After 26 years of pulling on the whites, applying the zinc and standing out in the field for hours at a time..... I have decided to call it quits!!! My body cant handle the riggers of the game anymore and I cant wait for the arrival of my first child in November. Cricket will always be my love and passion. Cricket is much more than a game. It allows you to follow tradition, demonstrate aggression, show finesse, create life long friendships and teaches you life lessons. I have had many personal highlights like playing premier cricket at 16 or taking 11 wickets in a match but the thing I have always enjoyed the most are the team victories and celebrations after. Beating your opposition at home by an innings... there is no better feeling. I have had many coaches, players I have looked up to and mentors over the years. The person who created my love for the game was my Dad (Bruce Cates). I remember my childhood being spent out in the backyard with my Dad just playing cricket. Many a game was played with my Dad and I want to thank him for teaching me this great game. The most talented cricketer I have ever played with or against has to be Greg Cates. He could belt any bowler over the fence for six. He was the most talented wicket keeper too. It was always a pleasure to play with or against him especially in our early 20s. Memories I will always treasure. The player who could turn a game in a second was Samir Lala. I watched for many a season him just win games on his own. Champion player and bloke! The quickest bowler I ever faced was Andy Mackay when he came back to the game after a long lay off for Takapuna. It took him three balls to get me out. Hit me twice in the body and then was caught behind.... just too good for me! Biggest hitter of the ball. Without a doubt Chris Dineen. He had this uncanny knack of just out of no where smashing a ball 40 metres over the rope after previously just scratching around for a few overs. Best moment in cricket would be when I got to play my boy hood idol Kerry Walmsley. He wasnt at his best but that is something I will always remember. He bowled at me for over three overs. Best cricket gear I ever used has to be Vampire. Who in their right mind will pay $1000 for a GN bat! I managed to transform myself over the years. From just a medium pace bowler to an all rounder then to an opening bowler and opening batsman and then to a left arm orthodox spinner... where I found success. For those who were wondering why did I stop bowling spin all of a sudden. The answer is I got the yips. I just couldnt land the ball anymore. I tried working on it for hours and hours but the more I tried the worse I got. So for those of you who think the yips isnt a thing it really is! I will keep involved this season coaching a school cricket team. Have a great season those near and far! BAS..... Beat All Sports Brad Cates
Posted on: Fri, 22 Aug 2014 22:48:47 +0000
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