Penrith Cricket Club - Alex Kerkham

Penrith Cricket Club | October 09, 2024

Alex Kerkham is an up and coming fast bowler at Penrith Cricket Club.

Alex is in the NSW Under 17 Metropolitan Academy squad and in the first round of the 2024-25 season he made his 2nd grade debut for the Panthers.

Here's our little pocket profile with Alex

What year were you born?

2008.

Tell us about your cricket journey.

I started my cricket journey at Springwood Cricket Club aged about 7. I quickly realised my love for the game and started playing rep cricket at Penrith Junior Cricket Club, progressing to Grade cricket debuting for Penrith Cricket Club aged 13. I have since been lucky enough to be in a Premiership winning Metropolitan Cup side in 2022/23 and Captained the Green Shield side last season. Recently I have been involved in the NSW U17 State Squad and made my debut in Penrith’s 2nd Grade and Poidevin-Gray sides.

If you can share with our readers how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?  

Pace Bowler.

What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?

The camaraderie and teamwork is what I enjoy the most. There’s nothing quite like sitting on the shed at Howell Oval cheering on 1st Grade or celebrating a hard earned victory, singing the Penrith team song in the sheds.

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?

Winning the Metropolitan Cup Premiership in 2022/23 with a young, talented team made up of some of my closest mates is a moment I’ll never forget. The bond we formed as a team and as a club that season was very special.

Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?

Patrick Cummins

Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?

Liam Dodrell can be quite sharp in the Howell Oval nets. A tip from me would be not to bounce him when bowling to him, you will learn the hard way.

Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?

Aarush Soni

Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

Watching Xander Carstens hit 201* in a Semi-Final at the age of 14, where he showed his class and maturity as a young, developing batsman was amazing.  

Who is the best wicket keeper you’ve had the good fortune to play with?

Playing alongside Joshua Bawcombe in NSW Pathways has been a pleasure. Josh is a crafty wicketkeeper-batsman who has plenty to offer. He has great ability with the mitts and is a stylish batsmen at the top of the order. Another class wicket keeping-batsman is the incredibly talented Tyran Lidiard from Penrith. Despite not playing a game with Tyran yet, he deserves a mention for his professionalism and outstanding ability with both bat and gloves.

Is there a young player in your club you’d like to nominate as a player to watch?

Daniel Jarvis is an up and coming fast bowler who will play a massive role in Penrith’s Green Shield side this summer. With a year of Green Shield experience under his belt already, he is a developing left arm fast bowler with a classy action. ‘Jarvo’ also offers plenty with the bat and has leadership qualities which will be a valuable attribute to his team this year.

Who are the two players you’ve come to admire most in your club in terms of skills and competitive spirit?

Recently inducted Penrith Club Captain Owen Cole is a great leader of people and an excellent leg spinner. He's an awesome individual to have at the club and a great person to be around. Owen inspires all juniors at the club and he is inclusive of everyone.

Liam Dodrell is a highly experienced and talented fast bowler who always creates a contest out in the middle, whether it be with bat or ball. Dodders is really exciting to watch and has a huge future in the game. 

What are the two attributes you like to see in a captain and leader?

Strong communication and the ability to motivate and keep a team focussed in pressure moments.

Which singer/band would you like to see perform live?

Coldplay

Favourite location, city or country as a holiday destination?

I love seeing Mum’s family out in the Central West of NSW, but like most other cricketers I'd like to play in England one day.

Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?

My Dad has been my greatest influence. He played a high level of grade cricket for Penrith back in the day and has guided and mentored me every step of the way so far. 

My next-door neighbour Max Becker has also been a significant influence on my development. A talented Penrith cricketer who has also been through the NSW Academy, his cricketing journey and experience has given me loads of advice to better myself as a player and as a person.

Max Becker (left) and Alex

Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?

I find inspiration through my parents, their support through every facet of my life gives me motivation to be the best version of myself.

Who are the three people in the world you’d love to meet and talk to?

Giannis Antentekumpo, Pat Cummins and Ollie Watkins

What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?

I love spending time with my friends and family. In the offseason I play NPL Soccer which is an enjoyable challenge and helps keep me fit. I also love playing my guitar and a bit of golf when time permits.

What do you do outside cricket?

I’m still at school at St Columba's Catholic College in Springwood. Former Penrith and now Sydney Uni Coach Andrew Lamb teaches there, so it’s pretty cool to catch up with him regularly and talk about cricket and life. 

Do you have a favourite quote?

“It's not about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward.”

Rocky balboa Sylvester Stallone

What are your goals for the next season?

To be the best teammate possible is something everyone can do and something I always like to improve on each season. To play 1st Grade for Penrith has always been a vision for me as a junior coming through the ranks, and also competing at the National U17 Championships would be unreal.

Can we ask, what would it mean to you to play first class cricket?

Playing first class cricket for NSW would be a dream come true, displaying skills on the big stage, testing your limits and capabilities as a cricketer in pressure situations against the best would be the ultimate.