The TAS/ACT ‘CATS’ NCIC wrap-up!

Bringing together TAS and ACT blind and low-vision players in an inaugural representative ‘CATS’ team for the 2023 National Cricket Inclusion Championships has been an extraordinary accomplishment for all involved.

From three long years back, firstly establishing IIT and then BCT, to forming an MoU with Cricket Tasmania building the program, acceptance by the national blind cricket associations, winning the state and national community partnership awards, fundraising and chasing grants to finance the trip, and of course the enormous team effort to compete at the NCIC for the very first time – we finally got there!

Now there’s a chance to reflect, give thanks and enjoy the memories of our achievements as people and cricketers.

This 2023 NCIC campaign was filled with some amazing achievements, though we didn’t win a game we were competitive in most clashes earning the respect of other teams with our never-give-up attitude against some formidable odds.

A shout out to all NCIC blind state teams for their help and kinship, but particularly Grand Final winners NSW who even helped some of our TAS batters take guard correctly and applauded our efforts all day. They beat us by over 200 runs, but the score didn’t tell the positive human-centered experience of the game.

We also enjoyed socialising with the WA and SA teams at our Hotel, and there’s also discussion regarding SA and Victoria possibly traveling to Hobart this year for games to help all our preparations for the 2024 NCIC.

And as we look to grow the game in TAS and give similar access to others in the ACT and relatively close regional areas, we now have the platform and responsibility to ensure that we put the processes, relationships, and agreements in place to offer the assurity of a pathway for more talented blind cricket fanatics to play at the NCIC.

Our team’s on-ground cohesion and competitiveness were achieved through outstanding leadership from Captain Michael Hamilton who along with the other ACT players selflessly went above and beyond to support our debutant players, mostly from TAS.

Captaincy has both relative opportunity and responsibility and we’re thankful that our team leadership put the success of others before their own aspirations. For that, they win the greatest reward of all – the admiration of their teammates and the broader blind cricket community.

But in saying that, there were still some well-deserved ‘trophies’ obtained in recognition of two outstanding ACT/Albury players (who came out of retirement) Daniel Searle as the competition’s highest B1 run scorer and in a 3-way tie for the best B1 of the championships, and Mathew Kent awarded the B2 player of the championships.

Sensational individual efforts and a great spotlight placed on the nature and makeup of our team.

You can see the results and photos from our five games on our IIT Facebook page here.

Let’s unpack the experience and also salute some exceptional people.

The NCIC was, frankly, a physical and sensory overload, and superhuman effort by all. There were laughs, tears, confusion, collaboration, heartbreak, celebration, exhaustion, achievement, injury, admiration, empathy, anxiety, amusement, and inspiration – but above all joy!

All part of the collective chemistry and effort between diverse passionate people and personalities united in a common cause.

The generosity of ACT players means we owe them a great debt of gratitude that we will repay in time, by up-skilling our players and strengthening our Tigers squad.

We learned many things about ourselves and each other that were predictable as they were sometimes surprising, and sometimes challenging. But above all, we’ve created an enviable culture, and sustainable future while making friendships that’ll last a lifetime.

Thanks go to a long list of special humans.

To our Coach, Taylah Purton – your skills, discipline, and determination have been exactly what we’ve needed to make us better cricketers, team members, and people. For what is the most challenging role to play, you did it with strength and consistency that commands the greatest respect from all players and management.

You rightfully (and always insightfully) educated me, the players, and those around us to be better at what we do together, with your knowledge across all aspects of competitive cricket. I’ve been a past president of a cricket club, and know what it takes to build a successful team so I can truly say we have the most balanced, intelligent, and values-based Coach that I’ve ever seen in my time. Thanks Tay

To our Assistant Manager (and blind cricket ACT president), Jason Schmidt – we stayed on course and were united in our vision and strategies to make this dream a reality. Partnerships are built on the quality of the relationship, bloody hard work, and common goals, which has resulted in creating history as the first ACT/TAS dual team to compete at the NCIC.

So thanks for believing in those principles, being a great support, and dealing with my persistent high expectations. Whether people know or care, the hundreds of hours spent building a sustainable ‘business’ base together for our team’s future will always be appreciated by myself, the IIT Board, and the BCT group. Now we reset and the journey starts all over again! Thanks mate

To our Team Support Professional, Elsa Wrighton – you navigated the mental, emotional, physical, and behavioral needs and challenges of so many diverse individuals with intelligence and poise. You may not realize the level of respect everyone has for you in what is often an underrated role in any team environment. You proved you are a trusted and critical part of our team ‘family’ and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

And thank you also for the significant personal investment you made to come with us, that’s not public knowledge but appreciated by IIT and your BCT management colleagues. We owe you so much, as you taught us that the values of humanity and selflessness are the greatest gifts of all you can offer others. Thanks Els

To our NCIC Team Captain, Michael Hamilton – you are the glue that binds us on and off the field. The leadership and resilience you showed were simply outstanding. The patience and dedication you afforded the TAS players made the experience for all a truly positive one on all levels. And the drive and commitment you showed over the five days in intensely competitive games and in hot conditions pulled the team together and through to the end.

Your positive yet frank, honest, and clear communication, good humour, sense of honour, and ‘calm in a crisis’ methodology is a toolbox of principles and behaviours for success. With your ongoing commitment, we’ll advance our team’s development and competitiveness together at a great rate. Thanks Hammo

To the TAS players, including our highly-valued Tigers Captain David Hughes – what a unique learning experience we’ve just had. You are now ‘competition’ cricketers, having dealt with the highs and lows, the joys and challenges that are all part of testing yourself against the best in the sport. It was a crash course in the NCIC after less than 2 years in training mode and was fantastic to see you play the game in the right spirit and for each other.

Some were granted an extra ’shot’, while others were denied their fair share by the game’s unpredictable dynamics. That’s cricket! But for all your efforts and contributions, I thank you enormously for the grace and commitment you showed in the intensity of national competition cricket.

You now have the knowledge and choice of whether you continue on the journey to the next NCIC team selection process again. Whatever you decide, there’s always an opportunity to play a part in the team’s future endeavours, either with a bat and ball in hand or imparting the valuable knowledge you now have with new players embarking on their own journey. Thanks Tigers

And our ACT teammates. Seriously, what a masterclass by a group of talented players and the most decent people you could ever meet. Your skills are inspirational, and your acceptance and desire to help develop the TAS players have exceeded our wildest dreams. Your extensive experience and competitive nature led the way, and we all stood taller and prouder for your guidance, wisdom, and relentless passion for the game and our team’s success.

And congrats again to Dan and Mat on receiving your awards that were well deserved as you shone through the doubters and competitors alike. It proves you can achieve personal and team success while not being a ‘finalist’ team. We will see you all again soon as we plan to play games against other states during the year, in preparation for tackling the 2024 NCIC together again. Thanks legends

Thanks also to the traveling parents and partners who experienced the same rollercoaster ride of confidence and anxiety, and fearless moments alike encountered by all. It’s not easy to watch things unfold for loved ones under the control of others or the vagueries of cricket.

We conquered the logistical and personal surprises that are always at play when we leave the sanctity of our homes and known environments. Thank you for being patient and supportive as part of the team’s journey of discovery.

And last thanks go to a long list of donors, sponsors, partners, volunteers (many tagged below), family members, and the general public who helped finance and supported our journey over the last three years. The IIT Board and BCT coordinating group extend our sincere thanks and appreciation.

The time and dollars invested by so many to help our players have been significant, to say the least. So we hope being part of history in making this dream a reality brings much satisfaction and pride to you all. We now have a bright future ahead thanks to your contributions.

The final word

Watch the final wrap-up video below.

 

We said our team values included; respect, commitment, and teamwork. And that’s what everyone has done with a smile on their face and care for their fellow teammates. Every player represented their individual regions, families, and communities with humility and passion.

The TAS/ACT CATS will be back next year better for this year’s experience and ready to go to the next level. In the meantime, please help us spread the word about the extraordinary game that is blind and low-vision cricket.

In closing, I couldn’t be happier, prouder, or more thankful as the team manager for the opportunity to play my part in this journey together. Thanks to all for my inclusion and your support.

Phillip ‘Sunny’ Drury
CEO – IIT
TAS/ACT ‘CATS’ NCIC Team Manager

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Image descriptions:

Main graphic shows the 5 game results which were: Game 1: CATS 7-169 (20 overs) – South Aust 2-170 (14 overs), Game 2: CATS 9-72 (12.4 overs) – NSW 0-307 (20 overs), Game 3: CATS 10-186 (19.2 overs) – Western Aust 1-190 (14.5 overs), Game 4: CATS 6-95 (20 overs) – Queensland 4-199 (20 overs), Game 5: CATS 6-104 (20 overs) – 0-105 (10.5 overs).

Main photo is the full TAS/ACT CATS NCIC team official portrait. From left to right, back row- Team Manager Sunny Drury, Assitant Manager Jason Schmidt, Nicole McKillop (B2), Brian Connolly (B1), vice captain David Hughes (B2), Alexander McKillop (B2), Clifton Plummer (B3), Daniel Searle (B1), Benjamin Phillips (B1), Team Coach Taylah Purton. Front row: Toby Hartshorn (B3), Mathew Kent (B2), Chloe Dalwood (B2), captain Michael Hamilton (B3),  Phil Menzie, and dog Dudley (B1), Dylan Gangell (B3), Neville D’Silva (B3).

Then a video file scrolls through a series of photos including; TAS player’s group, ACT player’s group, full TAS/ACT player’s group, the last team dinner, dinner with SA & WA players, 4 images of all NCIC teams entering the venue for the presentation night, the Blind Cricket Australia awards prior the main event with all the blind state teams, then images of the main dinner event with all blind, deaf and intellectually impaired state team players, officials and guests. Award presentations to ACT players Mat Kent and Dan Searle on stage, then 3 images of the NCIC CATS players in uniform with celebratory body language. Then images of the Virgin plane upon landing in Hobart and a young lady holding a sign at the arrival lounge that reads ‘Welcome back team’ with hashtag GoCATS. The last image is of the TAS/ACT team Captain Michael Hamilton with a thumbs-up gesture at the end of the last game against Victoria.