VSDCA 2018-19: Englishman Will Rigg embraces pressure to shine in maiden season at Coburg
WILL Rigg has credited embracing the pressure of being an overseas player as the key to his impressive maiden VSDCA campaign for Coburg.
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WILL Rigg has credited embracing the pressure of being an overseas player as the key to his impressive maiden VSDCA campaign for Coburg.
The 18-year-old Englishman could have been forgiven for taking time to settle in after packing his bags and moving half way across the world.
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But by Round 6 he had established himself as a key member of the Burgers’ batting line-up, crafting three consecutive half-centuries and four scores of 42 runs or more.
“I have tried to knuckle down and try and bat time,” Rigg said.
“I have done all right so far, but if anything I want to get that big score to really stamp my name down on the comp.
“That’s what I am aiming for in this half of the season.”
Hailing from Solihull, a town in England’s West Midlands near Birmingham, Rigg arrived in Australia intent on taking his game to another level.
The No. 3 batsman has been involved in county club Warwickshire’s pathway program and plays with former Test batsman Ian Bell in the Birmingham Premier League at Knowle and Dorridge.
“Coming from overseas, there’s a bit more responsibility, which I am embracing,” he said.
“Loads of my mates have done it and they said how much they have improved and the cricket has been challenging, which they have liked.”
Rigg said he was determined to keep Coburg, which sits nine points outside the top six, in the race for a North-East group finals berth.
“We are definitely not far away,” he said.
“There was a few games before Christmas where we really should have won.
“But you never know, with a couple of games here or there, a couple of wins, you’ll see yourself climbing up the ladder.
“Big last push to try and secure those finals places. We’re all striving to do that.”
Rigg is eighth on the North-East group runs chart with 348 runs after nine rounds, behind only proven VSDCA performers such as Plenty Valley’s Ryan Pearson (473) and Kew’s David Wildsmith (364).
“I like to put the pressure back on the bowlers,” he said.
“Anything in my zone I back myself to try and hit for four.
“Once I have got set, I look to kick on and keep at the same tempo really.”
Rigg said he had enjoyed the sport-centric culture in Melbourne and would consider returning next summer.
He has been living with the family of Coburg secretary Andrew Hart and said his success could not have been possible without their support.
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