Bernadette Robson - Cricket, Community, Snags, Connection
UTS North Sydney District Cricket Club | July 21, 2025
In 2022, Bernadette Robson joined the UTS North Sydney Bears, but she fell in love with cricket long before that…
Since joining the club, Bernadette (Bernie) has immeasurably contributed to the women’s side. Both on and off the field, she leads fiercely with a tough, yet kind approach that brings confidence to the whole team.
From being crowned Women’s 3rd Grade Player of the Year in her first season with the club to captaining the side, there is no doubt that Bernie performs on the field. But it’s her wisdom, experience, and love of the game that really sets her apart - just ask the guests at her wedding!
We sat down with her to learn more about the memorable and challenging moments of her cricket career.
Picture: Bernie at the crease on her wedding day.
Q: Describe the moment you first fell in love with Cricket and what drew you to it?
I think I first fell in love with cricket somewhere between the smell of sausages on the BBQ and the sound of leather on willow echoing through a backyard filled with laughter. Watching cricket with Dad was sacred—summer days spent side-by-side, him explaining the field placements while I tried to work out if the batter was actually doing anything.
But the magic really happened on Butchers Day. All the local butchers would gather for a legendary BBQ and backyard cricket match—think sizzling snags, eskies full of soft drink (and beer for the adults), and overly competitive dads trying not to pull hamstrings. That’s when I realised cricket wasn’t just a sport—it was a vibe. A community. A connection.
And then there was Eva, our next-door neighbour, sitting in her chair, scoring the Sheffield Shield with more precision than the Channel 9 commentary team. She made scoring look like an art form.
Those were the moments that hooked me—not the big stadiums or flashy sixes, but the backyard battles, the shared laughter, and the quiet wisdom of Eva and Dad. That’s where the love began.
Q: What is your best cricket memory?
Unwrapping a Christmas gift and finding tickets to the Gabba for Australia v… well, who knows — it didn’t matter. I was going! Heading up on a bus with Dad and his mates to watch legends like Dean Jones was unforgettable. I still remember the sunburn on just one arm because the grandstand shadow stopped at my shoulder. I spent most of the trip home trying to keep my eyes open, completely exhausted but buzzing. What a day.
In addition to this, the constant - my Mum - always supporting. Often being the taxi, the scorer and the no. 1 supporter! Thanks mum!
Q: How do you balance your cricket with your personal life and responsibilities?
Balance… still working on that one! With three kids, a cricket-playing husband and myself also still playing, it’s more of a controlled juggle. But it’s a juggle worth doing. I’ve been lucky to support grassroots clubs, rep sides and Premier League teams — each one comes with its own unique challenges, but also a huge sense of pride. It’s pretty special knowing you’re helping shape part of the cricketing pathway.
Q: What has been the most challenging obstacle you’ve faced in your sporting career so far, and how did you overcome it?
Personally, I’ve been fortunate to avoid major hurdles — but I see the emotional challenges faced by young players, especially girls aged 12 to 18. So many carry the weight of expectation, perfectionism, and quiet self-doubt. “I’m just not good enough” is something I hear too often. Helping them push through that and feel confident again has been the challenge and the reward.
Q: Is there one moment from last season that you consider your most memorable highlight?
Representing my state in Masters Women’s Cricket — and being honoured to captain — was a huge highlight. But playing alongside my eldest daughter? That’s next level. Sitting at the other end of the crease watching her play a shot with ease while I’m thinking, “How does she make it look so simple?”. It’s a moment I’ll never forget. I also won’t forget getting a stern talking to for not moving quick enough at the other end after getting smashed by the ball! ‘Mum, that would have been a four if you moved!’
Picture: Bernie and her daughter Kayla.
Q: What are your game-day lunchbox essentials?
Orange Powerade, a cheese and bacon roll, and green grapes.
Q: Have there been any life lessons or values you’ve learnt from cricket that you apply to everyday life?
I’m fiercely competitive and love a bit of strategy — cricket has always been the perfect mix of both. But in my (ahem) mature years, I’ve learned to balance the passion for winning with the joy of simply playing. Watching younger players light up with confidence when given the right environment — that’s the good stuff. That’s where cricket becomes more than just a game.
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