On Sunday, 60 talented young cricketers donned their whites to take part in the Sydney Cricket Club’s annual Junior Tigers Program.

The Academy, run by Elite Cricket Coaching for the Sydney Cricket Club, is designed to provide a pathway for the development, coaching and mentoring of talented young cricketers who will eventually see the Sydney Cricket Club as their home as they mature into Grade cricketers.

The program was launched in 2008/09 and head coach, Mark Atkinson has been delighted with the outcomes to date, “Happily I am able to report that 10 of the final 13 players selected for Green Shield in both 2008/09 and 2009/10 were Academy program graduates, of which 10 players have already progressed into grade cricket, including selections in the NSW U/17 squads, City U/16 representative teams and Tigers 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade teams.  Clearly, if talented young players are looking to progress into grade cricket and beyond, the Academy program represents not only a great stepping stone for their career but also an outstanding opportunity to develop their skills.  We are very hopeful of having our first Junior Tiger selected in 1st grade this season”

The program will include the appearance of some special guest coaches including former Blues legends Wayne ‘Cracker’ Holdsworth and David ‘Freddy’ Freedman who will share with the boys their views about succeeding in cricket and taking your game to the next level.

The program takes place over 6 sessions and will focus on teaching correct techniques, developing tactical awareness and game sense, injury prevention and preparation for competition and includes a fitness component where the boys will be put through a challenging routine to ensure they are fit and match ready for when the posts come down and cricket pitches reappear on the grounds.

More information please contact Mark Atkinson 0422 787 727

Designed for cricketers who are looking to take their game to the next level.

High Performance Program Season 2010-11 application form

Admission to the program is by application only as the program has a minimum skill requirement.

Successful applicants for this elite level program will be over the age of 14, possess high levels of cricket skills and fitness, be self-disciplined, highly dedicated, highly motivated and prepared to work extremely hard to develop their game.

Working weekly with Mark Atkinson over a 30 week program players will train like first class cricketers to further enhance their existing skills and match awareness.

Program content includes:

• An individually customised High Performance strategy and program
• 30 x 1 hour individual skills sessions throughout the season
• Mentoring
• Performance planning
• Fitness and nutrition planning

Elite Cricket and Cricket NSW welcomed guest coach NSW Speedblitz player Luke Doran to our 2 day program which was held for the first time at Liverpool Catholic Club.

Luke signed autographs, gave coaching tips then spent time in the nets and playing games with young cricketers from Sydney’s South West who had a great time at the program.

Thanks Luke.

Cheers

Mark

After a hectic day off yesterday, which included a visit to Crocosaurus, a walk around Darwin, 2 hours in the wave pool, buckets of balls at the driving range, putt putt, dinner out and the State of Origin, the boys were tired at days end!!!

Game 4 – Elite Cricket vs Darwin Bulls

Day 4 saw our fourth game vs the Darwin Bulls back at Marrara Number One.

Elite Cricket won the toss and decided to bat. After losing both openers early we staged a great partnership of 80 runs between Sam Pointer and Sam Evans which saw our 2 for 17 in the  6th over go to 2 for 97 in the 33rd. Sam Evans was caught just after he reached his 50 and Sam Pointer formed a valuable new partnership of 94 with James Dunn (42) and we finished with 201 four our 50 overs.

The Darwin Bulls started shakily and lost their openers early to good deliveries for Matthew Maittlen and Matthew Saleh. Their number 3 was a very capable batsmen who challenged the field before being ably caught and bowled by James Dunn. Louis Schirato claimed (another) fine stumping off Lachlan J Stewart who then followed up by completing a great run out.  The Bulls chased hard but in the end were halted in their charge to victory by a brilliant spell of bowling by Lachlan Hodson who claimed 3 for 25 for eight overs and some great catching from the redoubtable James Dunn and ever present Matthew Wilkins!

The side was once again well captained by Charlie Booth and ably supported (in no particular order) by the Schiratos, the Riddles and Steve Hodson, which has been fantastic for the boys!

Tomorrow sees us looking to maintain our unbeaten run in order to claim the championship!  Exciting stuff!  Well played boys!

Elite Cricket 201 – Pointer 69, Evans 50 and Dunn 42 defeated Darwin Bull 164 Hodson 3/25

Day 5 Darwin Cricket Festival

Game 5 – Elite Cricket XI vs Kormilda College

The last game of the tournament was played at the picturesque school ground adjacent to our accommodation at Kormilda College

We lost the toss and Kormilda elected to bat. The Kormilda team were younger than our boys but had a couple of gutsy batsmen in their ranks. Unfortunately one of their openers had to retire hurt in the 3rd over after a rising ball from Ben Riddle winded him. A great spell from Matthew Maittlen delivered an lbw in the second over to leave the score at 1 for 3. They scored at a very slow rate and their second wicket didn’t fall until the 22nd over when their number three batsman was bowled by Charlie Booth with the score now at 2 for 39. They hung in there to still have plenty of wickets and plenty of time at the 25 over half way mark. (2 for 41) The captain was concerned and the boys received some “no nonsense, no frills” advice from the coach along the lines of “….it’s up to you now boys – you know what to do – if you want to win this – do it!” The captain took up the mantle himself and in combination with Lachlan Hodson and James Dunn took the 8 remaining wickets and Kormilda were dismissed with 4 overs remaining for 62.

Matthew Wilkins and Louis Schirato opened our innings and the two batsmen made their intentions clear with some aggressive batting. Unfortunately this cost Matthew his wicket when he was on 10, to be replaced by Sam Evans. Louis and Sam quickly and efficiently went about passing the Kormilda total and did so in the sixteenth over.

Elite Cricket 1/63 defeated Kormilda College 10/62

Louis Schirato 33* Sam Evans 13*
C Booth 5/7 L Hodson 2/5

This victory left the Elite Cricket XI undefeated and therefore tournament champions. The presentation ceremony was held back at Marrara Oval where the captain having been presented with the winners trophy proceeded to call up the team individually to receive their medallions.

Three of our team Charlie Booth, Ben Riddle and Matthew Saleh were also selected in a Team of the Carnival XI from the tournament.

Cheers

Mark

Last Friday at the NSW vs SA Sheffield Shield game at the SCG local cricketers Alex Rashleigh and Shaun Miller were both honoured with caps after being selected in the Green Shield Merit Teams. The boys were presented with their caps by Australia’s latest cricketing star Steven Smith.

The Green Shield is known to be the toughest Under 16 cricket competition in the world and the boys were thrilled to be selected in the teams.  Both boys play locally for Sydney Cricket Club and are coached by Elite Cricket’s Mark Atkinson.

In January at the Pakistan vs Australia Sydney Test,  Elite Cricket, in conjunction with the Sydney Cricket Club conducted coaching clinics for the SCG Trust junior members.

The coaching clinics booked out early and gave the younger members a chance to practice their technique under the guidance of SCC players and Elite Cricket coaches. Coaching “stations” were set up on the 4 tennis courts and the players participated in batting, bowling and fielding drills.

Elite Cricket and the Sydney Cricket Club will be running coaching clinics at future fixtures at the SCG and these are sure to be particularly popular during the Ashes series.

Cheers

Mark

Elite Cricket is very pleased to present another excellent exclusive Masterclass article by Phillip Caruso Elite Cricket’s Strength, Conditioning and Nutritional consultant.

Cheers

Mark

1. Why do you choose to do this?

Whatever your focus or motivation for this upcoming season, it is crucial that you not lose sight of why you chose to set yourself these goals, and why you choose to become the best player you can be. Is it to improve every aspect of your game? Is it to become fitter and stronger, and thus enabling you to play better? Whenever you feel as though you’re heading off the path, always go back to why.

2. You feel as though you’re failing at what you are trying to accomplish

Stop focusing on the negatives! Start thinking positives and be proud of yourself for all the accomplishment’s you have made. I have failed many times, and I welcome each time I fail at a task. Why? Because it enables me to learn from my mistakes, and to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Each failure brings me closer to succeeding as I can come back with the fortitude and knowledge.

Remember – “You fail, and that is why you eventually will succeed.”

3. Patience is a virtue

Accept the fact that there is going to be times, during your season where you will want to pack it all in and start with something else. Wether it be a terrible net session, or consistent bad nutrition, you’ll want to pack it all in. Also accept the fact that your mind will want to work against you; you’ll start to question why you are putting in all of this hard work and effort, and for what? Don’t let that be the catalyst for your downfall. As soon as you feel these thoughts coming on, take a second to sit back and ponder for a moment. Patience is a major key to accomplishing any goal and just because you’re enduring a tough period in your season or in your life, doesn’t mean you can’t soar through it. Evaluate, accept, adapt and change.

4. Feel comfortable and happy with what you are doing

Whilst the team at Elite Cricket are all trained professionals and genuinely will help you to improve your game, you should always feel comfortable with what you’re doing and feel happy, and never forcing yourself to train, as that defeats the purpose.

From a fitness perspective, as I mention to my clients – I will never force you to put in the hard slog, and by the same token, I don’t want my clients to feel as though they HAVE to put in the effort. I want you as cricketers to feel excited and happy, knowing that our training systems are guiding you to be the best cricketer you can be, and enjoy the fact knowing your mind and body is becoming stronger, faster, leaner and fitter.

5. Accept and Understand

Reiterating what I stated in point 3 – it is crucial that you must understand and accept the fact, that some times it won’t be easy. You will get tired. You will feel that all your work is in vain. Set your goals that are realistic and not ridiculous. We are always here to support you in any way we can, but it is you who must make the choice to take that step forward, knowing what awaits you.

6. You’re not alone

No matter who you are, you always have support around you. Our team is there for one purpose – to ensure you get the best out of your cricket, and be the best person you can be. There is nothing that would please us more than to see one of our students progress through the ranks of our junior programs and into Grade Cricket.

7. Avoid negative distractions

This isn’t always the easiest task, but where possible, avoid negative distractions and look for the positives in every situation. During your life, there will be people and environments that will hinder your growth as a cricketer and as a person. Never feel forced into doing anything you don’t want to do, and sometime’s it’s good to walk your own path, be your own person.

8. Be Proud

Be proud of who you are, and the steps you are taking to become a better cricketer and person. The attitude you reflect should be an indicator of the work you are putting in, both on and off the field. You will find that your work ethic and attitude will rub off on those around you and if you set your mind to something and achieve it, how good is that going to feel? Think about that for a moment.

Stand tall, and work with your team and clubmates to set the lead.

Phillip Caruso

Following on from our last newsletter I indicated that Elite Cricket was planning a tour of Auckland with Under 16 team in January 2010 but since then have been invited to take part in the 2010 Nelson Youth Cricket Festival. I believe that this will be a great opportunity for our team to compete against a variety of teams from New Zealand and Australia.

Games will be played on the 18th, 19th and 21st of January with a free day for local sightseeing on the 20th of January. The final (4th) round of games will be played on the 22nd of January. Nelson is located in the top northwest corner of the South Island and boasts the most sunshine hours in New Zealand! More info www.nelsonnz.com

Nelson College is within easy walking to Nelson City and all teams are accommodated in the College boarding houses, with games being played at their grounds or in fields close by. Should parents wish to join the tour we have received a quote for accommodation in a nearby motel.

We have had much interest in the tour already so, if after reading the outline below you are keen to take part, please come back to me as soon as possible with your full name (and names of any others accompanying you), your date of birth and your primary cricketing skill.

Once we finalise the team we will be in touch and requesting a deposit of $500 per player to be paid to Gulliver’s to secure our group booking. We believe we will have more players than places so if you’re keen please let us know as places will be allocated on a first in basis!

Please note that despite our earlier advice this tour may clash with Green Shield finals

TOUR OUTLINE

• Depart: Sunday 17th January
• Return: Saturday 23rd January

TOUR COSTS: Approx $1800

• Airfares
• Transfers, 6 nights accommodation and all meals
• Participation in the Nelson Youth Cricket Festival including all match arrangements (including umpires) and any necessary transfers

For further information and full tour details, please email Elite Cricket directly.

Cheers

Mark

Designed for cricketers who are showing an interest in the specialist areas of wicketkeeping, spin and pace bowling, these programs are an ideal way to increase your skills and learn more about the great game of cricket. These intensive, structured programs are delivered by the Elite Cricket High Performance Coaching Team and focus on developing the correct technique to optimise performance and prevent injury featuring video analysis and a customised individual strategy.

The program runs from 9am through to 3pm at St. Ignatius College and is limited to 30 places (10 keepers, 10 spin and 10 pace bowlers) and available for cricketers aged 11+ (preferably representative level).

February 2009 Intensive Specialist Program enrolment

Cheers

Mark