JAMES Psarakis has a little mistake to make up for when he plays for Tamworth against Coffs Harbour in tomorrow’s SCG Country Cup knockout match in Coffs Harbour.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“The last time I played in a Country Cup match for Tamworth we were playing Hamwicks in Newcastle,” the State Under 17 representative said.
“I dropped one of their batsmen when he was 60. He made 160.
“I need to make amends.”
It’s a typical reaction from the young allrounder, who was elected school captain at Tamworth High earlier this year.
The young cricketer doesn’t dance away from the truth or sugar-coat circumstances.
Calling a spade a spade has helped him climb the junior representative ladders.
Tomorrow, the young allrounder, who opens the batting for South Tamworth and bowls some quick off-spin, is intent on a far better fielding effort and performance in a big game at Coffs Harbour.
It is those “big game” atmospheres the outstanding young cricketer craves.
He has already established himself as one of the best batsmen in Tamworth, both Saturday grade and Friday T20, and hopes to use tomorrow’s Country Cup clash as a training tool also for his Australian Under 17 Cricket Championships in Adelaide from mid-January.
“It’s going to be awesome to play at that level,” he said of that national tournament which starts January 13.
“It’s going to be a huge challenge.”
Tomorrow is also another challenge for him and a strong Tamworth side.
‘I’ll probably bat at seven,” he said of a batting lineup that could mean he might not get much of a bat.
While he might not have the chance to shine with the bat, he intends to make his presence felt with his bowling and fielding.
He also hopes to help his South Tamworth club to a 40- over-a-side win over Old Boys at No 1 Oval today.
“We have Col, Angus and Jake (Everett) to bowl.
“Jake had his first bowl of the season last week and took four wickets.
“He had one of those games you dream about.
“He made a great run out, took a good catch and took four-for.
“He can also bat. He bats seven or eight for us.”
The TDCA’s first grade competition continues today, with West Tamworth and Bective also scheduled to play at Dick Edwards Oval while North Tamworth Redbacks and City United match up at Chaffey Park.