WILL Chesterfield “can’t wait” for his chance to bowl in a Tamworth First XI side bristling with talent against Toronto in a major Country Cup clash.
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That it’s at home on No 1 Oval tomorrow in front of family and friends make it an even bigger occasion and debut for the just turned 18-year-old offspinner.
The young fitness instructor has had a rapid rise up the senior sporting ranks.
Earlier this year the teenage hooker was pondering a season of rugby league with West Lions in the Group 4 Under 18 competition.
However a few weeks in and he was elevated to first grade.
“I couldn’t believe that,” Chesterfield said.
“I thought I was just going to play 18s but it all happened pretty quickly.
“It was tough – they were a lot bigger.”
The challenge was a testing one for the lightly-framed teenager but he never shirked his task.
“It was a great experience,” he said.
A few months on and he’s traded the football boots for his cricket whites.
Last season he had played his first full season of first grade, helping spin Old Boys to a first grade premiership and Wombramurra Cup in Tamworth.
He also played in the Tamworth Second XI in its MA Connolly Cup win.
Just to make the Tamworth squad of 15 for the Country Cup was enough for Chesterfield but to make it into the starting side for such a major, and knockout, game at No 1 Oval is a thrill.
“I can’t wait,” he said.
“It’s going to be great.
“I haven’t played with Jimmie (Psarakis) for a while too. That’ll be good.”
Chesterfield and NSW Country Under 17 and 19 rep Psarakis played all their junior rep cricket together for Tamworth.
“Playing with Grothy (NSW Country Cricketer of the Year Tom Groth) and Jonesie (Adam Jones) is great too,” Chesterfield said.
“I never thought I’d be the number one spinner though.”
He is just hoping his first few overs come out better than they have in opening games so far this season.
“It’s a good opportunity,” Chesterfield said.
“I don’t know anything about Toronto.
“All we know is that they are going to be very tough and they have a good side.”
Today’s clash with West Tamworth in the Tamworth first grade two-day match at No 1 Oval might be just the pipe-opener he needs.
Tomorrow’s Country Cup clash starts at 11am.
