The harsh Australian summer sun is famously unforgiving, especially out in the bush. Far away from the glittering beaches of Merewether or Bondi, it takes a certain kind of crazy to voluntarily stand under it for hours on end and play cricket. Even some of the hardiest locals can be found reaching for the bucket and doing a Dean Jones at the end of an exacting innings.
But on this particular Saturday, one man stood tall as his team made their way triumphantly from a gruelling 1st grade contest. He’s not a local. He isn’t from the coast. Heck, he isn’t even from Australia.
Frankie Cripps, 18, is everything North Tamworth Cricket Club heard he would be, and then some. The youngster has happily put the best part of 17,000km between himself and his native Brighton, UK, coming to Tamworth for “a real taste of Australia”.
Having spent the last few weeks of his English summer playing for Sussex 2nd XI, the boy they call “the Frank Tank” has been sent down under to dominate at club level and develop his game.
And what is it about his game exactly that has put him a shandy off first class cricket back home? He bowls – fast – and bats like someone who has a cab waiting with the meter running.
As much was evident to all present as he carved out 71 in North Tamworth’s dig against Old Boys, before following up with the impressive figures of 4/39 from 17 overs.
Unfazed by having delivered three spells in near 30 degree heat, Cripps was only too happy to shoot the breeze in the late afternoon sun,
“I don’t mind the heat to be honest, it hasn’t been too bad. I’ve found that I tend to get a bit of a second wind when I come back for my second and third spells so that definitely helps!”
“I wanted to get out in the country and get a real taste of Australia; I think everyone goes for the cities when they get this chance, but I think they’re all the same.”
It’s a move that has paid off for the young gun. Having previously been given the choice of several clubs mostly in major cities, Cripps has excelled in the top grade in Tamworth and has applied himself with aplomb in senior representative cricket around the region.
Cripps says the transition from the Uni town to the Country Music Capital has been made easy by the people around him, particularly at Northies.
“The boys have been great, they’ve really helped out massively and I don’t think I would have been able to do it otherwise.
“I’m working behind the bar at Diggers now, plus I do one on one coaching with an ECB level 1 accreditation.”
Having played at a level that would probably match Sydney first grade cricket, Frankie has unsurprisingly had his hands full from youngsters around town right through to adult cricketers wanting a tune up.
North Tamworth Cricket Vice President Donny Lewington was full of praise for the young Englishman too.
“He’s been a really great acquisition for the club. We knew he was well credentialed and is a class cricketer, and he’s loving life out here in Australia.”
“I think It will get better and better for him to be honest. He’s got a family coming out which will be great for him. I think we’re all hoping that this is the start of what will be a really strong season for him.”
Cripps is one of several overseas signings across the comp that have given the top grade a shot in the arm this season.
At the conclusion of round four, North Tamworth Redbacks currently sit in 2nd position on the ladder on 31 points.
North Tamworth CC 9/271 (80) def Old Boys CC 10/192 (77.2)
TDCA First Grade Ladder
- Bective East – 32 points
- North Tamworth Redbacks – 31 points
- City United – 23 points
- Old Boys – 15 points
- South Tamworth – 11 points
- Gunnedah – 9 points
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