Welcome back to the Don't Bowl There cricket blog, where we
kick off our return with an exciting lineup of high-profile interviews in the
days and weeks to come.
In our latest instalment, we caught up with Shane Getkate, a
seasoned player with a decade-long stint in the NCU, seven of those years
dedicated to Instonians CC. Shane, fresh off his triumph in securing the
Robinson Services Premier League last season, shared his thoughts on the
exhilarating victory. Describing it as a "major honour" and an
"amazing feeling," Shane emphasised the unique satisfaction of
clinching the league title over the course of a full season, distinguishing it
from previous cup victories.
Acknowledging the collective effort that led to their
success, Shane attributed the triumph to every player's contribution throughout
the season. He highlighted the pivotal role of younger talents, citing Jack
Dickson's stellar 101* in the final game as just one of the match-winning performances from the younger players within the squad.
Expressing gratitude, Shane underscored the joy of giving back to the club and
its dedicated supporters with the prestigious title after years of support from all around the Shaw's Bridge club.
Digging into the strategic shift that fuelled Instonians'
success last season, Shane stated that there was a leadership team formed in
January 2023. Headed up by Nikolai Smith (Captain of Instonians 1st XI) and five other senior members, this
initiative fostered open and honest conversations, reflecting on the previous season,
and maintaining high standards throughout. Additionally, Shane credited the
impact of overseas professional Shane Dadswell, whose contributions with bat
and ball, along with mentorship for younger players, proved pivotal in winning
crucial games.
Reflecting on his international experience with Ireland,
Shane shared insights on playing alongside cricket legends such as Kevin
O'Brien, Paul Stirling, and Tim Murtagh. Each, he noted, brought unique
qualities to the team. Shane appreciated the friendly advice from Tim Murtagh
at Mid Off, providing a calming presence.This presence helped Shane to be able to relax and execute his skillset better. He
admired Kevin O'Brien's approach to the game, citing him as an inspiration
since witnessing his hundred against England in 2011. Shane also highlighted the
significant impact of Paul Stirling, emphasizing how Stirling's guidance from
their early days together at age 11 played a vital role in improving technique
and mindset, especially in adapting to varying conditions and bowlers.
Closing our interview, I asked Shane for any advice which he would have to aspiring
young cricketers. Shane stated the importance of having a strong
work ethic and going the extra mile outside of training. Shane reminisced
about his youth, spending countless summer days honing and improving his skills in the nets
at Malahide CC, driven by a relentless desire for improvement every single day.
I'd like to thank Shane for taking the time out of his busy work schedule to answer the questions and wish him all the best for the upcoming 2024 season.
Comments
Post a Comment