Welcome to another week’s addition of Tah Talk with Jay Lenton. This week Jay gives an insight into what’s ahead for Saskia Horley, the return of the clubs most recent ‘1st grade player of the final’, and the fundraiser for the National Breast Cancer Foundation on Sunday, December the 8th.
Thanks again to Underground Cricket for partnering with this article each and every week. Great to have Damon, Jason and the team on-board. For all your cricket equipment needs visit them at www.undergroundcricket.com
SAS IS TAKING ON THE WORLD
Now you see her, now you don’t.
Trying to keep track of Saskia Horley’s cricketing journey can be exhausting as she flits around the world playing for any number of sides.
The gun Manly all-rounder represented Scotland in last month’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, playing against some of the game’s finest players.
She finished with 323 runs and six wickets for the tournament, won by New Zealand.
Scotland finished bottom of Group B after losing all four matches but Saskia has taken enormous confidence from the whole experience and knows she will be a better cricketer for it.
She had little time to rest upon returning to Australia, linking up with the Sydney Thunder squad in the WBBL.
With limited game time at Thunder, Sas has slipped back to help our women’s premier league side over the past couple of weeks.
And she likes what see sees.
“There is a great vibe around the women’s side of the club. There are some great young players who are showing how skilful they are,” Saskia told Tah Talk.
“First grade are very much looking to repeat last year and make the finals and from there anything can happen.”
Unfortunately for Manly, we won’t have Saskia’s services for much longer.
She leaves for England in early December to begin preparing for a stint at county side Middlesex.
Good luck, Sas. Everyone at Manly is right behind you.
WELCOME BACK JACK
We’ve always had great buy-in from our former players when we ask them to fill a hole from time to time.
They invariably perform when it’s needed.
That was again the case when Jack Ritchie shelved semi-retirement to help our fourth grade side to a tight win over Easts at Graham Reserve last Saturday.
Chasing 199, we were in a bit of bother when Jack strode to the crease at 4-71.
He showed all his class and experience to craft an unbeaten 61 – putting on a match-winning 85-run partnership with Kai Croft (33).
Jack tells me he’s really enjoyed filling in over the last few seasons in the lower grades and is trying to play a few more games this year.
He’s been able to play for the love of it rather than worrying about his spot in the side or where he bats in the order.
Jack honed his craft under the tutelage of some of the club’s greats, including Adam Crosthwaite, Ahillen Beadle and Tim Cruickshank, and is happily passing that knowledge onto some of our young players.
“Sometimes the best way to learn how to bat is by batting with experienced players or watching them from the sidelines,” he said.
Jack’s super excited about Kai Croft’s development and is also a big Luke Watts fan, having coached him from age 11-14 and now playing alongside him.
It’s great to have you back, Jack.
BIG FUNDRAISER LOOMING
One of our most important fundraising days is fast approaching.
On Sunday December 8, our female sides will be involved in a triple header of T20 games on Manly Oval.
While the girls do their thing in the middle, there will be some concerted fundraising for the National Breast Cancer Foundation going on around the ground.
Last year we raised $3000 and the goal is to at least match that, if not go over it.
There will be a huge amount happening, including face painting, a cake stall, hairspray and a BBQ running all day.
The club will also be hosting a function at the room at the top.
Make sure you get down there and get amongst what is a great day for a very worthy cause.
