Enthusiasm, simplicity and care

I was ten years old when I played my first game of cricket at school. I didn't have a clue. I recall a few hard ball nets on unprepared surfaces. Lots of wides bowled (by me). I don't recall any coaching. I don't recall any advice at all. I certainly don't recall any enthusiasm. Gloves with little green spikes on the back and grubby pads that when tightened made you walk / run like a penguin. I simply didn't get it? Give me the football back!

I opted out of cricket next summer. And then in the January of 1976, Dad told me he was going to drop me off with a few others to go to Temple Cloud junior practice at Peter Wights indoor nets in Bath. What? I still think the main reason was so he could sneak out for a couple of pints with Bill Brown and John Pell.

I didn't want to be there and I didn't know a soul. But something happened. I didn't know at the time, but I realised years later. It was the coach running the sessions. Tony Corner. He oozed enthusiasm. He loved cricket. He bubbled throughout every session. He cajoled, he encouraged, he barked at times, but what was obvious, he cared.

Cricket / sport does this to people. It's what draws us in. The joy we experience ourselves, or the contagious nature of a coach or friend. So many reasons, the desire to succeed, the challenges, the simplicity of momentary successes, the camaraderie of those we spend time with. What other sport can you enjoy whilst strolling around the boundary happily chatting with a mate, watching your team mates repair the damage after your first ball duck? As long as it isn't every week! A participant, spectator, supporter...

In my life within cricket, I have been inspired regularly through others who share my passion and enthusiasm for this game of ours. I know the game has its problems, but where there are people that care, the game will thrive. Maybe not in all areas, but in enough. And there are enough that care, so....

I began a job in Mid Canterbury in New Zealand in 2004. Cricket was at a low ebb. Life had been drained out of the game. It needed care and attention. That was all and there were more than enough people to provide it. Cricket recovered.

Enthusiasm, enjoyment, simplicity, care and unsurprisingly a lot of other good things will follow...