JAMES Psarakis is about to turn 18.
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He’s also about to be lead South Tamworth in its quest for a Wombramurra Cup when the Tamworth District Cricket Association season kicks off this weekend.
The 17 year-old schoolboy has been named as the South Tamworth first grade skipper for the new season and the NSW Under 19 squad member is ready for the challenge.
A noted captain of many junior rep sides through his cricket evolution, he’s just come out of a busy baseballing season and is sure that will only help him with his own form with the bat, in the field and with the ball.
“I’ve really enjoyed captaining the junior teams,” Psarakis told The Leader this week.
“This should be a good experience. I’ll be here in Tamworth for the whole season and will be trying to win us (South) a premiership. We’ve been close the last two years, but it looks like we might have a few new players too.
“We’ve had a few good net sessions too.”
James has been playing first grade for the past two seasons. He’s represented NSW at Under 17 level and toured the United Arab Emirates with an Australian Under 16 side.
Over winter he juggled his blossoming baseballing career with his training commitments with the NSW Under 19 squad.
“The baseball was great, I really enjoyed that.
“We (Warriors Rainbow) made the grand final again but the other side (Warriors Blue) were just too good. The baseball is great for your hand-eye co-ordination. It’s awesome to play. I love it.”
He also helped introduce two talented young cricketers, Keyton Hislop and Jack Richards, to baseball and said both went well and enjoyed themselves in their debut season.
For now though James is concentrating on a new cricket season with his Under 19 commitments hand in hand with spearheading South Tamworth to a title. There’s also a HSC just around the corner as well.
South Tamworth club stalwart, Terry Browne, said appointing the teenager to the first grade job was an easy decision given the teenager’s talent and commitment.
He’s also the club coach, Browne said.
“Training has been changed this season with Tuesday afternoons at Riv 1 at 4.30pm being technique and skills-based sessions for groups of three or four,” Browne said.
“James will be the coordinator and fielding and strategies coach, while John Kilborn and support staff will do bowling. I will be coaching batting. Players will be able to book into time slots and receive intensive coaching and skill development in sessions requiring a much shorter period of time.
“Thursday afternoons at Chaffey Park will be a more traditional nets training session.
The season will start with a round of one-dayers highlighted by a grand final rematch between Psarakis’ South Tamworth side and Old Boys.
The association is also calling for nominations for the McDonald’s Twenty20 Premier League, which is set to get underway on November 7.
Tamworth Plasterworks have come on board as a new franchise.
They will be known as the TPW Tigers and join returning franchises McDonalds, Halpins Plumbing and Steggles.
o Tamworth will hold a trial from 10am on Sunday to finalise its Country Cup and Shield sides.
Team 1: Simon Norvill, Jimmy Psarakis, Richie O Halloran, Adam Jones, James Bellamy, Tom Groth (c), Mitch Holt, Angus McNeil, Col Smyth, Brad Redshaw, Jack Beaumont, Dan Lawrence.
Team 2: Adam Lole, Adam Mansfield, Nick Pearson, Michael Rixon, Matt Everett (c), Simon Toyer, Joe Holt, Sam McHugh, Jake Everett, Will Howard, Will Chesterfield, Jack Mcvey .
