By Alesha Capone
Captain coach Jay Dolliver has set a new record at the Wyndham Vale Cricket Club, after playing in a total of 176 First XI games.
Dolliver played his 176th match on Saturday, February 5 against Donnybrook, in which Wyndham Vale bowled out their opposition for 51 and were 0/52 in reply.
Participating in the event means Dolliver has surpassed the previous record set by Wyndham Vale life member Shaun Mould, who played 175 games in the First XI.
Dolliver was presented with a plaque in recognition of his record-breaking match.
“It’s a pretty amazing achievement, and one that the enormity of it hasn’t really hit me just yet,” he said.
“It’s still the same as every other week in terms of playing cricket.
“Once I finish playing and have some time to reflect on my career as a whole, then I think I’ll realise just how many Saturdays have gone into playing that many games.”
Dolliver said he started playing cricket with Under-17s team in 2003-04, after being “roped in” by a group of friends from school.
However, he “immediately fell in love” with the sport and then played senior cricket at Wyndham Vale next season, when the lower grades were short.
Dolliver came back the following season and has only missed another game since then.
“I enjoy playing at the club, because of its inclusivity,” he said.
“Whether you’re the first person picked in the First XI or the last person picked in the Fifth XI, nobody feels above any other member of the club.
“I enjoy coaching at the club, because of its ability to make people better.
“Seeing people improve is the main attraction to the job, and seeing the satisfaction on people’s faces on Saturday nights when they’ve achieved something that we’ve worked on.”
Dolliver said he has experienced some memorable moments across his years of playing cricket.
This has included taking a hat trick and playing in the club’s two First XI winning premierships of 2008-09 and 2012-13, the latter of which he captained.
In addition, Dolliver has been-four time First XI bowling average winner and three-time club champion.
“More memorable moments (include) playing in the same First XI with the sons of former club greats, who I also played First XI with,” he said.
“Playing First XI with some of the kids that I coached in the Under-15s.”
Dolliver said his advice for up-and-coming cricketers and aspiring future coaches was to always try their best.
“Hard work and the right attitude will get you a long way,” he said.
“Listen to all the old guys that you think know nothing about cricket, they’ll always have a couple of pieces of advice that will stay with you your whole life, and no matter how tough you think you’re doing it, there’s always someone in a worse position than you are.”
