Jack Clark makes it a winning debut as captain in NSW Premier Cricket 5th grade at just 17 years of age
Western Suburbs District Cricket Club Sydney | December 12, 2023
Due to an injury to Western Suburbs regular 5th Grade captain Mark Lewis, Club Coaches Chadd Porter and Shaun Vose entrusted the captaincy responsibilities to 17-year-old Jack Clark.
We thought we’d check in with Jack to see how he enjoyed the captaincy experience.
What was your reaction when you were informed, you’d be captain of the 5th grade team?
Initially a little bit of shock, but also really excited as I knew it was going to be a good opportunity for me as a cricketer. I was also very thankful and honoured people in the club put their faith in me to do the job.
What did you enjoy about being captain?
I liked the responsibility that came along with the role, having to always be switched on thinking ahead of the game whilst doing your own role whether it be batting or bowling.
Do you think being captain helped you think about the game differently and if so, how?
I don’t think too differently from a normal game. I just felt in game scenarios I had to step up and get the job done, whether that be with a field placement or batting
What was the main message you shared with the players throughout the game?
With the heat I just tried to reiterate the message that we don’t need to be up the whole day, but I need us to be consistent. I just wanted our bowlers to hit the top of off and 4th stump and just be consistent with our bowling as batters will make mistakes.
Have you captained any team before?
I captained my Under 14 representative team, but no team since.
What are the two leadership qualities you like to see in a captain?
When a captain is supportive and has trust and faith in their players. I also like adaptability in captains being able to react to situations and doing the right thing.
What did you learn about yourself from the experience?
I learned that I could handle the responsibility and learned to back myself with my decisions.
In the game Western Suburbs defeated UTS North Sydney by 4 wickets.
The game was played at Tunks Turf and UTS North Sydney won the toss and elected to bat and at the end of their 50 overs were 9 for 182.
In reply Western Suburbs were 6 for 183 and won with 5.1 overs to spare with the captain 47 not out. An excellent chase by the young 5th grade team.
Match Scorecard - https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/nsw-premier-cricket/nsw-premier-cricket-mens-summer-202324/fifth-grade-david-sherwood-cup/game-centre/9ed45d14
