Cricket coach’s loyalty rewarded

Dave Millott epitomises loyalty. Mr Millott has devoted almost half a century to club cricket and for his dedication has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in recognition of his service to the sport.

He recollected over the years he was told he should have received an award for his effort.

“Someone actually nominated me; I feel proud and honoured to have received the acknowledgement.

“I don’t like showboating and I very much appreciate it,” he said.

Mr Millott has played cricket for 49 years with the Preston’s Hornets Cricket Club, served as a club secretary for 41 years and coached junior teams for more than two decades. Despite moving to Elderslie 30 years ago, he has remained fiercely loyal to the Hornets.

He began playing with the club in 1977, became its secretary in 1985 – a role he still holds – and was made a life member in 1991.

After marrying and starting a family of four daughters, Mr Millott settled in Elderslie. While several local cricket clubs were closer to home, his heart never left the Hornets.

“I’ve been commuting every cricket season from Elderslie to Liverpool,” he said.

“I’m fairly loyal.

“I’ve been in Elderslie for 30 years and I love it, but when you’ve put blood, sweat and tears into one club, it’s hard to start again.”

Mr Millott said he had seen clubs fold after key members moved on and was determined that wouldn’t happen at the Hornets.

Over the years, he has coached three Under 10 teams through to Under 16s. His first coaching cycle began in the 1980s, followed by a break before returning for a second stint. This season marks the end of what he expects will be his third and final coaching cycle.

“I’ve coached kids and then gone on to coach their children years later,” he said.

He has built strong relationships within the club and often referred to the teams he coached as “his boys”.

“I’m 63 now and I want to spend more time with my grandkids [two boys] – and maybe throw a ball around with them,” he said.

He also had a strong connection with Fairfield Liverpool Cricket Association first as a representative manager from 1981 to representative selector from 2013 to 2022 and as well as senior vice president from 2011-2022. He was awarded life membership in 2016.

Mr Millott’s commitment to grassroots sport extended beyond cricket. After moving to the Elderslie, he also became heavily involved in rugby league, starting with East Valley United Rugby League Football Club as a committee member and coach.

He later coached Under 6s and Under 18s at the Macquarie Cobras and then at Campbelltown City Kangaroos. He was also an assistant coach and selector for the Western Suburbs Junior Representative Rugby League Team for five years.

In 2020, Mr Millott was awarded the Officer of the Order of Liverpool in recognition of his broader contribution to sport and the community.

Dave Millott, coach of the Preston’s Hornets Cricket Club, received an OAM for service to sport.