CricConnect Volunteer Recognition Series. Simon Trowell - Northern District Cricket Club
Northern District Cricket Club Sydney | March 04, 2026
CricConnect Volunteer Recognition Series proudly supported by Pink Finance
Simon Trowell’s connection to Northern District Cricket Club stretches back to the mid 1980s, riding his BMX to Waitara Oval to watch training and matches. As a kid, he could not believe how quickly Peter Taylor bowled his off spin. Those early impressions left a mark.
After three years playing Grade Cricket in Canberra while at university, Simon trialled with Northern District upon returning to Sydney for the 2000/01 season. He joined the committee in 2006 and is now completing his twentieth season in an official capacity. In total, he has been involved with the club for more than a quarter of its 100 year history.
Why Northern District?
Having moved to Normanhurst in 1986, the club was his local Grade side. Over time, the answer has become much deeper.
“It is a welcoming place devoid of egos,” Simon says. “A place filled with self-deprecating, high performing people. Give me as many self-deprecating high achievers as you can. They are the best type of people to surround yourself with in life.”
As a player, the message instilled by the club’s godfather Austen Hughes was clear. Play tough but fair. Fierce battles in the middle, underpinned by unwavering sportsmanship.
As a volunteer, Simon is surrounded by people who simply want to help. Leaders such as Austen Hughes, Jim Barrett, Mike Langford, Graham Gorrie and Jeremy Hook set the tone. Nobody is above a task. Everyone contributes.
Simon’s volunteer journey began as Assistant Secretary in 2006/07 before serving as Club Secretary for two seasons, representing Northern District as a delegate to the Sydney Cricket Association. He now serves as Assistant Vice President.
Season to season, his responsibilities include liaising with council on ground bookings, assisting players with insurance claims, compiling the Annual Report and supporting club events. Like most volunteers, his work also includes cleaning sheds, helping with covers and being an extra set of hands wherever needed.
Among many memorable moments, one stands out from his very first trial.
New to the club and not knowing anyone, players were asked to form groups of three for warm ups. Simon found himself the odd one out until the only remaining pair were Brad Haddin and Mark Higgs. Having watched them play for the Canberra Comets, it was a surreal moment. He cannot remember the warm up, but he is confident he disappointed them both.
When asked to name his favourite Northern District player, Simon admits it is almost impossible. Training alongside First Class cricketers provided a glimpse into what makes elite players special. He recalls bowling to Dom Thornely in the nets and watching what appeared to be a simple defensive stroke race past him to the boundary.
If pressed to choose one, he selects Clinton Witt. A run machine over many years, amassing more than 10,000 runs, Witt’s cover drive remains etched in Simon’s memory.
“Clinton had the best cover drive I have seen from anyone who has held a bat in the game. It is the most impressive display of batting technique I have witnessed at any level.”
“The timing, the balance and the effortless power of the shot made it a thing of beauty. It would have had players like Mark Waugh and Damien Martyn asking him to show them how he did it.”
For Simon, Northern District represents something bigger than cricket.
“My two main sporting loves are boxing and cricket,” he says. “Cricket can be the very best display of everything we hold dear in a civil society. Teamwork, accepting the umpire’s decision, gritting your teeth while facing a challenge and holding sportsmanship at the centre of the game.”
At Northern District, those standards bleed Maroon, Royal Blue and Old Gold. It is a club that aligns perfectly with his values and morals.
A word from Northern District Cricket Club President Jeremy Hook
Simon Trowell plays a key role at NDCC as Assistant Vice President, supporting the club’s governance, operations, and strategic direction. He helps ensure the Club runs smoothly, handling insurance, ground bookings, AV for each Presentation Night as well as producing the Annual Report. He is a true all-rounder who achieves quietly and is a brilliant clubman, never seeking praise but highly worthy of proper recognition.
This profile forms part of the CricConnect Volunteer Recognition Series, honouring the people who build our game beyond the boundary.
Know a volunteer who deserves recognition? Nominate them at CricConnect.
