Cricket went from strength to strength at TSS Prep in 2015 thanks to the passion of the Director of Cricket, Mr Steve Baker. He understands the importance of the Prep School boys as the future of cricket at the school and was able to provide amazing support and clear direction to the programs from House cricket to GPS teams.
ANDREW ROBERTSON
Prep Cricket Coordinator
The focus of all TSS Prep Cricket is about developing, skills and technique required to bowl, field and bat effectively, but the element of fun and playing with your mates is equally important.
In 2015 we had six teams in total (three at both Years 5 and 6). This was an improvement of 20 players from 2014. The main goals for each team was to concede less extras bowled through tighter bowling, score more runs when batting and apply pressure in the field (‘catches win matches’)… sounds simple and it worked. Training took place every week and the presence of nets in the undercover area meant training was never cancelled. The optional ‘top up’ sessions on the Friday proved valuable, with up to 30 boys attending.
Regardless of age, experience or ability you were welcome to join cricket at TSS at any age in 2015. The T20 Blast during Term 1 and the Milo in2cricket during Term 4 provided exciting and fun ways for the younger Prep boys to develop their skills and play modified games. The GPS season proved a challenge for all teams (40% win rate overall). The coaches enjoyed seeing the progress of the boys’ skills and application of these skills into the games. Our most successful teams with regard to results was both the 5A and 6A teams, who both finished with more wins than losses. Cricket was the winner. The 2015 GPS season began in Term Four, 2014 for Years 4–6. All boys were invited to attend skill-specific sessions before a T20 House competition took place. Following this GPS trials were conducted. Boys also had the opportunity to attend three different holiday camps. The final presentation event was held indoors due to a saturated field. This was a good opportunity for the Director of Cricket, Mr Steve Baker, to speak to both players and parents, and for each coach to give a summary and present their awards. 262
THE SOUTHPORT SCHOOL SOUTHPORTONIAN 2015
