4 ex-first class cricketers and an ex-Australian U/19 representative. That is an example of what the Waratahs have put together as part of the 2014/15 coaching team.
But it’s not the big names that have everyone excited. It’s the return of unsung hero’s such as Bob Rollins, David Gardiner, Michael Shepheard and Alan Wright that has the potential of the 2014/15 season on everyone’s lips.
We are especially pleased with Bobby Rollins agreeing to another season with the Waratahs. Just ask Ahillen Beadle what a big influence Bobby was on his batting last year. Actually, we decided to ask him for you.
“Bobby is one of the best bating coaches I have worked with” said Beadle. “He doesn’t over complicate things at all, just gives you those little pointers about what you are doing wrong and what you are doing well.”
“I am 100% positive that Bobby played a big part in my success last season. It also helps that he is the world’s best bloke and that we are now good mates.”
David “Lozza” Gardiner will continue in the role he took up at the end of last season in assisting our the lower grades on game days, as well as being our expert fielding coach.
Alan Wright will continue as everyone’s favourite net captain (as well as taking care of his beloved team management role). It’s a job that sometimes goes unnoticed, but as Bradstreet and Marks will tell you, it’s probably the most important role at training.
As well as taking control of the 1st grade side, Michael “Juice” Shepheard will continue in his assistant coach role and all-round Mr fix it at training. If you need anything at all, whether it be drop-balls or throw downs or help in any training requirement, Juice is your man.
We are also very pleased to announce that former 1st class cricketer and former Waratahs Club Coach Steve Whitfield will be joining he Waratahs coaching team in 2014/15 as our spin bowling coach. Whitfield played 3 years at the Waratahs, taking 80 wickets and was part of the last 1st grade premiership in 1988/89. He also coached the club in 1994/95 and 1995/96. “Whit” will attend pre-season and then training each week throughout the season.
On-top of this, Life Member and former Australian U/19s fast bowler Gavin Fletcher has also been confirmed to be returning as our assistant fast bowling coach, helping Shawn Bradstreet in working with all of our fast bowlers. Considering Fletcher taught Shawn all he knows when Shawn was coming through the ranks and Gavin was an established 1st grader, they have a great working relationship. He took 407 wickets for the club across a 14 year playing career. Gavin is a full time member of the coaching team.
Then we have our other 3 head coaches from last season in Adam Crosthwaite, Phil Marks and Shawn Bradstreet returning. Adam will take an extra role in the fielding and wicket-keeping department this season, as well as taking on the role of PGs coach. It is a blessing to have someone of Adam’s experience as part of our coaching team.
Of course, the club is extremely lucky to have 2 more former first class cricketers and extremely respected figures across NSW cricket as our 2 head coaches in Shawn Bradstreet and Phil Marks. Shawn is of course a former skipper of NSW, life member of the club along with Gavin Fletcher, and one of the best fast bowling coaches in the land. Phil is an ex-first grade skipper of the Waratahs and our expert batting coach. To keep it in the family, Shawn and Phil are also brother in-laws.
So there you have it. The Waratahs coaching structure for 2014/15. An extremely talented and dedicated bunch that are committed to bringing success to the Waratahs in 2014/15 and beyond. If you have any questions at all don’t hesitate to contact Phil Marks on 0411 868855 or Shawn Bradstreet on 0412 349039.
2014/15 coaching structure
Shawn Bradstreet – Head Coach
Phil Marks – Head Coach
Adam Crosthwaite – Assistant Coach / Fielding Coach / PGs coach
Gavin Fletcher – Assistant Fast Bowling Coach
Steve Whitfield – Spin Bowling Coach
Bob Rollins – Assistant Batting Coach
David Gardiner – Lower Grade assistant coach and fielding coach
Alan Wright – Training net captain
Michael Shepeard – Assistant coach
