This week we sat down and spoke to one of the raw up and coming batsmen in the ODCA in Tom Kiss. Tom plays locally for KWS and is in year 11 at school. Across his short career Tom has played 87 matches, has a top of 61 and an average of 15.
- Tell me about yourself, who is Tom Kiss away from cricket?
I’m Tom Kiss, I am from the rural township of Wellington in NSW. I currently am a boarding house student at Kinross and I love to play cricket.
- What was it that first drew you to the game of cricket?
Growing up I had former female international Marie Cornish and Brian Johnson training me from as soon as I could hold a ball and training with the older boys made me learn the game a lot quicker as I was challenged a lot more. I also think watching the international games on television drew me to the game a lot as well as I would watch my hero’s play on the television and then want to emulate them on the field or in the backyard.
- What has been your career highlight?
I would say that winning the grand final in Wellington with the team beats the good personal scores. It is always great to notch up personal milestones but nothing can compare to the team atmosphere when you win a gf.
- You play locally for KWS, what makes them a good club to play for?
I think the best part about playing for Kinross is that, they have great access to the best facilities and coaches, the club has one of the best coaches in town and there are many more players that are interested in being a part of the club due to the coaching staff.
- Who has been the biggest influence on your cricket career?
The biggest influence on my career would either be Andy Litchfield from KWS or Brain Johnson from Wellington Cricket.
- You are a talented batsmen, what goes into improving your game?
I think the hard trainings and actually doing the hard work and not messing around with all your mates and being poor technique things like seeing how far you can hit the ball but rather actually putting your head down and trying not get out and have some discipline and control of where you hit the ball. Also, doing multiple sessions a week both in and out of season helps develop my game.
- What’s the best and worst thing about playing cricket in country NSW?
The best thing about playing in country NSW would be how you know every opponent you play against and can have a good chat with them. The worst thing could be the funding that goes into junior cricket, there is a severe shortage in regards to funding at the grassroots level and you can see the numbers are dwindling due to rising costs involved in playing the game.
- What chances and opportunities could KWS offer to a potential international recruit?
I don’t think Kinross would offer any international recruit opportunities due to our set up unless they were of school age.
- If given the chance would you play overseas and where would you like to go?
If I wanted to play overseas I would play in England as the quality is good and have heard good stories about the culture and development of players.
- Who are your goals and aspirations for your future cricket career?
I would like to play cricket as a career when I am older but I do not have the access to one on one coaching to develop my game as much as I would like
That was Tom Kiss from KWS Cricket Club in Orange. Next week we sit down and chat with Orange City rising star and all round good guy Lachlan Coyte.
