Rep squad welcomes new coach

Representative team welcomes new coach

Hayden Brough and Darling Downs and South West Queensland wicket keeper Mathew Nunn keeps a sharp eye on play as Wynnum Manly’s Hayden Brough plays a shot during their Lord Taverner's clash.

CRICKET : Adrian Bidgood’s coaching philosophy is quite simple.

Bidgood, who will coach the Darling Downs and South West Queensland Under-16 Lord Taverner’s team next season, believes in “good team culture” and the “enjoyment factor”.

“I guess I’m a bit of an old school type of bloke and coach,” Bidgood said.

“I believe one of the most important things in any team is having a good culture.

“Players need to take charge of their journey and work hard to meet their personal responsibilities.

“That attitude creates a good team culture.

“The enjoyment factor is important as well.

“You play cricket or any team sport for that matter, because you want to be with your mates.

“And when you’re enjoying it you will play better,”

Eager to build on a number of promising performances from last season, the DDSWQ’s preparations were bought to a standstill by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, despite the difficulties the squad has faced so far Bidgood has positive outlook on the situation.

“We had a larger squad named and we were looking to fine tune things before the COVID-19 situation stopped things, he said.

“I like the look of the squad.

“I think we have a really good talent base – a number of players in were recently selected in Queensland squads which is a clear sign of their quality.

“There’s always a bolter or two as well.

“Obviously we can’t possibly pick a team under the current conditions but when things are able to resume everyone will have the same opportunities.

“We’ll be looking for the hard workers, we have some very good players but everyone will have to earn their position.”

Bidgood – who won five A-grade titles with Northern Brothers Diggers, played for Queensland Country and in the United Kingdom – believes the experience of previous will boost the squad’ chances this year.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back into coaching with this team after a few years away from the game,” he said.

“This will be the team’s third season in the competition which helps us.

“We have a number of players with good cricketing experience considering their age.

“As well as the Queensland representatives we have a few that have played senior cricket locally.

“When you’re facing senior players at such a young age you learn a lot about yourself as player.”

The 2020 Lord Taverner’s competition is expected to start in September and run until December.

Originally published as