This week we sat down with Orange Cavaliers Batting All-rounder and rising star Cameron Laird. Cameron is currently undertaking his HSC at the local high school, however, this past summer he was able to break through into the clubs first grade side. During the season he was able to score 239 runs at an average of 16. Whilst Career wise he has amassed 2761 runs with top score of 94 at average just a tick over 20. Bowling wise he has taken 132 wickets at a very credible average of 14.38 with career best figures of 7/19.
- Tell me about yourself, who is Cameron laird?
Well, I’m a 17-year-old high school student currently in my last year at school who plays 1st grade cricket in the local competition for the Orange Cavaliers. This season was a breakthrough year for me as I was able to keep my spot for the
whole season.
- What was it that first drew you to the game of cricket?
I think the first thing that drew me to the game of cricket was just playing in the backyard on Christmas day as a little kid with the whole family playing and ever since just loved to play cricket.
- What’s your best memory from playing cricket?
One of the best memories from recent times that I have from cricket would have to be the day that my teammate Kaleb cook got a bumper first ball and stood there like a brick wall and copped it in the shoulder and acted like nothing happened. Made the boys have a good laugh.
- What has been the hardest/ worst moment on a cricket field?
The worst moment on the cricket field would have to be the first time I ever played against my mate Hugh and I told myself not to get out to him and well that didn’t work as he got me out rather quickly.
- What’s your Cricket strength? What do you bring to your team / club?
I like to think that I bring a bit of fun and excitement to the group as well as stir some of my older teammates up for a bit of fun. Aside from that hopefully I also bring some consistency with my batting to help out the team.
- What’s the best and worst thing about playing cricket in country NSW?
The best thing about playing in the country would have to be the lack of travel involved. One of the not so great things about playing in the country is there isn’t a lot of facilities besides the nets that are available for training during the off season when its wet and cold, although that will change soon in Orange with the new Centre of Excellence being built.
- Your one of the best young talents in the BOIDC, how much work goes into developing your game ?
I train with the boys once or even twice a week just practicing things that I can improve on then go to the nets with my mate Hugh once or twice a fortnight for a little net session with the bowling machine which allows me to hopefully fine tune any issues I have noticed with my batting and improve my overall game.
- Who has been the biggest influence on your game?
A few people have influenced how I play but my coach when I was playing juniors Stuart who is the dad of my friend Hugh has been a big influence on my game as he is an amazing cricketer and to listen to his tips and tricks really has helped me develop me as a player.
- What are your career aspirations?
With cricket, firstly, hopefully win a few titles with my club that would be nice, to hit a century in the BOIDC, but ultimately, I hope one day that I get the chance to experience some grade cricket in Sydney or something along those lines.
- What the best thing about playing for Cavaliers?
The best thing about playing for Cavs would have to be the mate-ship we develop not only as a team but as a club as whole. We all seem to get along quite well and are just a good bunch of mates to hang around with on and off the field.
Well that was Young Cameron Laird from Orange Cavaliers Cricket Club. Next week we chat to an Orange, Western Zone and CYMS legend in Dave Neil, a man that has traversed the globe in search of Cricket perfection, truly a tale to read about.
