David Roach - you can always improve
Geelong Over 50 Cricket Club | May 24, 2024
David Roach has played the majority of his junior and senior cricket in Melbourne and Geelong and he continues to enjoy and give back to the game.
He’s been a captain coach for most of his career and is the current President of the Geelong Over 50s Cricket Club. In March 2024 David was awarded Life Membership of the Geelong Over 50s Cricket Club.
An aggressive batter and loyal teammate David Roach is the very proud owner of cap number 55 for the Australian Over 50s cricket team.
Let’s find out more about David’s journey in the game
Cremorne Hotel is a proud sponsor of the Geelong Over 50s Cricket Club
What year you were born?
1968
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
It was 50 years ago so don’t remember the actual game and how I went but I was 6 years old and playing for the Sunshine Druids Cricket Club under 12s team with my good mates that I still have today.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
I played all my junior cricket for Sunshine Druids. In senior cricket I played for many clubs between Melbourne and Geelong, and I was fortunate to play as a captain/coach for many years.
In over 50s cricket I’ve played for Geelong, Victoria, Queensland and proudly for Australia.
Geelong Over 50s Premiers in 2022-23
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in senior cricket?
I played in the lower grades (4th grade) when I was 12 and I played my first A grade game when I was 15.
What was the highest grade you played, and can you remember how you performed in your first game in that grade?
I played first grade at a local level as I never went to play District (Premier) cricket in Melbourne which is something I wish I had done.
I was 21 when I started as a captain and coach.
My first year of playing first grade was with my dad and it was very special. I made 120 not out in my first game playing with dad.
David Roach batting at the WACA in the final against Western Australia in 2019
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
I always batted in the top 4 and I would say an aggressive batter who liked to take the game on.
I was a wicket keeper for most of my senior cricket, but I also loved fielding so when I didn’t have to keep I didn’t.
As the years progress, I’ve taken up bowling very slow mediums.
What were your strengths as a player?
I wasn’t the best batsman by a long way but I was always very determined and hard-nosed and did what was needed to win. And I did whatever it took to help my team mates.
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
204 not out against Guild playing for Alexander Thompson in the first game of the of the 1998/99 season in the Geelong Cricket Association
David Roach receiving his Life Membership of Geelong Over 50s Cricket Club in March 2024
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
I took 3 for 8 off not many overs. I think it was batters 9, 10 and 11
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Glen Wise – he was very smart for a fast bowler and always put the bowl in the right spot.
Carl Greenidge (son of Gordon) – he played county cricket in England and was the quickest bowled I have faced by far. He played a season at Albion in Melbourne, and we played them in a grand final and he didn’t get a wicket after taking 8 wickets in the semi-final.
Graeme Haper was tall man who had the heat but also steep bounce.
Who were the best 3 batters you’ve played against?
A lot of good ones but none that really stand out above others.
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Sammy Loftes for St. Joyes in a semi final against as. We had a few good bowlers, but he seemed to have so much time and he hit the ball wherever he wanted to and made a 100 odd.
Was there any bowler in particular who whatever reason always seemed to cause you a few problems?
Glen Wise
David Roach presented with his Australian Over 50s cricket cap by Trent Ryan
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
James (Harry) Smith from Druids had great hands, soft and always up at the stumps even to the quick bowlers.
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Paul Brown in Melbourne was a great bat and a strong will to win.
Danny Hughes had white line fever but could back it up as an all-rounder.
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
Difficult to answer as throughout my career I was the captain in most teams I played for.
Who has been your funniest team mate?
There’s been a few but I would say Timmy McKerracher in the old days. Today Darren Hill always makes me laugh because he’s so serious.
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
I was captain and we got a run out. We had two umpires and with both batters standing next to each other dead set in the middle of the wicket, no one knew which batter was out. So, I suggested that the batters do a rock scissors paper and who ever lost was out and the umpires agreed. That was a funny moment.
Who was your childhood hero?
David Hookes
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Michael Jordon – I loved how good and arrogant he was on the basketball court.
David Hookes – I loved watching him bat as he was so effortless but so good.
Tiger Woods - the best ever and I would love to hear some of his stories off the course.
What was your favourite ground to play at?
The WACA
What there a particular team you especially looked forward to playing against?
East Belmont not sure why but I always made runs against them.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
All 13 premierships and the two over 50s national championship wins for different reasons. I won 2 flags in a row with my son when he was 13 in Lara 6ths in a father and son side and then again in Lara seconds when he was 14. I will never forget those two.
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
Winning the national championships against WA in the final at the WACA in Perth as captain of Victoria was a great feeling in a tight game.
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Timmy (tight arse)
Hilly (because of his horse racing tips)
Dacca (his funny to look at)
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?
It’s great how you get to play tournaments in different parts of Australia and around the world that we never have got to do without Over 50s cricket. We also get to play on some great grounds.
It’s good meeting people from all over that we would never have had the chance to do if it wasn’t for over 50s cricket. Made so many new friends and memories.
You’ve played for the Australian Over 50s cricket team. What did it mean to you personally to be selected in the Australian Over 50s team and how have you found the experience?
As a young boy growing up all you ever do is dream about playing cricket for Australia so to get the chance in your 50s means just as much, it’s a dream come true.
Going to the South Africa for the World Cup (Cape Town) was special and a great bunch of blokes to be with.
Unfortunately, I injured my calf muscle in only the 3rd game against New Zealand and my tournament was over, so it was very disappointing to be honest.
What are your hobbies?
Horse racing (I have a few), golf and the Melbourne Storm
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
No matter how good you’re going you can always improve and get better.
What is your occupation?
I’m a Union Shop Steward on the Westgate’s tunnel project.
We own a tyre and battery shop in Geelong and my wife runs a clothing and promotional product business.
Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?
Still playing club cricket at Lara, Queensland 50s and Geelong 50s where I’m the President.
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?
To play more two-day cricket as I believe there’s was too much one day cricket.
Have good senior players helping with the junior coaching.
The Victorian Over 50s winning the National Championships at The WACA in 2019
