Welcome to another week’s addition of Tah Talk with Jay Lenton. This week Jay gives an insight into the amazing start for the women, the success of everyone’s favourite overseas Henry Rogers, and how the men are progressing in Movember.
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
TAHS WOMEN CONTINUE TO SHINE
Duncan Kerr is an upbeat sort of bloke with a permanent and positive outlook on life.
It’s hard to imagine his level of enthusiasm has another gear, but it does when it comes to walking women’s cricket at Manly.
Big Dunc is head coach of our female program and can’t speak highly about the quality coming through the ranks and the progress that’s been made over the past few years.
Looking at their results across the grades, the girls are really starting to gel and the wins are coming as a result.
Certain players have really stepped up, including Darcey Whitely, who has been given an opportunity to play first grade and has impressed everyone.
Her attitude at training and in the games is first class.
Eve Burke is another, coming along in leaps and bounds and continuing to improve to the extent she earned a promotion to second grade.
And then there’s young Willa Pearson, who plays for the Brewer team and is proving to be a great acquisition for the club, showing a maturity well above her 13 years.
“The women’s program continues to thrive and it’s only onwards and upwards from here,” Dunc told Tah Talk.
“As always, as head of women’s cricket I couldn’t be prouder of the players and the coaches and all that help out at Manly cricket.”
HENRY’S MANLY LOVE AFFAIR
Henry Rogers feels like he landed in cricket nirvana since arriving on the northern beaches.
Life is pretty good – on and off the field – for the likeable Englishman.
Living with former Manly keeper-batsman Anthony Dignan at Dee Why, Henry’s making full use of the apartment block’s great location and fantastic facilities, which include a hot tub, sauna, pool and gym.
And, of course, the ocean is only a short walk away.
It’s like he’s on holidays every day.
On field, the England under-19 batsman is also killing it in our second-grade side, scoring runs for fun.
If not for the fact we already have an international import – Bertie Foreman – in our first grade team, Henry would be eligible for a call-up to the senior side.
The 18-year-old is loving the camaraderie and competitiveness at Manly and is blown away by the skill level across the grades.
He told me: “I’m most impressed by the attitude at the club and how much people get behind each other and support across all grades.
“The standard of training is high. Everyone charges in in the nets trying to make each person better.”
Henry will be with us until the end of March before he and Bertie return to England for the start of their season.
It’s great to have you aboard, mate.
HAIR RAISING CAMPAIGN
You may have noticed a number of David Boon and Merv Hughes lookalikes around the club over the past few weeks.
It’s not part of a 1980s time warp but a strong show of support for Movember, that tremendous fundraiser aimed at improving men’s physical and mental health.
Three weeks in and our dodgy moustache-growing clubmates have raised over $8000 as we aim to hit 12k by the end of the month.
Kudos to our new community manager Jayden Kennedy and the playing group for getting behind this fantastic cause.
You can read more about Movember – and throw in a few dollars if you can – right here: Movember – Team
