Two of Nyngan’s finest young cricketers, Tyson Deebank and Trae Smith, represented the under-13s NSW Cyclones at the Indoor Cricket National Championships in Toowoomba early last month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The young superstars were selected from 53 players across rural NSW for the country-based state cricket team and competed against 10 teams vying for national titles, between July 7 and 14.
The NSW Cyclones made it into the top three to play in the semi-finals against the Sydney-based NSW Metro team but were unfortunately knocked out on the last ball.
READ ALSO: Students dig into National Tree Day
NSW Cyclones under-13s Coach Dan French said despite the loss in the semi-finals to NSW Metro who went on to defeat Victoria Blue in a thrilling 143-142 game in the major finals, he was very impressed with the team and their efforts.
“I was very impressed with how the boys improved,” French commended.
“Anthony [Dubbo] was the only player to play a national tournament before, so it’s incredible to have 10 new players make the finals, particularly when there are so many teams in the competition.”
“We lost in the semi-finals to the eventual winner, so we were pretty happy with that,” he said.
READ ALSO: Shire welcomes latest citizens
It was an experience of firsts for both Smith and Deebank, who travelled away playing State Championships and indoor cricket for the first time.
“I didn’t think I’d make it, it’s the first time I’ve played indoor cricket,” Deebank said.
“It’s a pretty good feeling,” Smith added about being selected.
I didn’t think I’d make it, it’s the first time I’ve played indoor cricket.
- Tyson Deebank
French said he was “really impressed” with the two Nyngan boys, and commended the team on making the semi-finals, despite only having one training session together, compared to the Metro sides who train together regularly.
“[The team] had a disadvantage when we got there, but I was so impressed with how well they pulled together.”
READ ALSO: Road and rail delivered at Hermidale
For Smith and Deebank it’s not over just yet, with the boys training to play in the Maquarie Valley and Dubbo representative competitions in the summertime.
The young cricket superstars said their humble beginnings at Milo Cricket at age four set up their passions for the game, and has inspired a future career in cricket, which Smith said he enjoys because of hitting boundaries, getting wickets and scoring a lot of runs.
“It’s also the feeling of winning the game … and the crowd just cheering you on,” Deebank added.
Zaarkacha Marlan
Court and crime reporter at the Daily Liberal. Formerly the sole journalist for the Nyngan Observer, Narromine News and Trangie Advocate.
Court and crime reporter at the Daily Liberal. Formerly the sole journalist for the Nyngan Observer, Narromine News and Trangie Advocate.
