Cardiff Cavaliers Cricket Club

Coaching Academy: 2008

The Final Frontier ...

On completion of their four week programme the Academians (as those who took part have become known) were asked to represent the Club in an indoor league fixture (no pressure there, eh) and here is the mini-match report:

5 of the 6 pupils under the guidance of one of their mentors and yogis The Mahrishi Marchant were sent into battle against the Dirty Half Dozen and the following report of their endeavours has been received from their other coach, Steaders ...

"All six of The Cavaliers 'Academy' players were invited to play tonight's indoor game against The Dirty Half Dozen, to mark the end of the coaching sessions; and to give each player an opportunity to measure the progress they have made. However, only five of the six academy pupils were available, as JD had too many work commitments.  Jimmy Marchant (Academy coach and our Captain for this coming outdoor season) played instead.

I decided to be match reporter and spectator. When Jimmy telephoned me on my way to the venue (at 6-50, when we were starting our game at 7), for a moment I thought I would have to replace Jimmy, as Jimmy at that point was at Culverhouse Cross. I was instructed by Jimmy that he expected to arrive only a little late, but that I should ask that we bowl first, should we win the toss.  When I arrived, I learned that Steve Roake had already won  the toss and decided we should bowl, anyway.

Jimmy turned up for the start (just about!) and took on the role of captain. Our spectators comprised Ross Bowen (honourable secretary and tonight's scorer), Kiran (a new recruit to The Cavaliers), Matt (7th man for the game) and Candace (my girlfriend). Reg, the highly dodgy umpire and easily the indoor season's leading wicket taker in this regard, was also there. I was expecting him to claim a number of scalps this evening, as he has been in good form and has gained much momentum to date. Sadly he was unable to attend Jeremy's session at the academy when a number of the rules of cricket were explained, particularly reasons why a batsman should NOT be given out; the practise of giving the batsman the benefit of the doubt; and the LBW laws.

To Reg's credit, this evening he did not dominate the game. Jimmy Marchant was dominant in the field, however, snapping up 3 catches. Vince started our bowling, taking a wicket and conceding just 4 runs in his first over.

Steve bowled the second over and Wyn the next. In Wyn's over another Dirty Half Dozen wicket fell. Tim Rowland was next on with his sling-arm action and he picked up our third wicket. Vince took a "caught and bowled" (the fourth wicket) and Steve claimed the fifth wicket, with another batsman caught. However, Dirty Half Dozen managed not to lose their sixth and final wicket and scored 83 for 5 from their 10 overs.

I "interviewed" Ross at the halfway stage and he was pleased with our performance. He said the fielding was generally excellent with only the odd chance going adrift and the bowling was consistent and accurate.

Our batting was less effective, but quite solid in places. We did not get too close to the target, closing on 50-odd for 4. We might have taken the game to our opponents more, with more aggressive running and more judicious placing of the ball. However, what we must bear in mind is that -- in terms of cricket years, at least -- we were inexperienced, particularly so in an indoor cricket context. We played pretty well, given all of these  factors."

Week 4: Knowing the game

The graduates (and their coaches) who received their certificates from Club Secretary Ross Bowen on completion of their four week programme

Click on pic for larger image. L-R: Graduate Mark Searle, Coach Jimmy Marchant, Graduate Wyn Pritchard, Graduate Tim Rowland, Coach Andy Steadman

Intake at the start of the Academy programme:

Click on pic for larger image. L-R: Andrew Steadman, Vince Strawson, Tim Rowland, James Marchant, Wyn Pritchard, Mark Searle, Steve Roake, Jonathan Davies

Week 2: Bowlers (and other headware)

A grasshopper writes ... Straight into more batting practice, but this time it was one on one in the nets with our coaching gurus, padded up, boxed and real balls! We went through all the basics trying to put together all we had learned the previous week.

Personally I thought this was excellent; having all the things you do wrong (let's just say there's a few in my case!) pointed out to you one by one and trying to correct them. It hasn't quite got to the 'Kill Bill' stage where you must close your eyes and 'feel' your enemy's moves, but we're getting there! Some of you may be amused to know that I caught a couple of drives a bit straight and Jimmy had to take some quick evasive action - Sorry Jim!

Anyway we swiftly moved onto the art of 'bowling', going through the basics with tennis balls at first, using your leading arm and high leading leg to get momentum etc. Then into the nets again to practice seaming and off-spin where we saw Rabbit instantly bowl two beautifully delivered off-spins; gentle loop,
perfect line and length, and turn - on a mat! Could be our secret weapon next season if he keeps this up.

When Steaders started to rev up for some seam bowling everybody gave him space - this could go anywhere! But after a couple of looseners and with a bit of aid from JD, he started to home in on the stumps with pace and a hint of swing.

After losing a few more pounds through sweat in that sauna of a gym we immediately sought action to regain it by eagerly retreating to the Butcher's Arms for a swift pint in chilled glasses in the beer garden. Yes, in February! The steam was rising off us like a rugby scrum on a damp, cold, wintery afternoon in Abertillery!

We were all in agreement this week was really beneficial and enjoyed by everyone. Thank you, oh Wise Ones.

And a yogi writes ... It had been agreed earlier in the week that the three remaining sessions would be extended from one to one-and-a-half hours.  This extra time was put to good use on the 28^th, as the first 45 minutes were used to consolidate the batting coaching that we did in the previous week.

The two nets were set up, which meant that each “academy” batsman could spend 15 minutes in one of the nets, with Jimmy and me providing one-to-one coaching.  Those players who were still waiting or had had their 15 minute session were able to use the remainder of the sportshall to hone their skills. 

A number of matters were emphasised, with advice being tailored to each batsman’s own game.  Emphasis was given to a high backlift, to enable attacking shots to be played; a complete follow-through, for attacking shots; the bat coming down straight, depending on the chosen shot; maintaining one’s balance; playing off the front and back foot; using one’s feet to maximum effect; waiting for the ball and not committing oneself too soon to a shot; keeping one’s head still.

The focus then turned to bowling, for the final 45 minutes.  I had already asked JD that he would do some bowling coaching for “the academy”, as he clearly has a good understanding of this discipline.  I transformed myself in an instant into an academy bowler / pupil, and I really did benefit from the advice that JD and Jimmy were providing.

In fact, everybody appreciated the help that Jimmy and JD gave.  Jimmy even demonstrated a medium-pace seam delivery.  Using a ball that was half red and half white, he was able to deliver the ball so that one side could be seen constantly as the ball travelled through the air, and we could see the ball hit the seam as it hit the floor.  Jimmy further demonstrated an off-spinner with this red / white ball, and we could follow its trajectory as it rotated through the air, by watching one side of the ball.   

The nets were used, with three in each net practising their bowling delivery, again and again.  Jimmy and JD made some very useful observations and gave many insightful tips.  By the end of our training session even Shaun, the caretaker (who was to lock up the sporsthall), hinted that he might like to join our club.

We retired to the pub afterwards, where we discussed our progress.  Everyone has said they are enjoying these sessions and finding them helpful.  I am personally very pleased at how enthusiastically and open-mindedly everyone has embraced “the academy” and for all the support that we are all giving to each other.  The spirit at our practice sessions really does run deep, throughout this club.  This is why it is lovely to be involved with The Cavaliers.

I could not think of anything particularly funny to say, so maybe someone else can add some humour in subsequent reports? 

Week 1: Batting Masterclass

Messer's Steadman and Marchant (aka Skipper) provided excellent tuition in the aspect of batting. The Cavaliers Hierarchy are hoping that they gain the same results as Gatland and Edwards.
 
As per usual everybody turned up on time and we eager to go and to be turned into text book batters, however as per usual we had to endure Jez for the first 10 mins! Enough said!
 
The first stroke was the "old forward defensive" or push in JD's case, well attack is the best form of defense!, a view not shared by everybody, especially Mr D Parsons after being run out on Tuesday night. The coaches broke down the shot into small chunks
which helped all understand.

After the back foot defense came the real fun. The drive, hook and square cut all expertly demonstrated by Steadman (catalogue pose like, even with the mad hair!) Wynn aka Rabbit was like the proverbial "child in a sweet shop" attacking with every stroke. Let's just say there where balls flying everywhere! Maybe Wynn was after revenge after being struck by a Steadman rocket in last years nets.
 
Over all the night was a great success, so much so there have been motions to have an extra 1/2 hour per session.
 
I would also like to welcome Tim Rowland to the cavaliers. Another great addition.