There was a real treat for cricketers attending the SDW Academy last Saturday morning, when England and Old Cranleighan fast bowler Stuart Meaker came to help out with a training session. Meaker, who made his debut for England in a One-day International against India in October, took the youngsters from Cranleigh Prep School through some of the key points for a good bowling action, and passed on some tips that have helped him to have such a successful career to date.
No doubt Meaker was impressed with the facilities offered by the new Cricket Centre which opened in October: a dedicated two-lane cricket facility, which allows Director of Cricket Stuart Welch (SDW) to run a comprehensive programme of coaching throughout the winter, allowing the Trevor Abbott Sports Centre to be available more often for other sports and activities in the process. SDW, along with the school’s other ECB qualified coaches, has been running sessions for the School’s elite cricketers throughout this term, focusing on technical skills that require high amounts of practice time.
The new Cricket Centre will help to improve the ability of Cranleighans to play and enjoy the game, and is further evidence of the School’s commitment to helping promising young cricketers maximise their potential. Hopefully more will follow in the footsteps of Meaker! Meanwhile everyone at Cranleigh wishes Stuart luck in his forthcoming tour of Bangladesh with the England Lions, and we very much hope he will be able to come back and visit again soon.
JSR
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