Simon Norvill's decision to gain his level-one coaching credentials a couple of years ago was done so he could dunk himself further into a sport he took a big bite out of as a youngster and kept going back for more.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
He wanted to give back to a sport he has been playing for most of his life, while also helping the club he adores, by training his enhanced knowledge on clubmates - although do it in a less formal way.
The 32-year-old Old Boys opener remembers senior players helping mould him into the excellent player he is today. He is part of a indispensable cycle that has existed as long as cricket has been played.
By gaining his level-one coaching credentials he has also been able to cast an eye over his own technique and, he says, improve it.
Tamworth's most destructive batsman was close to his marauding best in blasting a 110-ball 129 against Bective East at Riverside 3 on Saturday.
After last-placed Bective East were skittled for 66, Norvill quickly overcame what he said was a "scratchy" start to murder the Bulls attack - crunching 19 fours and two sixes as the first-placed reigning premiers finished day one on 8-280 off 49 overs.
Read also:
Last month Old Boys beat North Tamworth to win the one-day title, the only title that alluded them last season. Norvill failed in that match, one of the few times he has failed this season. The 129 is his first century in 2019/20.
"I've been hitting them really well all year," he said, "and sort of getting starts and then getting out just as I was getting going. So it was good to bat for a bit longer yesterday [Saturday]."
He added: "It's my job to score runs, I guess. I like batting with the younger guys we've had in our side and sort of help them along."
Abel Carney's decision to sit out this season means Norvill is now Old Boys keeper and, thus, he is even more involved in games - and that suits him fine. "I just love playing cricket."
Old Boys quick Troy Sands continued his good form, taking 3-20 off 10 overs. William Gell took 3-12 off six overs.
Aaron Hazlewood claimed 2-20 and then struck a 33-ball 48.
At Riverside 1, veteran City United quick Andrew Baines took 6-33 off 16 overs as fifth-placed West Tamworth were dismissed for 179. Opener David Mudaliar was again among the runs (79).
In reply, third-placed City were 0-80 off 19 overs. Brad Smith was 64 not out and Liam Rodgers 16 not out. Smith hammered three sixes and six fours.
