Kyle chats with Centrals Cricket Club Legend, Graeme Judge

This week we sat down with Centrals Cricket Club legend Graeme Judge. This past season saw the man known as Judgey come out of retirement and play an integral role in the club claiming its first 2nd grade title in over a decade as he amassed 378 runs at an average of 42 with a top score of 125.

1. Tell me about yourself, who is Graeme Judge away from cricket ?

I’m now in my early 40s and married to wife Naomi. I have three children Jack (13),Cooper (9) and Ruby(7).
I work around 70hrs a week and other then work I devote the rest of my time to family/friends and now cricket again..

2. What was it that first drew you to the game of cricket ?

My dad, he got me into cricket at the age of 6 and I’ve never looked back from there.
He was my coach for around 15 years and today he still turns up to my watch both myself and my boys play.

3. What’s has been your career highlight?

I have a few highlights, but most of all would have to be all the great mates that I’ve made over my time of playing cricket with Centrals and all the mates Ive made who I’ve played against and been involved with.

A couple of Special innings that means the most to me was a 70 odd that I scored in a 2nd Grade grand final 2003-04 in winning the premiership. We also went on to win the 1 day comp also.

I guess also scoring a century is a highlight, but my fondest memory was scoring a century along with club life member Johnny Davis in the same game in 2nds back in my younger years at the club.

Also, special highlight for me was captaining our Centrals Colts team to back to back premierships in 1995-96, 1996-97.
Just about every player from those Colts teams went on to play 1st Grade in years to come. These sides were coached by Club life member Cliff Shepherd and Manager Dennis Fardell.

4. What has been the hardest/ worst moment on a cricket field ?

The hardest moment was in 2002-03 when we lost the 2nd Grade Grand Final. We actually won on 1st innings, however, went on to lose the game outright.. That was very hard to take.

Another was having to bat against Kent French from ORC when I was around 17 years of age playing 1sts it was a massive challenge. I recall edging him over slips a couple of balls in a row and then walking up the pitch to call him a pie chucker. The next ball I didn’t even see it, just felt it hit me in the side of head!
Frenchy was the quickest bowler I’ve ever faced.

Also losing a junior grand final in u12’s in 1990 we were batting and the games was tied with us having 3 wickets in hand, however we then lost 3-0 and tied the Grand final.

Last but not least worst moment was this season dropping a catch of the bowling of Matthew Tedeschi. I’ll Never live that down I don’t think, the bloke was on about 5 and went on to score over 100.

5. This past season was your first near full season in many years, what drew you back and has it reignited your passion ?

I have always had the passion (I don’t think I’ll ever lose it) but bringing up a young family stopped my cricketing life for a few years, however, I have still been around the club and enjoying playing a few games each year, (and with my kids now being older) I felt the time was right to come back.

I also love the challenge out in the middle when I’m batting!!!!

Coming back to play with old team mates like Shep, The Sandford boys, and family members was another part in coming back to play.

I also told Kyle Nonny (the capt of 2nds) at the end of last season that I was coming back and wanted to win the 2nd grade premiership this year in which we succeeded in doing.

6. You play locally with Centrals, what makes Centrals a great club to be involved with?

Wow, where do I start as it’s been such a long and extremely enjoyable journey with the ultimate cricket club in Orange.

The thing that stands out to me with the Centrals Club is that we have all experienced some hard days cricket, with a lot of up and downs during seasons but the attitude and commitment within the club is forever positive and as such is just enjoyable to be apart of.

We held Centrals Old Boys Day a couple of years ago which was a fantastic day for the club.

The committee year in year out has always had the best interest in the clubs players and thier families within the club, and in particular the last 5 years Matthew Tedeschi has been at the forefront of this along with other players on the committee and I can’t thank Teddy and everyone else enough for all for what they have done and are doing currently for the Centrals Cricket Club.

7. What’s the best and worst thing about playing cricket in country NSW ?

The best thing about playing in the country is the sportsmanship the country areas. The pitches also play fair for both bowlers and batters.

The worse would be the lack of preparation of the turf wickets in recent times if rain is forecasted and the covering of wickets these days is basically now thrown back to clubs and players from the association on a Friday afternoon and not to the council workers which I don’t totally agree with.

8. What chances and opportunities could Centrals offer to a potential international recruit ?

There is alot to offer to an international recruit. I think the playing conditions in Orange would suit for either a bowler or a batsman.
The lifestyle of the Centrals Club on and off the field is no doubt the best in the Central West. The Club has enough contacts and ties to also get work around town for an international recruit.
Also, there is a opportunity to work with our junior club in regards to some sort of coaching or just helping out at training.
It would be fantastic to see this happen. If any internationally based players are keen I would urge them to contact the club.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

9. You have achieved plenty in your career, what would you still like to achieve?

On the field – Im hoping to play for a few more years and it would great if I can play some games of cricket with my sons Jack and Cooper in years to come.
Maybe a couple of more Premierships and I’ll definitely be back to defend the 2nd Grade one this year!

I would like to see our 1st Grade side build and be a dominant force for several years to come. I believe we have the potential and talent at the club and the people around the club to win a 1st Grade Premiership in the next few years.
Centrals is a young club and if everyone keeps putting in the hard work the future is going to be very successful.

My main goal I’d like to achieve personally with the club is to always make sure the traditional values within the Centrals Club never ends.

Off the field – I want to put some time in and help the Centrals Juniors Cricket Club in any way I can to help build our junior base. Like the senior club there are some many great people working with our junior players.
With the new cricket of excellence centre in Orange in the process of been built, I have plans to use this to full potential with our junior system..

10. What’s your cricket story how did you end up a Centrals legend ?

Haha I’m no legend. I’m just a local cricketer who loves playing the game and enjoys the battle at the crease with the opposing side..
Nothing better to have a beer after the games with a great bunch of blokes

Well that was Judgey from Central Cricket Club, next week we chat with KWS’s up and coming young starlet Tom Kiss, we will find out what drives his passion for the game and desire to succeed.