Most people wouldn’t interrupt the Christmas season to get back on the tools in the height of December. But Steve Waugh, AO, is not most people.
The nation’s most successful test skipper returned to Tamworth to host a coaching clinic for the region’s junior cricketers, drawing over 100 youngsters from as far north as Moree and further south to the Upper Hunter.
The clinic saw the legendary “Tugga” joined by his son Austin Waugh, former Australian under 19 rep and current 1st grader batsmen for Randwick Petersham, and Scone local Tom Brooks who has moved to Victoria after dominating with the ball for Western Suburbs for the last couple of years.
While local cricket may be in its annual siesta for the festive period, juniors leapt at the opportunity to be coached by one of the world’s best, in conjunction with the regional cricket body Central North.
Trent Weir of Central North, and Cricket Australia Representative Accredited Coach highlighted the pathway available from the get go for junior cricketers today,
“It doesn’t really matter where you are, where you live, where you play. There’s resources out there for you to become a great cricket player, to play the highest level.”
“And that’s the best part about country cricket, is that there’s so many great people that work hard to allow that to happen.”
Currently, junior cricketers in Central Northern NSW are eligible for representative honours from under 11s through to under 17s, with NSW honours on offer at under 17s and 19s levels, and National honours at the under 19 level.
Nicholas Weary, 14 year old fast bowler, enjoyed hitting his straps on the pitches after taking some tips from one of the skill based masterclasses:
“It was good to just learn more about just improving my game, our game, and just some tips about how to just get better and keep improving.”
“Starting with a good run up and having a strong front arm helps with the pace.”
Waugh himself was impressed with the turnout and the attitude of the kids present:
“What I see today is kids who are enthusiastic, well behaved, keen to learn, inquisitive and curious, and that’s what you want for kids. I love seeing kids outdoors. I don’t see them watching their phone or on the computer or on the TV 24/7.”
“We’ve got to get them outdoors. That’s the Aussie way. And I think country life is great. Plenty of fresh air out here, great facilities. Let’s get the kids fit, happy and healthy.”
Having represented Australia close to 500 times across his career including 168 tests, the veteran emphasised the importance of taking the good with the bad, on and off the field:
“I guess it mirrors life. You know, like, not every day is a great day. It’s but it’s how you bounce back the next day that reveals your true character.”
“I think that’s what the great thing about cricket is that if you persevere, show determination, patience, practice, then you can turn things around. I think that’s the same in life. You’ve got to work really hard to be successful. That’s what cricket teaches you.”
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