Interview: Creepy Crawley Down Under

1^st team bowler David Crawley has been lucky enough to travel to Australia this Winter and play club cricket in the beautiful state of Victoria. We caught up with David, more commonly known as “Creepy”, for a few words about his experience so far and his aims for the 2018 season.

How did the opportunity to go to Australia come about?

It came through a cricket agency I had been talking to for a while and I was lucky enough to find a placement. I'm playing for a club called Imperials in their grade A side in the Leongatha and District league which is based in Victoria, about an hour and a half drive from Melbourne. 

How have things gone on the field for you so far?

I’d say the standard is equivalent to 3^rd XI cricket at Dartford so, although it’s not to the standard I played at last season for the Club, I firmly believe you always have to make the most of what you've been given.

My best moment on the pitch actually came on my debut! I played for the Leongatha and District league representative team and took 2/21 off 10 overs which was a great start to my time out here - and even better when we ended up winning a close game!

What have you been getting up to off the pitch?

I’ve been fortunate in that there’s also two lads from Tenterden Cricket Club with me so I’m not the only Kentish man in the area but not a lot particularly!

I spend a lot of my day in the local town and with a few trips to the beach here and there. I’ve been doing odd jobs here and there to keep some money coming in as well, but when you’ve got the Ashes and Big Bash on TV you can’t keep me away from cricket for too long!

Undoubtedly my favourite moment off the pitch was going to the Take That concert at the Rod Laver Centre in Melbourne – most people will be well aware of my love for them even though it cost me a fine at the Captain’s table back in 2016! 

There’s definitely been some ups and down and a few things I would have like to have gone differently but I’ve been very lucky to get a chance like this that can only help develop me as a person going forward – it’s a big shock travelling to the other side of the world on your own!

What are your aims for the 2018 season back at Dartford?

I’ll be returning mid-to-late March depending on our progression in the competition here so I’ll be back to get a few weeks of winter nets under my belt. My main aim is to cement my place in the 1^st XI again – less than 2 years ago I couldn’t have even dreamt of being a 2XI player let alone being able to represent the Club at the highest level.

From a team point of view, I’m sure if you ask any of the lads, our main aim has to be to get back into the Premier League. I think our last experience in that league can only make us stronger for when we return there, hopefully, in the not too distant future.

It’s all very well saying this but we know as a Club that we need to train and play hard and keep pushing each other onto bigger and better things on the pitch. I’m looking forward to it!

You’ve taken on the role as Sunday Development captain again?

Yes, I’m proud to be the Sunday development team captain again for a second year and I aim to help get the promising youngsters we have at the Club to learn to play good cricket, win games and help bridge the gap between Saturday league cricket and junior cricket. 

I believe my time in Australia can only make me a better player and I feel I’ve picked up a few new ideas for my captaincy. I’ve been doing a lot of batting in the nets to try and make myself a more all-round player so hopefully the hard work pays off and I can contribute on the field to win games for DCC.

Finally, I would like to thank all the DCC family who have supported me and messaged me whilst I've been away and I look forward to seeing you all soon!

All the best,

Creepy.