Armidale’s promising young cricketers had the opportunity to learn what it takes to make it to the top when two NSW cricketers visited town.
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Batsman Daniel Hughes and fast bowler Henry Thornton made the trip to the region as part of Cricket NSW’s Country Blitz program and were met with plenty of enthusiasm from both newcomers and junior representatives of the sport.
The pair visited The Armidale School as part of the program for a Q and A session before heading to the Sportsground for a clinic.
With Hughes growing up in the country and Thornton in the suburbs of Sydney, the duo were able to provide different perspectives and advice for our local juniors.
“Play as much cricket as you can, learn as much as possible from the older guys and believe in yourself,” Thornton said to the cricketers at the TAS session.
“Listen to your body, listen to your coaches and set goals. Drink lots of water, don’t eat rubbish and get lots of sleep will all benefit carnival preparation in particular,” Hughes said.
The Sportground session had a Q and A session followed by a nets session.
The practical part of the session saw the local juniors receive tips on their game.
Thornton said to be able to pass on any knowledge they can to help youngsters reach the top level was important.
“We are really happy to be here, any time we can get out into the rural and country areas, the better,” he said.
“It is great to see a lot of boys and girls here playing a lot of cricket.
“We just want to pass on things we have received throughout our careers to them and hopefully see them at one stage down at the SCG playing the game that we all love.”
The Armidale players had plenty of questions for Hughes and Thornton with a few key themes coming through.
“What your highest score is and how many wickets you have taken but the main one is 'what is it like playing at the next level and how do I achieve that?’” Thornton said.
“We want to pass on the knowledge we have received to them playing for NSW and Australia.
“We were really impressed with both the boys and the girls which is a great thing to see.
“Women's cricket is taking off so it is great to see them involved and hoepfully one day we will be playing with them or on TV for NSW and Australia.”
Hughes and Thornton headed to Tenterfield on Tuesday morning before a trip to Glen Innes.
There is a visit to Minimbah Primary School planned for Wednesday before they head back to Sydney.