Watsonian Cricket Club are pleased to announce that Lea Tsui has joined the club in the capacity of Head of Girls & Womens Cricket.

Lea, an UKCC Level 2 Qualified Coach, will work with the club overseeing all aspects of female cricket at Myreside.

As part of WCC’s commitment to growing the game and offering the opportunity for all to play and enjoy cricket the areas of girls and womens cricket are ones that the club are heavily focused on and are deeply passionate about developing.

The club already run a hugely successful set of sessions for U11 girls and many of girls have graduated in to the older age groups over the past few seasons meaning we have a strong core of talented female cricketers throughout the club. In addition there are a number of girls who already support the club in offering much valued coaching within these sessions.

Lea will work closely with Head’s of Youth Cricket & Coaching at Myreside Simon Counsell & Dewald Nel and the rest of the WCC Committee in helping develop a plan and long term strategy for growing the girls and womens sections within the club over for the future.

President, Ross Brooks was clearly delighted at the news of the arrival of Lea to the club when talking to watsoniancricket.co.uk this week “It is fantastic news that Lea will be joining the team, girls cricket at Myreside has seen significant development over the past few years and Lea’s arrival will help us further develop our strategy for growth in this area over the coming seasons”

“Anyone who has met Lea in even passing will realise the amount of energy and passion she has for the game and for her to want to join us at Myreside to help develop Girls and Womens cricket is a huge boost for the club. All at Watsonians have a clear vision to develop all areas of cricket and I wish Lea all the very best of luck in her role helping support the club realise our ambitions”.

Lea’s arrival at Myreside comes at a time when girls and womens cricket is flourishing in Scotland, at the recent Pepsi ICC Development Programme Awards Cricket Scotland won the Award for Best Women’s Cricket Initiative in Europe

Welcome to Myreside Lea!

If you want to find out more about the current offering for girls or womens cricket at Myreside or discuss any opportunities or future plans then please contact Lea via the details on the ’Contacts‘ page

Dewald is a Level 2 Coach who has played International and First Class cricket for Scotland, Worcestershire C.C.C and Kent C.C.C and has returned to Watsonian Cricket Club as Head of Junior Cricket. Dewald will be supported during the weekend by experienced club playing members.

Dates : Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th February.

Time(s) : 

Class 1 – Saturday 11^th –         (u13)                12:15pm ~ 14:15pm

Class 2 – Sunday 12^th  -          (u15)                10:00am ~ 12:00pm

Class 3 – Sunday 12^th –           (u11) P3-P6     13:00pm ~ 15:00pm

Location : Indoor Games Hall at The Galleon (GWC)

Cost: £15 per child

Click Here for Application Form & Letter

Payment Details : Please make direct bank payment to ‘Watsonian Cricket Club’ Sort Code 80-41-21 and Account Number 00939905. Please use your child’s name and “February Mclass1, Mclass2 or Mclass3” as a reference

Details:

WCC February Cricket Sessions are open to P3-S3 children

Our Cricket sessions are a wonderful addition to the winter coaching sessions. The programme is designed to improve the three core areas of cricket, batting, bowling and fielding. The programme uses a game-centred approach with high levels of fun and participation

Places will be limited on a first come first served basis.

Please contact Dewald Nel dewaldnel@me.com to book your place in advance of the camp.

Application Form & Letter

We are pleased to introduce the latest venture for our growing youth section in the form of ‘The WICCIE’. A new newsletter rounding up all the latest news and views of Colts Cricket at Myreside.

In this first edition you will learn a little more about the latest goings on with the WCC Colts and also get a chance to catch up with ’Sonians new Head of Youth Coaching, Dewald Nel 

So to get the latest version of ‘THE WICCIE’ all you have to do is click the link below or at the top of this article

*********************    THE WICCIE JANUARY 2012   *********************

Remember for even quicker news from Myreside follow @WCC_Colts  on twitter!

There are only few places left for the P3 indoor coaching which starts this Sunday (15^th Jan) with a good number of
enthusiastic 6 year olds already signed up to start their ‘Sonian careers.

Also for all ages groups then just a quick reminder that if you are coming to the nets at the weekend and haven’t returned your form please do ASAP to avoid disappointment. All forms available at this link – http://www.watsoniancricket.co.uk/general/wcc-youth-cricket-winter-training/

Due to damage on the roof caused by the recent high winds in the new games hall at GWC in we have had to change the time of U13 coaching THIS SATURDAY (14^th Jan) ONLY now 1 – 2:30pm. This will now take place in old games hall.

For any questions then please contact thecounsells@hotmail.com

Remember to follow @WCC_Colts on twitter for all the latest ‘Sonian News & Views

As part of the deal Worker will also represent the Scottish Saltires in their 12 CB40 fixtures during the summer.

The 22 year old New Zealander batsman made his first class debut in 2007 for Central Districts along side former ‘Sonian Tim Weston whilst he has also represented the Kiwis at age group level in the U19 World Cup.

Worker had a short successful stint in Scotland last summer representing SMRH along with some strong performances for the Saltires in which he clearly impressed enough to warrant a full run this coming summer on the county circuit.

Back home George switched from Central Districts to Canterbury before the start of the current domestic season and has impressed at the top of the order this summer including hitting his maiden first class hundred against Auckland.

WCC President Ross Brooks commented “It is fantastic news to be able announce that George is joining ‘Sonians for the summer along with representing the Saltires and I’m sure he’ll have a successful summer playing club and county cricket”.

Brooks added “Having spent a bit of time in George’s company last summer I know he will bring something special to the squad and all the boys are really looking forward to working with him on and off the field”

Having filled in for the original Saltires overseas player Luke Butterworth in the CB40 last season George featured in victories over Northants and Warwickshire and is looking forward to representing the Saltires in their full list of 12 fixtures against the counties home and away this summer.

Scotland Head Coach Pete Steindl commenting on the news said, “I’m looking forward to seeing George back in a Saltires shirt for our 2012 Clydesdale Bank 40 campaign. His attacking style of batting fits well at the top of the order, while his left arm spin will also prove a handy asset. He will be warmly welcomed back into the dressing room after his positive impact last season”.

Along with coaching the Senior squad throughout the summer. Worker will also work closely with ‘Sonians Head’s of Youth Development & Coaching, Simon Counsell & Dewald Nel developing the young talent at Myreside and within the community.

I’m sure you will join us in giving George a warm welcome to Myreside this summer.

The first few sessions will be run by club coach Dewald Nel who will be looking to set the tone for the rest of the winter sessions.

Please make sure you are there nice and sharp to kick off at 10am!

See story for full details and follow @WCC_Colts on Twitter for all the latest news

Who can come?  Cricketers must have been either under 13 or under 15 on 1^st September 2011 to qualify. This requirement is set by Cricket Scotland for participation in tournaments. Places are therefore available for children from all schools in P7, S1, S2, S3 and younger boys in S4. Beginners are very welcome.

When & Where? UNDER 13 Saturdays 12.15pm – 13:45pm from 14th January to 24^th March (excl. mid-term 11th February) in the New Games Hall at George Watson’s College.

UNDER 15 Sundays 12.30pm – 2:00pm from 15th January to 25^th March (excl. mid-term 12th February) in the New Games Hall at George Watson’s College.

Cost  We charge £50 per child for the 10 sessions. Please make direct bank payment to Watsonian Cricket Club sort code 80-41-21 and account number 00939905. Please use your child’s name and “Junior Cricket” as reference

.  Alternatively …

…. Club Membership option: Annual membership of the club for each child is £100.  Membership benefits include:

                •               Winter coaching (worth 50 for 10 weeks coaching)

                •               Summer coaching (worth £50 for games + coaching)

                •               Free new design Watsonian Youth Cricket Shirt

Dress & Equipment  Tracksuit and trainers are ideal and whilst cricketers are welcome to bring their own equpment we will have plenty available.

What do we do?  The entire programme will be based on a mix of fun drills and net sessions through which the children can develop their cricket skills.  

Winter Tournament  We have entered the Winter tournament for under 13’s organised by East of Scotland Cricket and held at Westwoods Leisure Club. Further information will follow.

Willing to help? We are always looking for parents to help out with the coaching (regular or occasional basis) and the Club is committed to supporting any helpers through formal coaching qualifications if interested. Please advise on the form below.

How to register?  Fill out the attached form and email to thecounsells@hotmail.com ASAP ASAP

More info?  Contact Simon Counsell, WCC Youth Convenor – Tel,0131 531 3604  Mob. 07899 062471  e-mail – scounsell@intergen.com

As a former player at Watsonians and a former GWC pupil Nel’s career has blossomed since he last stepped on the park at Myreside, over the past 5 years Nel has been widely recognised as one of the premier bowlers in the Scotland international set up and in this time has enjoyed successful stints as a county cricketer at both Worcestershire and Kent.

Along with his vast playing experience and Level 2 Coaching Qualification Nel brings with him an extremely high level of enthusiasm and passion for developing the talent at Myreside that will be exceptionally important in helping move the club forward.

Dewald will be involved in helping structure and deliver training sessions at U11, U13 and U15s during the winter and summer of 2012, will deliver a full complement of cricket camps and masterclasses and will also oversee the beginning of the Senior Indoor Sessions in January & February helping the club implement a more structured environment for all cricketers to develop.

Whilst an injury in 2011 cut short Nel’s county career at Kent during last summer he is hoping to be back to his best to pull on the ‘Sonians shirt in 2012 and will be a much valued member of the senior squad both on and off the field.

President Ross Brooks commenting on the appointment said “I am delighted that we are able to welcome back Dewald to Myreside and in a role that is significantly important to our clubs development. I’m excited at the prospect of having our young cricketers exposed to an even more professional level of coaching and I am sure Dewald will have a positive influence on all our members. I have been immensely impressed with his level of enthusiasm, his clear passion and vision and I very much look forward to working alongside Dewald over the coming year”

I’m sure all at WCC join us in welcoming Dewald back to the club and support him through out the year.

Welcome Home Dee!

In the Scottish Cup ‘Sonians play the first games of the season (and the first 3 group games) away from home as they travel to Penicuik, Weirs and Dumfries before a run of 3 home cup fixtures against the same clubs.

The full fixtures can be viewed here via the Cricket Scotland website until they are uploaded to this site.