Sport
7 March, 2025
Memorable day for Raiders captain
NORTHERN Raiders division two captain Corey Couch has celebrated his retirement from the game in a very special way – playing alongside four of his five children.
In what was a memorable day for the Raiders’ club stalwart, Couch enjoyed his final day on the field alongside four of his five children Jackson, Ella, Ruby and Ethan.
Couch’s eldest son Brody is currently playing club cricket in Perth with the Scarborough Cricket Club, and Sheffield Shield for Western Australia (where, earlier in the season, he took a hattrick against Tasmania).
“It (last Saturday’s final game) was a very special day,” Couch said.
“Ella has never played cricket and for us to all share the game; let’s just say I was a very proud father.
“I can’t thank the Raiders enough; they accommodated us all playing together once I’d announced I would be retiring. Ethan is only 16 but he’s already played several Premier games this year.”
Couch played the majority of his cricket with Nirranda, starting out in the juniors before progressing to senior level.
He was captain of Nirranda when the club was promoted to WMDCA top tier division one during 2000-01.
He also had brief stints with the Jan Juc and North Geelong clubs and later was appointed captain-coach of the former Grassmere Cricket Club before the GCA competition disbanded.
He subsequently joined the Raiders and played in its 2021/22 division two Premiers and Champions team before being promoted to the top tier WMDCA division one/Premier competition.
Two weeks ago Couch played in an over 50s premiership side, representing Geelong in the Melbourne-based Sunday competition.
Couch said the Raiders was a great club, with the support of a strong recreation reserve.
“Rodger Henderson and Peter McDonald both have ovals named in their honour; they’ve been around for years and are still actively involved,” he said.
“The turf wicket deck on Henderson Oval I rate the best in the competition. The work Mick McKinnon and ‘Sixer’ Neal put into the wicket is incredible.
‘It’s hard to attract committee people and volunteers to be involved in any organisation these days but those guys just seem to get things done, especially with the backing of Moyne Shire.”
Couch made special mention of the new electronic scoreboard which had become a great asset to the club and the reserve.
“I’m officially retired; I milk cows so my body is telling me at the age of 52 it’s time. I still love the game with the social interaction so I’ll continue with the over-aged cricket.
“But I suppose you never say never; if the Raiders were ever short any day and rang I’d probably help out.”
Last Saturday’s final game for Couch marked many years of on-field action for the enthusiast – and the day ended in victory.
The Raiders (7/208) defeated West Warrnambool (10/174) on the Peter McDonald Oval, adding to the day’s celebrations.
In his innings, Couch made 12 runs from nine deliveries (including one boundary and a six).
