WILL WON’T SHIRK WARRIORS CHALLENGE
The North West Warriors sprang something of a surprise earlier today when they named 18-year old Welsh student Will Smale in their squad to take on Leinster Lightning in Dublin next week.
It may be something of a leap of faith for Ian McGregor, however the Warriors Head Coach is quietly confident that the teenager has got what it takes as he explained how the move came about.
“Will has family in Ireland and he contacted us last winter to say he would be interested in trialling for the Irish under-19’s. He was on a cricket scholarship at King’s College Taunton so we had to respect those restrictions, however during the summer he came over for trials and it is fair to say he impressed coaches and selectors.”
“He was selected for the under-19 squad for the Qualifiers in The Netherlands recently where he was one of our top performers. Given our wicketkeeping situation we discussed the opportunity for Will to test himself at a higher level and he didn’t hesitate.”
“He’s an intelligent kid both academically and in terms of his cricket. He has done everything we have asked of him and he will now stay in the North West until the end of the season and will play in all our remaining matches this summer.”
The player himself said he was looking forward to coming across this weekend and relishing the opportunity to play Interprovincial cricket.
“I honestly can’t wait to get over and start playing. I don’t know any of the boys in the squad but can’t imagine that will be a problem.”
“My ambition has always been to play cricket at the highest level possible and this is my chance to test myself at the next grade. It’s a real bonus that next week’s game is First Class but Ian hasn’t put any pressure on me. It’s all about gaining experience and trying to make the most of the opportunity.”
There’s no doubt that Will is being chucked in at the deep end with his debut coming in a 3-day game away at Leinster Lightning. No doubt either however that the player and his Coach feel that given time, he can make it count.
