Jamieson Hedges - Never Say Die
Left-arm seam-bowling all-rounder, Jamieson Hedges, joined the UTS North Sydney Bears in the 2019/20 Green Shield squad. He made his First Grade debut three years ago, earning cap #685, and now opens the bowling while also consistently making important contributions with the bat.
We sat down with Jamieson to reflect on his journey with the Bears so far, including a baptism of fire at the top grade, winning a PGs Premiership, coaching our women, and his aim to win five straight Belvidere Cups!
When did your cricketing journey begin?
My dad first gave me a cricket bat when I was 4. He was always a big cricket nut, so he was especially disappointed when I tried to strum it like a guitar.
Who is a player you looked up to growing up, and why?
Glenn Maxwell has always been a hero of mine since I was young. The way he attacks bowling has always been something I’ve looked up to and tried to replicate since I was a kid.
You've been with the Bears since Green Shield. What have you learned during that time?
It’s been a great 6 years so far. I think more than anything, being at the club has helped me adopt a never say die attitude that is key to the Bears.
Two seasons ago, aged 18, you skippered the Bears to their first PGs Premiership since the 1980s. Tell us about that experience!
It was always the goal from the whole playing group heading into that season, and winning something for the Bears was a really proud achievement for all of us. Captaining a team with so much talent was really an honour, and the work done behind the scenes from John Saint, Tim Reynolds and Pat Lindsay were key to us having such a successful run.
Jamieson (fourth from left at the back) and the Premiership-winning PGs side of 2023/24
You made your First Grade debut in the 2022/23 Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup against Sydney, but it was last season when you really broke through and now you're one of the first names on the team sheet. Did you always feel like you belonged in the top grade, or has your self-belief evolved over time?
I think it’s a bit of both. When I debuted, I was certain that I was good enough - but I got a bit of a reality check from that Sydney batting line-up [Beau McClintock and Harry Manenti somewhat got the better of Jamieson on the day - Ed]. That’s something I’m really grateful for, as realising that my skills and strength weren’t up to par allowed me to go back and figure out what I needed to change and work on to be effective at a First Grade level.
You spent the winter at Lindow CC near Manchester in the UK and have signed on again for 2026. What was so great to entice you back for more?
Being at Lindow last season was a really great experience, the friendships I’ve made there and the challenge of finding different ways to play was really enjoyable for me. They’re a real community there, and I’m very excited to go back and win some silverware for them.
As well as playing for First Grade and PGs, you've become an Assistant Coach for our women's squad this season. How are you enjoying that?
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the chance to help out cricketers in the women’s section and hopefully I’ll be able to have a lasting impact on some. I think it’s being run really well, and I look forward to hopefully being able to bridge a bit of the gap between the men’s and women’s sections in future.
You're a true all-rounder (perhaps the best number 9 in grade cricket!), are in your third season as PGs skipper, and an experienced coach. Which aspect of the game do you enjoy most?
Despite my love for fixing fast bowling techniques and striking the ball well in the middle, I’ve always enjoyed captaining sides when I get the chance. The calibre of players I’ve been fortunate enough to captain definitely helps, especially this season's PGs squad which feels as strong as any that I’ve seen.
Jamieson on his way to 5/39 against Sutherland last season, his second 5-wickeet haul in as many matches
What's the best piece of advice you've been given?
It’s not a physical thing that has been spoken to me but “The impediment to action advances action” is a quote from Marcus Aurelius which I try to carry around with me in cricket and life.
What would you tell a 12-year-old Jamieson Hedges?
I don’t think I’d have too much advice for him. I’d probably just tell him about some of the cool cricketers I’d met. He’d love that I get coached by an ex-Australian player in Jason Krejza, and he’d definitely be excited that I’ve got Stuart MacGill as my First Grade coach this season.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years' time?
Hopefully celebrating the Bears' 5th straight Belvidere Cup win. I might be coming in to bowl in a wheelchair at this rate, but we’ll make it work!
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