TSP: CRICKET

What is the Hunter Sports High School Cricket program?

The program has been operating since 1999 and provides a unique opportunity for talented cricketers (both boys and girls) aged 12-18 within the Hunter region to combine academic and sporting excellence.

The program includes:

• 2 x 1.5 hour coaching sessions per week for 40 weeks.
• Competitions at a state wide level
• Nutrition and sports science education
• Strength and condition component
• Sydney Cricket Ground visit – tour and use of indoor facilities
• Opportunity to access coaching accreditation levels
• Fitness Assessment twice a year at Balance Health Club

How does the program work?

The HSHS Cricket program addresses all the fundamentals of cricket:

• Batting- attacking and defensive technique
• Bowling all types, fast, medium, swing, leg and off spin
• Fielding – throwing, catching, ground fielding
• Wicket keeping
• Scoring

How does the program work?

All players receive introductory information and instruction on sports nutrition, psychology, recovery, strength, agility and injury prevention and management. The program has a heavy emphasis on individual technique and also teaches the importance of team principles of play.

What has the Program achieved?

• In 2006 Kaine Harmsworth represented the Hunter Region, NSWCHS, NSW All Schools, and NSW U/17 and plays for Wyong 1 st Grade and was selected in the Australian U/19 Squad.
• In 2006 and 2007 Daniel Magin represented NSW Country U/19, Newcastle Colts and U/19 and plays for St George 1 st Grade
• 2007 – Semi Finalists in the Allan Davidson Shield
• Baker Shield Winners 2003 – 2009
• 2008 - Jesse Major selected in Country U/17’s
• 2008 - Jonty Major selected in NSW U/15 All Schools
• 2008 - Rebecca Miller and Wayne Newton selected in NSWCHS 2’s
• 2008 - Matthew Peterson Hunter Region Captain
• 2010 – State Quarter Finalists Davidson Cup (still running)
• 2010 – Jesse Major Ban Sunshine selected in NSWCHS 1’s Cricket Team
• 2010 – Kelsey Miller selected in the NSWCHS 2’s Girls Open Cricket Team

How does the HSHS Cricket program link to Association/Community Cricket?

All players are encouraged to play cricket in a recognised competition in the Hunter /Central Coast Region. Students are expected to undertake training outside of school hours. The program complements programs conducted by all local cricket associations.

Our coaches have strong contacts with Cricket NSW, Newcastle District Cricket Association and the Hunter Academy of Sport. Through our relationships with state and local coaches all players are provided with a multitude of opportunities to enhance their cricket careers. Gavin Scott, Daniel Magin and Kaine Harmsworth play 1st grade in their local grade competitions

Who are our Cricket coaches?

• Mark Curry Head Coachis the Regional Director of Coaching for this region appointed by Cricket NSW. He is a former Australian Country, NSW Country and Newcastle representative player and captain. He was also a member of the NSW and South Australian Sheffield Shield squads.
• Robert Dan is a former Newcastle representative opening batsman. He was a long serving 1 st grade player with University, Charlestown and Merewether clubs in the local association.
• Neil McDonald – Regional Cricket Officer NSW
• Gary Pinches – Newcastle Under 19 and Hunter Academy Coach. Former Newcastle Representative Player
• Matt Gawthrope – Newcastle Representative. U 19’s Country Representative. Toronto Workers 1 st Grade Player

These coaches are highly qualified and respected in the cricket community. They bring a wealth of experience both in playing and coaching.

What does the program provide?

• Individual skill development
• Team concepts
• Fitness development
• Sports Science education
• Regional and State wide competitions
• Organisational and time management skills
• Interactive and positive learning environment
• Scoring and umpiring experience
• Introduction to cricket pitch preparation and management
• Regular Fitness Assessments – Twice a year at Balance Health Club
  

What do the players say about the program?

“Hunter Sports High School gave me a great opportunity for me to develop my skills and enhance my love of Cricket whilst still undertaking my Higher School Certificate. The knowledge and skills I have gained under the outstanding coaching in the program, have helped me to achieve representative success in my first year after school. I thoroughly recommend the program, the coaches and the school to all cricketers with ambition, talent and commitment”. Testimonial from Daniel Magin – NSW U/19 Representative, NSW 2 nd X1 Team

How do I Apply?

To be part of this program prospective students need to obtain an application package from our web page. Students must participate in regular cricket competitions and undertake a trial, and provide supporting documentation as detailed in the application package. Note that students may be in any year, and acceptance and ongoing placement in the program is based on continued academic effort, acceptable attendance levels and an excellent behaviour record.
Students are supported by a school environment which caters for the academic and welfare needs of the talented athlete, allowing students to gain a quality education whilst still pursuing their sporting dreams.