who played for Glamorgon. He would take regular leg side stumpings to our opening bowler.
Who was your childhood hero?
Dennis Lillee by a mile
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Shane Warne, Dennis Lillee and Richard Hadlee
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Alan McGilvray
What was your favourite ground to play at?
Oppenhiemer Private Ground in Johanesburg
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Winning my first premiership. We only made 140 runs and ended up winning by 10 runs. Taking six wickets was just the cream of the cake for me. It was the reason I left Rostrevor Old Collegians to play for Clarence Park. The decision I made became justified
You’re now playing over 50s cricket, what the best part of playing veterans cricket and what advice would you offer anyone over 50 who is thinking about playing again?
Best part is meeting like-minded people from not only interstate but from all parts of the world. Four years ago I was fortunate enough to be part of the first over 50’s Australian team to tour England.
The memories and friendship that was created on that trip will go to my grave. Will never be forgotten and to this day are in regular contact with guys that live interstate. It is a bond that can never be broken just like being part of the squad that won the World Cup in Sydney.
Anyone thinking of playing over 50’s my recommendation is to just do it. Whether it be social or the dream of wanting to represent your country you will not regret it other than your body telling you elsewise.
Australian Over 50s Cricket team touring party to England
What did it means to you to be selected in the Australian Over 50s team to play New Zealand and what are you looking forward to most?
It is an absolute honour to be selected to play against NZ, but this does come with pressure to perform and not let your team mates down. It means getting your body in the right condition to give you every chance to be successful. I am looking forward to reacquainting myself with the Australian teammates and the NZ boys who are a delight to play against and great company afterwards as well.
What are your hobbies?
Hobbies outside of cricket are gym (5 times a week) and love to play golf.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Every failure you have brings to closer to your next success.
What is your occupation?
Work as a Partner in a Chartered Accountancy practice called Moore Australia. We are part of a global network and are the 11th biggest practice in the world.
Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?
Still play cricket for Goodwood. Last season played with the young ones who ranged from 16 years of age to 28. There was a big gap to oneself but I did get to hear the doof doof music before the game and thoroughly enjoyed playing with the lads.
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?
The key to the development of cricket is getting the young ones to be taught the skills early on.
Cricket is not an easy game to learn but the better the teachers are the more chances we have of creating more quality cricketers. What I see is talented cricketers giving the game away far too early because they have lost the passion for the game
