Welcome to another week’s addition of Tah Talk with Jay Lenton. This week Jay takes us through the long list of success’ for Ryan Farrell, the all-round talent of Willa, and the success of the junior club so far this season!
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
FAZ’S SUPERB BODY OF WORK
Ryan Farrell is still doing the business for us after 16 seasons under a blue cap.
And the great man is doing just as many great things off the field as he continues to transition into a career in the field of physiotherapy.
Faz has managed to combine two great loves – cricket and physio – to forge a career tending to the bodies of some of the country’s finest players.
After working within the NSW set-up, Ryan recently toured India with the Australian under-19 squad for a series of Tests and one-day games.
And while results didn’t go the way of the young Aussies, our man Faz was buzzing upon his return.
On what was his first trip to cricket-mad India, he worked alongside two international greats in Carl Hooper and Thilan Samaraweera, who were part of the coaching staff.
I am reliably informed the dinner time chat was elite.
Ryan worked long days in the oppressive heat, keeping bodies and minds intact as the home side’s spinners tested our boys in very trying conditions.
In the rare moments of downtime, the Aussies got amongst the locals and soaked up everything India throws at you.
It was a great experience for all involved and another important step in Ryan’s professional journey.
WILLA’S A WINNER
Willa Pearson is a cricketing triple threat.
She can bat, bowl and wicket-keep.
Not bad for a 13-year-old barely into her high school years.
Willa has already caught the eye of good judges, earning selection in the Cricket NSW under-15s academy and being selected in Manly’s under-15 Margaret Peden rep team.
Her coaches tell me she possesses a terrific cricketing brain, has a great feel for the game and is ultra-competitive.
All three traits were on display during Willa’s stunning debut for our Brewer Shield (under-15) team last weekend.
Making an immediate impression, Willa’s brilliant undefeated 61 got the Tahs home for a tremendous win.
I am sure we will be hearing a lot more about this talented young lady before the season is out.
JUNIORS ON A ROLL
There were more wins and just as many stand-out performances as our junior boys’ teams continued their excellent early season form last weekend.
We are three rounds into the competition and Manly’s division one under-12, 13, 14 and 15s are all undefeated, as is the under-12 div 2 side.
The under-13s div 2 team hasn’t won a match yet but I’m sure success is not too far away.
Performances of note in the round three victories were and 88 from Harvey Matheson in the 15s, 66 from Toby Smith in 14s and a Zach Foley 4-fa in the 13s (div 1).
Both the 12s and 14s secured wins by just the one wicket, showing the fighting qualities we like in all Manly sides.
Keep up the good work, boys.
