Rodney Davison was a compact opening batsman who just loved to bat.
He made his first grade debut in 1985 and amassed 10,732 runs in 270 innings at an average of 48.12. Rodney scored 24 centuries and 63 x 50s.
Rodney played 39 first class games for NSW scoring 2,300 runs at an average of 35.38 including 4 x 100s and 11 x 50s. He also played 7 one day games for NSW
Welcome Rodney,
What year were you born?
1969
Where did you go to high school?
Caringbah High School, where my Physical Education teacher was John Dyson, the Australian opening batsman.
Do you remember your first ever game of cricket?
8 Years old. I took 6 wickets for 20 runs plus scored 20 and 18 not out with the bat. It was a full pitch in those days, with a 156gm Steeden Century plastic ball on a concrete pitch.
Where did you play your junior cricket?
1 Year at Caringbah Sports, then the rest for Cronulla Seagulls. I didn't play my final year of U16s Junior Club Cricket, as I chose to play 3rd Grade with my father at Sutherland District Cricket Club that season, with lower grade matches being brought forward from 12.30pm start to 11.00am.
Which clubs have you played for?
Sutherland, Randwick-Petershsm and Sydney University in Sydney Premier Grade Cricket. Gold Coast and Beenleigh- Logan in Brisbane Premier Grade Cricket. Ealing, Blackpool and Bicester/North Oxford in UK League Cricket.
How old were you when you first played grade cricket?
13 Years Old, 4th Grade, Sutherland DCC
What age did you make your first grade debut?
16 Years Old, versus Balmain against Darren and Rodney Tucker
What is your highest score in first grade?
168 not out, versus Eastern Suburbs at Waverley Oval (2000/2001)
What is your highest score in any grade?
Who against and which ground 255 not out for NSW 2nd XI versus Newcastle (Belmont) 1993/94
What is your highest First Class Score?
169 versus Victoria at the MCG (1997/98)
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Captaining Sutherland DCC to first ever Premier 1st Grade title in 1995/96 against a formidable Bankstown team that included Steve Waugh, Mark Waugh, Wayne Holdsworth, Nathan Bracken, Steve Small, Scott Thompson, David Freedman, Shane Dietz, Dean Waugh, Danny Waugh and Ken Hall.
1995/96 - Sutherland Premiership Winning Team
Who’s been the biggest influence in your cricket career?
My father Barry got me started and passionate about cricket, enticing me to be involved at Sutherland DCC from a very early age. Ted Cotton was a regular nets coach at my father's coaching clinics and he coached me privately during my mid teenage years. A lot of my success in first class cricket I put down to Ted's batting coaching.
Greg Matthews, as a senior player and captain, played a strong mentoring role during my time with the NSW Sheffield Shield Squad, as he did with a lot of players. Steve Rixon, Geoff Lawson and Greg Campbell each helped me become mentally tougher under their coaching tutelage.
Who was the funniest cricketing team mate?
Brad McNamara
Who is your favourite all time cricketer?
Brian Lara
What was the best win you were involved in?
NSW versus WA at the SCG (1997/98). Outright win for NSW by 60 runs after trailing by 221 runs on the first innings. This was Brett Lee's Sheffield Shield debut match. I scored a slow 2nd innings century with a broken finger which was very much aided by Michael Bevan's classy 132 including his amazing ability to run quick singles.
If you’re in the middle seat of the middle row of Qantas QF1flight to London which team mates would you choose to on your left and right?
Brad McNamara on my left and Phil Alley on my right.
Did you have any cricketing superstitions?
If still batting after 5 hours, I'd eat some Snake Lollies at the 3rd drinks break to get me through to the end of the day.
Which ground in Sydney club cricket did you enjoy playing at the most?
Hawkesbury Oval - worth the 90 minute drive to bat on such a beautiful strip.
Who was the fastest bowler you ever faced?
I faced some hostile spells from Wayne Holdsworth, Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Curtly Ambrose and Malcolm Marshall. However, the scariest spell I faced was against Scott Thompson in the 1995/96 1st Grade Final 2nd innings at Bankstown chasing only 54 to win.
Who was the best spinner you played against?
I played against Shane Warne once in Schoolboys Cricket. He took 6 wickets for Victoria against a NSW side that scored 500 at Cranbrook School, showing considerable promise.
I also only played once against David Hourn. I had quickly raced to 50 before he came on, and in one over he totally bamboozled me with big turning leg breaks , then the most amazing 'flipper' that knocked me over LBW.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Best place to bat in difficult conditions is the other end.
Are you still involved in Cricket and if so, in what capacity?
Yes, I am currently Head Coach at Nambour Cricket Club and the Director of Cricket at Matthew Flinders Anglican College on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
What advice would you offer a young 13 year old who has the ambition of playing test cricket?
Filter coaching information provided to you. Stick with what works for you and throw out what doesn't. Keep the game simple, don't over analyze and enjoy your cricket first and foremost. Work out what you need to do to be successful at each level and work out how through creating training environments that allow you to explore and get better at knowing your abilities, as well as improving your decision making. Develop a strong work ethic that includes developing your game holistically (i.e. technique, physical fitness, mental toughness, game strategy and decision making).
What are your hobbies?
Quality family time, visit Movie Theatre, Beach/Pool, Zoo and Cafes. Love the Sunshine Coast lifestyle.
What is your occupation?
School Teacher and Professional Cricket Coach
Are there any lessons from your time in cricket that you take into work or life in general?
Cricket is a great leveller. You can make a century one day then a duck the next innings for example. This builds character, so the lesson in life is not to get too carried away when all is well, but also to be resilient in tough times.
News Reel - Rodney Davison scoring 56 for NSW v South Australia 1993
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