I was recently confirmed as the North Harbour Convenor for the upcoming season.
Once the current season ends the focus moves to preparing for the Primary School Boys ("PSB") tournament which is likely to run from December 27th to December 31st 2011. It is time to put these dates in your Calendar.
At the tournament North Harbour will field two "A" teams and two "development" teams. The tournament is for both Year 8 and Year 7 boys. Selection in any team will be based on merit.
North Harbour will play against other associations from around the Auckland District including Manukau, Central, Eastern, and Western. The tournament is serious, the level of cricket is high.
The tournament is the first opportunity the boys have for selection for an Auckland representative side.
North Harbour Program
In order to prepare the boys for the tournament the North Harbour program is as follows:
- PSB Spring Training - possibly through August/September/October,
- Games, every second Sunday from early November to mid December,
- Possibly separate fielding practices.
Auckland/North Harbour Winter Coaching
In addition to the above, Auckland Cricket will in the next few months ask for nominations from North Harbour for 12 boys to attend an Auckland/North Harbour Winter coaching program. I will make these nominations to North Harbour Junior Cricket and will be seeking input from North Harbour and Club coaches. I am in regular contact with Club Coaches and receive Statistics from Club games.
Winter Sport
I strongly support boys playing a Winter sport if they want to. I believe it is good for general fitness, mental freshness and just plain enjoyment. It can only be good for the boys and their cricket. In fact, there is one boy in particular who comes to mind who played a Winter sport last season to a high level and has come back this season stronger and fitter and as a result of that is bowling considerably faster.
By the same token, I think this year is the right year for the boys (and parents) to think about getting serious about their cricket and doing some of your own work through Winter/Spring after having had a good break for a few months.
Winter Coaching Programs
I understand that the East Coast Bays Club Coach, Nick White, may be taking ECB boys for some group coaching this Winter.
I am also aware that the Takapuna Club Coach, Neil Fletcher, is operating clinics over Winter for batting, and spin bowling for example.
I will provide details of these programs when they become available.
Private Coaching
As boys and parents may have gathered, I am a big advocate of private one on one coaching. It is the only real chance that your boys have to get the specific attention they need on the technical aspects of the game. Some excellent Coaches charge as little as $30 for one hour, and one session even just every month is likely to have good result. I have previously posted Coaches details.
The Wrap-up
The coming season is the first real opportunity we have at North Harbour to really work with the boys. The boys move from being regarded as "development" players to fully fledged North Harbour players. There will be a capping ceremony for those boys who make the PSB squads for the PSB tournament. It should be an enjoyable season ahead.
Craig Beecroft
NH Yr 7 Convenor
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