During July, specialised cricket clinics were held in Fingal to help improve local young players. These clinics proved to be a great success with 55 players attending. Players attending had the privileged to have experienced coaches share their knowledge regarding different aspects of the game.
A 'fielding clinic' was held at The Hills Cricket Club with Noel Knight (Australian coach with Merrion CC this season) acting as head coach. Players were taught the basics of throwing and finished with fielding drills and a talk about the importance of fielding in the modern game.
A 'fast bowling clinic' was run in North County Cricket Club with Matt Petrie (Overseas player for Merrion CC from Australia) acting as head coach. Matt talked through the principals of fast bowling and discussed the skills involved to become a good fast bowler. Time was also spent on the variations of bowling (in-swing, out-swing & slower balls).
A 'spin bowling clinic' was run at The Hills Cricket Club with Ireland international Albert Van Der Merwe acting as head coach. Players were shown basic grips, techniques used and variations to finger spin bowling. Skill specific training drills were followed by a tactical and game awareness session.
A 'batting clinic' was run at North County Cricket Club with Albert van der Merwe again acting as head coach. During the clinic players were taught best practice methods of playing both spin and fast bowling. Players had the opportunity to practice a variety of shots against different styles of bowling. The 'sweep shot' and 'advancing down the wicket' to spinners were covered as well as the cut and pull shot when playing fast bowling.
An enjoyable and informative series of coaching sessions that will benefit the players from the local Fingal cricket clubs who attended