Adam Martel enjoys a spring net in the middle at the KGV this week. (0562282)
PREPARATIONS for the new cricket season are now coming to a head for Guernsey’s PricewaterhouseCoopers under-15 and under-17 representative sides.
In the summer both age groups will compete in European Division One and this new challenge is spurring them on to ensure no stone is left unturned.
The junior season starts next Sunday when a GCB XI will take on Elizabeth College at the KGV in a 45 overs-a-side contest.
Jeremy Frith, the island’s high performance coach, has been working with the squads all winter and is looking forward to see the results of his and their hard work.
‘This is where it suddenly becomes very real for the lads, having spent six months preparing indoors. Being outside with all the distractions of soft ground, slower pitches and weather has been fantastic.
‘With another three days next week preparations could not have been more ideal. We’ve been really lucky with Alan Hamilton at the KGV who at a busy time has allowed to us get out in the middle and worked closely with us to ensure the facilities were ready to go.’
Frith sees the time spent together this week as key with players beginning to take ownership of their own cricket.
Both squads have been working to plan their pre-match preparations and agree how the squad will work on and off the field.
‘Discipline is coming from within and it is moving towards being a self-regulating group.
‘We’ve made it clear that their practice belongs to them and teaching them to facilitate their own practice is key for the players’ ongoing development.’
Young island squad members Peter Le Hegarat and Jamie Nussbaumer have been on hand to work, practise and talk with the boys.
‘The input from Pete and Jamie has been great as it was not long ago they were in the same situation.
‘It helps to have a different type of voice and for the players to have lads not too much older than them who they can see have made it through the system from age groups to seniors is great.
Sessions have been due to finish at 1pm, but such is their enthusiasm the players are asking to turn up early and stay late to do extra practice, which for Frith is ideal.
‘Personally I love practice, which is a bit of standing joke with the seniors, but it’s great to see the lads enjoying themselves and wanting more.
‘If we want to beat the likes of Scotland and Ireland it’s the only way to go, but it’s great to see the boys giving themselves every chance and most importantly enjoying themselves.’
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