Hoddesdon Cricket Club welcomes Australian import Clayton Stone, known to many as Clay. A talented wicket-keeper batsman from Perth, who has already begun making his mark both on and off the field.

By Maisie Clancy

From Serpentine to Hoddesdon
Clay is from Serpentine, a small country town in Western Australia, where his cricketing journey began at the tender age of five through Milo Cricket – Australia’s version of All Stars. By nine, he had transitioned to formal competition.

Outside of Cricket, Clay has balanced cricket with a career in the mining industry. After completing schooling, he began working full-time at a mining company factory and is now the Production Manager.

Clay began his club career at Serpentine Jarrahdale Blues, his local community team, before progressing to Gosnells Cricket Club, where he played both District and Premier cricket. His proudest moment so far? Scoring his first century in First Grade Premier Cricket!

His cricketing hero is Ricky Ponting, admiring the Aussie legend’s composure, class, and work ethic.

Words of Wisdom and Match Day Rituals

When asked what advice he’d give to aspiring cricketers, Clay is quick to highlight the value of perseverance:

“Hard work beats talent, so never give up and just keep training hard no matter what.”

His match-day routine hails to preparation:

“A nice dinner the night before with a good night’s sleep, then a big breakfast and ideally a coffee on the way to the game.”

Clayton is thriving at Hoddesdon Cricket Club since joining in April.

“The culture is brilliant – the club has such a great group of lads who have been very welcoming.”

Quickfire Q&A

• Favourite colour: Blue
• Favourite football teams: West Coast Eagles (proper football), where as Soccer would be Arsenal
• Favourite food: Chicken Parmi
• Australian or UK snacks: Australian for now – I could be convinced otherwise by the time I leave though!
• Dream holiday destination: Canada
• Favourite song right now: It changes every week but for now Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
• Fun fact: I have three alpacas as pets back home
• Three dream dinner guests: Oli Arkinstall, Megan Fox, and anyone but Harry Mason for the third guest.
• Morning person or night owl: 100% a Night owl
• Favourite thing about the UK: How the small boundaries!

We hope you will join us in welcoming Clay to the club and make a point of introducing yourself to our latest overseas player and wishing him well for the season!

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