Finn Nixon-Tomko. - runs, hooligans, mates and memories
Finn Nixon-Tomko broke into the UTS North Sydney First Grade side off the back of a phenomenal 207* against Gordon in Second Grade at the start 2024/25 and has made a spot at the top of the order his own this season. Read all about Finn’s cricketing background, what he learned from his dad, and what he loves about being a Bear – as well as how he felt during that innings, of course.
1. When did your cricketing journey begin and where did you play your junior cricket?
I started playing cricket when I was about six years old. Like most kids, it began with backyard games and then quickly turned into weekend cricket with school mates. I played my junior cricket around the Northern Beaches – Beacon Hill, Cromer, and Harbord Devils.
2. Who is a player you looked up to growing up, and why?
I’d say Kumar Sangakkara - as a wicketkeeper-batter myself, I was drawn to how complete his game was.
3. Your dad, Craig, played First Grade for Sydney University and Gordon. What do you know of his playing days and what has he taught you about the game?
I know he cowered at batting position 5 or 6 his whole career! He was the highest run scorer for Sydney Uni for some time before getting overtaken by Ed Cowan and the likes. He taught me a solid defence and good leaving game so I could be fit for an opener.
4. We've got to get last season's 207 not out in pretty early in case you don't bring it up! Tell us about that amazing day when you made a double ton in a 50-over match - did everything just click out there, and did you realise at the time you were doing something very, very special?
Believe it or not, I don’t remember a whole lot of that innings. It genuinely felt like I entered a flow state, it went so quickly and at no stage in the innings did I feel like I was going to hit a 200 or did it even cross my mind. But when my team rose up for the fourth milestone, that’s when I knew I had done something pretty cool. The 40m boundary helped as well…!
Finn celebrates bringing up his double ton
5. You've been with the Bears since Green Shield in 2017/18, making your Fifth Grade debut the same season and working your way up the grades. What do you enjoy the most about the club which has kept you coming back for more?
I love the hooligans of the club, and all the memories made outside of the game. Playing cricket with mates makes it so much more fun.
6. What’s your favourite memory in the red and black (other than the 207*!) or what team you’ve been in has had the best camaraderie?
I can answer both of those!
Harrison May and Fletcher May fencing each other at the Christmas party a few years ago, and Second Grade with GA (Glenn Aitken), Samos (Sam Alexander), and Ray Alexander. Say less.
7. You made your First Grade debut against Penrith the week after your double ton, and this season you’ve been one of our highest run-scorers in 1s. Did you always know you belonged at the top grade?
I have always preferred facing good bowlers - it tends to make me switch on more and play better. I always had aspirations to play First Grade for sure; it just came after a huge innings last year.
The proud owner of First Grade cap 703
8. You’re an opening batter with a great technique and temperament, but also bowl handy left-arm spin. Do you enjoy having that additional string to your bow, and how much of your training time do you dedicate to bowling?
I genuinely enjoy bowling. There’s something satisfying about contributing in multiple facets of the game - and as an opener you tend to have many matches not doing a whole lot. I do need to practise it a little more though!
Bowling for UTS at uni nationals
9. You combined playing for the Bears with studies for a Masters in Exercise Physiology at UTS and are a recent graduate of the UTS Elite Athlete Program. How has it been balancing cricket and your studies, and what are your career plans now you’ve left uni?
Cricket probably isn’t the best sport to play when studying, especially during a Masters. I would always try and fit in a study session during days at cricket where I got out early (quite often!). Being a part of the UTS Elite Athlete Program definitely helped with flexibility and support. Currently I am working in a private physio clinic in Neutral Bay and my ambitions are to develop further experience so I can build my own business soon.