Welcome to another edition of Tah Talk with Joel Foster. This week, Joel looks at where three Waratahs could fit into Australia’s future, celebrates the final fundraising tally from Pink Day, and highlights a youngster worth watching.
A big thank you once again to Scott MacNeill and the team at Gibson MacNeill Lawyers for their partnership with this season. If you have any legal needs, no matter the size, visit them at www.gibsonmacneill.com.au
A Chance to shape Australia’s future
Watching Australia in South Africa, it’s hard not to think about how different our Test side could look over the next few years.
There has been some excellent cricket, including a convincing win in the opening Test. But being bowled out for 99 and losing the second by an innings was a reminder of how tough things can get against a quality attack. The series went into the Cape Town decider locked at 1–1.
We have been fortunate to watch some outstanding Australian players for a long time. As that experienced group gradually moves on, opportunities will emerge. From a Manly Warringah perspective, Jack Edwards, Joel Davies and Ollie Davies should all be looking at what could be ahead.
Jack’s ability to contribute with bat and ball gives him a couple of ways into the conversation. I can see him competing for a seam-bowling all-rounder role, provided he keeps making substantial runs and showing he can take wickets across long spells.
His unbeaten hundred against Tasmania earlier this month was an encouraging start. For Jack, consistently influencing Shield matches with both disciplines will be the best way to strengthen his case.
Ollie’s 253 in that same match was the sort of innings that demands attention. We know how destructive he can be, and doing it at the top of the order gives him another avenue to explore.
The challenge now is backing it up. Selectors will want to see him making runs across different conditions, getting through difficult periods and turning his starts into match-shaping innings. He has the shots. Combining that ability with consistent decision-making is what can take him further.
Joel offers something different again as a left-handed batter and left-arm spinner. He has already had a taste of senior international cricket in the shorter formats, but building a strong body of first-class performances will be central to any Test ambitions.
I’d love to see him establish himself through his batting, with his bowling giving a captain another useful option. Big runs, meaningful overs and time playing Shield cricket will help him develop that game.
None of them will be handed anything. There are talented players around the country chasing the same opportunities. But all three have the ability to put themselves in contention, and it’s exciting to think they could help shape Australia’s next chapter.
Pink Day tops $4,500
A final update from our National Breast Cancer Foundation day at Manly Oval on Sunday 11 October: the total raised finished at more than $4,500 for breast cancer research.
What a fantastic result.
I mentioned the work of Sienna James and Grace Pike recently, but our Women’s Club Captains deserve another big shout-out. They were the driving force behind the day and put an enormous amount into making it happen.
It takes people willing to organise things, bring others along and follow through on all the little details. Sienna and Grace did exactly that, and the response from the club community was terrific.
Between the cricket at Manly Oval and the event at the Room at the Top, it was a day that brought people together and gave everyone a chance to contribute.
Thank you to our speakers, everyone who attended or donated, and all those who helped behind the scenes. Every contribution helped build that final tally.
Sienna and Grace are doing a wonderful job connecting our women’s playing group, and this was another example of the impact their leadership is having.
More than $4,500 towards breast cancer research is something the whole club can be proud of. Well done, girls.
Keep an eye on Nat Cole
If you’re looking for a young Waratah to follow this summer, keep an eye on Nat Cole.
His unbeaten 91 in Men’s 5th Grade on Saturday was a glimpse of the talent he possesses. The kid has plenty of time and class, and those qualities are exciting to see in a young batter.
Some players always seem to have that extra moment to read the ball and make their decision. Nat has that look about him. There is a composure to his batting that gives you confidence he can develop into a very good cricketer.
Finishing 91 not out is encouraging too. Staying there and building an innings is a valuable habit to develop early, particularly while learning the demands of grade cricket.
There is plenty of development still ahead, but he has given us a very good reason to watch his progress.
Alongside fellow 5th Grade players Archie Wragg and Beau Moran, Nat will form the nucleus of this season’s Green Shield side. Having those boys playing grade cricket together before that competition begins should be valuable.
They are learning about their own games, facing different challenges and building an understanding of each other. Hopefully that experience gives them confidence when they pull on the Manly Warringah colours in Green Shield.
There’s a lot to like about this group. For Nat, Saturday was another step forward.
Remember the name.
Go Manly!
