Page 59 - West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook Cricket Club Yearbook 2017-18

There were so many memories that I take back from a tour like Tamworth. The turf grounds were fantastic and each and every one of the players ended the week having learnt a little about their games and playing against strong opposition each day.
Player comments
It was a once in a lifetime experience to play on turf. The wicket was very different to astro, and offered a lot more to spinners and produced more variation off the bounce from the quicks. For me it was my first time playing 100 overs in one day and it was a great challenge as we played against some very good rep teams. I am proud of my performances over the tour and it has given me the confidence that I can field, bowl and bat well. The team was very good, we blended well together and became very friendly with each other. It was great fun to be on the tour. Thanks
Luchith
On the 7th of January, West Pennant Hills traversed the western slopes for a five day tour in the sunny town of Tamworth. We were greeted very warmly, so warmly that on the first fifty-over match that we played, the mercury cleared 40°C! We unfortunately lost that match to a full-strength Manly rep team, going down by
a narrow 238 runs. We were more fortunate on the second day, with weather and performance, winning one out of the two T20’s against the “Barbarians” in a nail-biting last-over thriller. After heavy overnight rain, the third day was played on synthetic wickets, rather than the turf ones played on previously. Our team was looking forward to this, as our opponents had hardly played on these pitches. Much to our varying emotions, the game wrapped up 3 hours early, leaving us plenty of time to enjoy the pool at the motel.
The next day, we faced a massive challenge, against the hosts Tamworth who were in dangerous form. Much to the hosts surprise, our team showed much courage, posting a 100+ 4th wicket partnership to deny Tamworth the satisfaction of dismissing us (the local papers had a different story to tell). We eventually
lost, however not without posing some major questions to the eventual runners-up. On the fifth and final day, we faced the Barbarians yet again, for the battle for last place. This game was played with excellent sportsmanship and was a lot of fun for both sides. We won this match in yet an even closer last-over finish. I think I have improved immensely as a captain and a player as a result of this tournament. I would like to thank all my teammates as many of us had never played together before, let alone hold our own as a club team in a rep tournament. I would also like to thank Dumi, Meera, Graham and the club, without whom this tournament would have been but a distant dream
Amar
Thank you for coaching the team in Tamworth. It was a great pleasure to be invited to play. I learnt many things, and also enjoyed playing with some more experienced players. It was great fun to play on turf for the first time. I certainly learnt a lot and when the season starts back up again, I hope I'll be a better cricketer and be able to show what I've learnt.
Lachlan E
When I was given the rare, once in a lifetime opportunity to go to Tamworth and play cricket against Representative Teams for a whole week, I jumped right on the opportunity as I found this very exciting.
This Cricket carnival was a completely new experience for me and it definitely exceeded beyond my expectations. Throughout the tour I did and learnt so many new things; like playing on turf wicket and playing against Representative cricket sides. I had to play with people that mostly I had never met before
in my life, but nevertheless we still bonded like a family within a matter of a day, and stuck together for the whole week. I learned many new things throughout the carnival about the game and about myself, whether they were small things or big things, I learned so much about all aspects of the game, including tactics and small things that I can do during playing that can make a big difference. I was taught by my coach, captain and team; new ways of playing and how to deal with certain situations during a match, as well as the correct way to approach a team that you know almost nothing about. I learned too many things to explain in detail, but the most important thing that I got out of this 2018 U14 Tamworth Cricket Carnival, was that I came out a better and more experienced cricket player and person
Hiresh
The Tamworth Cricket tour in 2018 has been one of the highlights of my Christmas holidays. I enjoyed the challenge of being able to play on turf pitches against some highly competitive teams. As Vice-Captain, I worked closely with the leadership team and the Coach and developed some excellent strategies in how we would play every match. Despite facing extremely hot temperatures, the team gave it their best every time.
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