In what we hope will become a regular feature, we will ask 10 mostly cricket related, albeit a bit random, questions to a club member. First up is our new DoC (Director of Cricket) Bret Mulder…
1. Tell us who you are and where you’re from?
Bret Mulder, currently living in Belfast- have a Visa for 3 years but home is Perth Western Australia.
2. What was your first ever job?
I was a labourer at a metal fabrication factory- hated it! In my early 20s I started working for the Salvation Army at a men’s homesless hostel. I worked for the Salvation Army through to my retirement in various centres including drug and alcohol rehab, homelessness, the doorways welfare program and most recently coordinating the volunteers for Western Australia. All of it very rewarding. Fun fact When I made my return to first class cricket I was the only member of the team to have a full time job!
3. How did your cricketing journey begin?
In my generation (and ones before me) backyard cricket was crucial in our development. We managed to have Test matches at our house after school with about 4-5 other kids each week. Few windows were broken over the years but great memories. Played my junior cricket at Bayswater-Morley.
4. What has been your cricketing highlight to date?
Began playing with legends such as Dennis Lillee. Rod marsh, Kim Hughes etc as an 18 year old then after 10 years absence was recalled and played with a new era which included Gilchrist, Hussey, Langer etc
5. Favourite player of all time?
Lillee- grew up watching and “ being “ him in backyard cricket. Got to play 2-3 games with him, debut at MCG v Victoria
6. Favourite ground?
WACA (Perth) Because I was a big spinner of ball I could spin it anywhere but the bounce at WACA added another dimension to my bowling, loved bowling there and have best figures for a spinner at that ground, 5/2 and 6/65.
7. What is your role at North Down CC?
Looking forward to being part of the North Down CC – in my role of DoC here am working closely with Neil Dalzell with regard to youth cricket. Getting all of our youth into teams and importantly allocating coaches.
Importantly we are looking to identifying and developing our youth who will be representing our 1st/2nd teams this year.
Coordinating coaching for the women’s cricket and working with coaches and players to build on the improved performance from last year. And lastly working with the 1st team closely, being a support to Peter Davison as we start our campaign this year.
8. What do you hope to see happen at North Down through your role?
To identify and develop not only future coaches but players at ND and instill a strong work ethic and training culture.
9. Who inspires you in your daily work?
It’s been great to be able to work with awesome people who do an enormous amount of work around the club – I have thoroughly enjoyed my time getting to know and working closely with Neil Dalzell. Am blown away by the amount of work he does and with people like him at the club we are going to be in good shape.
10. Favourite drink at the Green?
Those of you that know me know I do like a glass of wine, so far have had a few reds – when summer comes along I reckon a few cheeky whites might be coming my way!!
Thanks Bret, we look forward to your first season at NDCC!
