Coaches Corner: Mark Davies

Welcome to Coaches’ Corner! We thought it would be a good idea for you to get to know more about our coaches from across the club. This week we would like to introduce Mark Davies, our Junior Coach Development Officer and coach of the U9s for the 2020 season and the coach for our growing Women's team. Mark has a son, Morgan, in the U11 group. We asked Mark some questions about his cricketing career.

For how long have you played cricket?

I first joined a cricket club in 1978 and have played for various clubs since I joined Poynton Cricket Club in 2017 when Morgan was part of the Kwiks (U7s). I helped Damien out during that summer and loved coaching the children.

In 2020, which groups will you be coaching?

I'm a ECB Level 2 qualified coach. On Friday nights this summer I will be coaching the U9s and will be managing the U9 Hurricanes team playing in the High Peak Junior Cricket League. [ed. Go ‘canes!]

What type of cricketer were / are you?

I started as an opening bowler, but not anymore [ed. I've seen Mark bowl, he was never an opener!]. I'll bat anywhere the captain puts me [ed. usually number 11, I checked with his most recent captain]. My favourite shots are the cut and the pull [ed. funny, I've never seen you play those shots Mark. Mind you, Cow Corner seems to see some action when you bat Mark]. My favourite ball is the Yorker, but not sure I can get the ball down that fall now [ed. I know you can't get the ball down that far Mark].

Who is your favourite cricketer?

Joel Garner [ed. look him up kids, he is from the olden days] and it has to be Ben Stokes from current England team [ed. Good call Mark, what a player!].

What is your favourite cricketing moment?

I have loads of favourite memories, but most recently it would have to be the Ben Stokes 135 not out to win the Headingly Ashes Test last summer.

What is your personal coaching philosophy Mark?

Try your best. Practice, practice, practice. Most importantly, have fun!

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Thanks to Mark for taking the time to answer our questions. If you would like to learn more about coaching cricket to children, Mark is the person at ask. He can give you hints and tips to help your children practise at home.

Come back to Coaches’ Corner next time when we will be introducing our new Level 1 coaches.