Simon Neich - believe in yourself
Camden Cricket Club | March 14, 2024
Simon Neich played all his junior and senior cricket with Camden Cricket Club and is a very proud Life Member of the Club.
A very talented cricketer with both the bat, ball and in the field, Simon was the first grade captain for many years and awarded Club Person of the Year in 2011/12 and has won the Most Outstanding Player of the Year four times. In 1998-99, 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2019-20.
Now playing veterans cricket Simon has represented Sydney through Port Jackson Veterans Cricket Club and the NSW Over 50s Blues in the Australian Over 50s National Championships.
Let’s find out more about Simon’s journey in the game.
What year you were born?
1973
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
I was 6 years old playing for my club Camden in the under 10’s. I really only remember that I had a brand-new Slazenger ‘Kim Hughes Runmaker’ which I hooked the first ball I faced for 4, proudly sporting a big cherry right in the middle!
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
Other than representative teams, I have played cricket loyally for my club Camden Cricket Club which has been around since 1843. I have always been very passionate about this historic Cricket Club and giving back to its juniors and passing on knowledge was always important to me. My proudest moment was to be named as a Life Member as my Dad is also of Camden which has a very select group considering it has been around since 1843.
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in senior cricket?
I was 13 playing for Camden 5th Grade with my dad which was awesome. We won the competition that year as a father and son side. In 1988/89 when I was 15, I played first grade for Camden and have played in first grade ever since.
What was the highest grade you played in senior cricket, and can you remember how you performed on debut?
I played in NSW Schoolboys sides for a few years, Green Shield etc. My first game as younger player in Schoolboy’s cricket for our region of Sydney South West we were playing Western Region and I came to the crease at 5/34 and batted well but was unfortunately run out by Kevin Geyer on 99! I was then greeted by teammates all sporting the signal for ‘One Short Run’ on my exit from the field led by Robbie Luc!
Simon Neich - NSW Blues Over 50s Cap Number 54. Presented by Tony Clark.
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
Batsman first, I bowl and wicket keep as well but love to run around in the field. I always prided myself on my fielding as this was the place that every cricketer spends most of their time.
What were your strengths as a player?
Probably mindset. Just belief in what I was trying to achieve. Playing sports like Basketball at a good level certainly helped with my athleticism in the field.
What’s been your highest score in senior cricket?
200 not out at the ripe old age of 47, I made a comeback after a poor choice to ‘retire’ early and a few years off, for Camden firsts at my favourite historic Camden Park.
On Saturday 28 September 2019 Simon Neich (left) scored 200. On the right is Hayden Fergusson who on the same day and making his first grade debut for Camden scored 149
What’s been your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
7-10 for Camden first grade in 1994/95. Everyone gets lucky at least once!
Who was the best spinner you had the good fortune to keep to?
Easy - Damien Aitken who was a leg spinner who was capable of turning the ball at right angles before his shoulder packed it in.
Who was the best fast bowler you kept to?
Easy - Shane Lee, pure pace as a young fella. Bruised the hands though.
Was there anyone bowler who you really enjoyed keeping to?
Robbie Luc was gifted and a tireless fast bowler who nagged away at a line and gave me plenty of stats!
Can you recall a catch or stumping that still fills you with pride and puts a smile on your face?
Stumping Adam Gilchrist in a trial match. He came out against Damien Aitken’s leg spin and put the first two balls into another postcode then Damo ripped a wrongun which turned at right angles away from his bat and easily left me with heaps of time to clip off the bails.
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Shane Lee - played a few games against him in schoolboys’ competitions with no helmet as a compulsive hooker of the ball. I got away with a few, but I was far happier keeping to him than facing him.
Wayne Eagles - a local left armer who I was fortunate enough to play with rather than against for decades. I played only a couple of games against him in invitationals. “Chippy” could swing the ball in an unnatural way, both ways. Saw him take 10 wickets in an innings once.
Aaron Payne - Payney was a great competitor who should have done more but for his back and shoulder. He could cut the ball both ways on a dime and do just enough. A great bloke, competitor and had the best 90’s mullet when running in which might have been part of his tactics!
Shane Lee
Who were the best three spinners you have played against?
Mark England - Always at you and had such a deceptive flight with good arm speed making it hard to get at him.
Ian Stone - I didn't play against ‘Rocky’ much but had the pleasure to keep to him. Without a doubt the best arm ball ever.
Damien Aitken - I had to play junior cricket against Damo, and I was far more scared of how much he could turn the ball than any fast bowler. There's a certain fear against a spinner if you can hear the fizz on the ball as it comes at you!
Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?
Gary Baldwin - Although I didn't play against him, he played a season with us and had so much time, such great hands.
Kevin Geyer - Just tough. A great competitor with plenty of ways to hurt you.
Matthew Phelps - Pure class. He was enjoyable to watch even from the other side.
Matthew Phelps
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
I have seen a few, but the most enjoyable was seeing younger guys coming into our first-grade side and scoring their first centuries, Daniel Harris, Nathaniel Camarsh, Dylan Scott, Josh Scott etc.
Was there any bowler or batsman in particular who for whatever reason always seemed to cause you a few problems?
Colin Hicks - As a junior he was tall and could bring the ball down from such a height and I was always battling his line.
Can you recall a time when you thought, wow, this is a step or two up from what you were used to in senior cricket?
Not really. I spent prime time playing Representative Basketball instead of chasing cricket dreams. I enjoyed playing at a higher level when I got the chance.
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Paul Clarke - Clarkey kept up to the stumps to everyone and was a great gloveman.
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Shane Lee - pure skill with both bat and ball. The most talented cricketer who could affect a result with either.
Michael Wiggins - the greatest batting partner I’ve ever had. Super competitive but relaxed. The mid pitch conversations were always memorable.
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
Ian Stone - I think his second PhD should be given based on how he played two or three steps ahead of everyone else's thought processes. An incredibly good analytical thinker and competitor.
What are the two attributes of a captain you admire most?
Leadership by example and people management.
Who has been your funniest teammate?
Tough one, I can't give you one but a short list: Daniel Gordon, Michael Wiggins, Matthew Campbell, Ben Neich, Kishan Armstrong, Josh Bissaker etc
What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?
Almost every one of them. I hate getting out.
Who was your childhood hero?
Viv Richards, Allan Border, Dennis Lillee
Viv Richards
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Michael Jordan, Viv Richards and Shaq.
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Ricky Ponting
What was your favourite ground to play at?
Not the best ground but very dear to my heart is Camden Park.
You’re now playing over 50s cricket, what’s the best part of playing veterans cricket and what advice would you offer anyone over 50 who is thinking about playing again?
Get involved, you get to play at a level that suits your desires and meeting so many likeminded guys. Over 50’s has given me a completely new lease of life and love for cricket.
Have you set yourself any goals in what you’d like to achieve in over 50s cricket?
Yes, playing for NSW Blues was number one goal, then on to represent Australia and travel.
Port Jackson Reds - winner of the Over 50s Division One NSW State Championships in 2023-24
Back Row - Neil McLeod, Mick Hungerford, Steve Wark, Jason Hay, Jimmy Cornforth, Ben Callaway.
Front Row - Matt Turner, Ash Perrott, Rod Ribet, Simon Neich (Vice Captain), Simon Waddington (Captain), David Newham
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Being a part of Camden’s team that won 10 first grade premierships in a row was incredibly memorable and historic.
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
Close games are great, but I do prefer destroying teams inside of a day in a final which left Mad Monday able to start on a Sunday! This happened a few times during the 10 premierships in a row.
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
- Ben Neich
- Kishan Armstrong
- Daniel Gordon/Russell Gascoigne
What are your hobbies?
Fishing, fishing, camping and fishing.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
My Dad said once: learn to discard around 95% of what people and coaches tell you, learn to sift through and find the 5% that is useful to you, but always listen.
What’s your occupation?
Painter
Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?
Not really, stepping away from my club of 43 years to focus on playing Veterans Cricket at this stage.
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?
Allow younger players to play competitive cricket and build their passion from the beginning. Involvement in the game by many is important but seeing the decline in skills in junior ranks is horrifying. There are lessons in learning to value your wicket etc and understanding that losing is a part of life and team sports are a great facilitator of this education.
