INDOOR CRICKET
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IF you’re talking commitment, look no further than Orange’s Mitch Winslade.
The 16-year-old was recently named in the NSW Cyclones 17 and under side to contest next week’s 2015 Australian Junior Championships, despite not being able to play indoor cricket in Orange.
Winslade is forced to travel 150km down the Mitchell Highway to Dubbo every Thursday just to get a game. And even then, he doesn’t have a team, he just fills in for whichever side needs a player.
“I don’t mind. Mum or dad takes me over, and the trip gets me a few hours off my [driving] logbook,” Winslade, an L-plater, laughed.
“With no facility here you have to make the trip if you want to play. It’s a great sport. In outdoor cricket there’s a lot of waiting for things to happen, in indoor you’re constantly in the game and constantly involved.
“I haven’t played for the same team twice yet in Dubbo, I’m just trying to get as many games in as I can and stay involved.”
In his first year playing indoor cricket Winslade was picked in one of two NSW Country sides to trial alongside their metropolitan counterparts, and was named in the Cyclones side - a combined NSW Country side - as a result.
Talk about taking to something like a duck to water.
“From the Western (Zone) under 17 squad, Greg King convinced me to come over and have a go,” Winslade said.
“They picked the Cyclones team, and the NSW City team from those games, and both sides are going to nationals.
“Obviously it’s my first time in this side, it’s exciting, it’s different.”
The Cyclones head to Brisbane tomorrow for a pre-tournament mini-camp, before opening their campaign against Queensland on Sunday.
They will take on the other competing states before the tournament finishes next Saturday, July 11, with the Australian side expected to be announced shortly afterward.
“I’m nervous, but I’m really excited as well. Apart from Tasmania, all the states will be there,” he said.
“I’ve been bowling early in the games I’ve played, and batting a bit later. It’s a lot different in terms of technique and stuff than what I’m used to in outdoor cricket, but it will be a good challenge, to see where I match up with the guys from other states.
“I’m not really thinking about [national] selection. I’ll go up there and do my best, and see what happens.”