At 71 years of age Grahame Davies from Tamworth in New South uttered 5 words to a Doctor in Sydney, “there goes my cricket career.”
The Doctor, replied “No you’ll be able to play.”
“Bullshit“ said Grahame.
The surgeon put Grahame onto a social worker who in turn introduced him to the President of the Amputee Society. The President was double amputee, a runner, who still ran.
The words from the Doctor and then meeting the President gave Grahame hope and a degree of confidence to create his own Mt Everest.
If we back track a little Grahame was around 55 years of age and had been playing cricket non-stop most of his life. He was playing for South Tamworth and after a couple of hours in the field his legs were becoming a bit sore.
He thought it might have been his shoes so he bought some new ones and whilst they offered more comfort the soreness in the legs while fielding remained.
On instructions from his wife Grahame begrudgingly visited the local doctor and found out he had circulation issues in his legs as a result of diabetes. It explained the soreness and the need for medication.
15 years on, still taking medication, Grahame developed an ingrown toenail in his left foot. The circulation issues had become a problem again and after 5 operations which included losing half a toe Grahame was told there was no other option but to amputate his left leg.
The fact that Grahame played his first game of cricket 12 months after losing half his leg is … well… it’s hard to put into words. He’s humble, quietly spoken, and an inspiration. Grahame had climbed his Mt Everest.
He admits to being very nervous and both teams gave him a standing ovation as he walked onto the field.
At 72 he’s very active. He played in the Over 60s State Championships in Port Macquarie and openly shares his onto his 2nd leg. The first one was a St George Dragon and his latest is Cricket Australia.
Let’s find out more about Grahame’s journey in the game
What year you were born?
1948
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
I was 12 at South Hurstville Primary School but can’t remember anything about the game.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
I played in Sydney for Carlton Athletes Rockdale Methodist, North Richmond before moving to Tamworth playing for Old Boys, Bective and South Tamworth, now playing Tamworth Veterans.
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in grade cricket?
3rd grade Carlton Athletes at the age of 20 after giving up tennis so my younger brother Trevor had someone to play with.
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
In younger days an medium pacer who could bat at 7 or 8
What were your strengths as a player?
Always gave my best no matter the situation
Grahame Davies ready to bat
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
56 for Rockdale Methodist Sydney
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
10 overs 9 for 12 Carlton Athletics and in the same season but not the same match - match figures of 15 for 80
Grahame Davies on the right with 91 year old Doug Crowell
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Pat Farhart before he played for St George – there’s many others however memory is faded
Who were the best three spinners you have played against?
Kerry O’Keeffe in the season before going to St George, Greg Kellett from Tamworth Veterans and Terry Psarakis
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
My younger brother Trevor in his 1st innings in junior cricket 144 not out. I was scoring and he came off the field and told me that he scored 144 before I finished adding up his score.
Can you recall a time when you thought, wow, this is a step or two up from what you were used to in and you really had to knuckle down to survive?
I played for Hawkesbury Martin Shield at age 41. Never played representative game before
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Tom Groth from South Tamworth followed by Barry Everingham
Tom Groth
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
Bruce Collier from Old Boys always gave younger players a fair go and encouragement
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Many over the years especially now in Vets
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
Leonie Coleman playing for a visiting North West team against Hawkesbury in a under 14 game was asked by a close in fieldsman if she was wearing a box, she replied 2
What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?
No one in particular but it would have to involve a run out
Who was your childhood hero?
Norm O’Neil
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Gary Sobers, Dave Warner, Don Bradman
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Skull – Kerry O’Keeffe
What was your favourite ground to play at?
No 1 Oval Tamworth under lights
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Apart my bowling figures mentioned above it would be making a return to cricket, 13 months after losing my left leg below the knee
Grahame Davies about to bowl in his first game back
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
Winning 3rd grade with North Richmond with all players over 40 except for our super sub - my son Andrew aged 12
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Kim Jeffrey, Terry Psarakis, Tom Groth
You’re now playing over 70 cricket, what the best part of playing veterans cricket and what advice would you offer anyone over 70 who is thinking about playing again?
The players are all playing because they love the game. Have a go you may not be as quick but remember everyone is the same age.
What are your hobbies?
Cricket, cricket and a general interest in all sport.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Just do your best and not be tough on yourself
Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?
Treasurer of Tamworth Veterans
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?
For Cricket Australia to look after ALL grades of cricket not just the elite. There are too many off field officials who have lost contact with lower grade cricket.
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