JOE SAYERS WRITES TO SAY THANK YOU

JOE SAYERS
By JMB
March 19 2007

Joe Sayers has written to The Corridor to say thank you for our recent sponsorship of his trip to South Africa. Joe has recently returned to Yorkshire for pre-season with the rest of the squad, but took time out to write a letter to us which includes a report on his trip.

Dear Corridor

Having spent five weeks training in Cape Town, South Africa, I have returned home to begin pre-season preparations with the Yorkshire squad at Headingley, ahead of the coming County season. As one of a number of generous supporters, whose assistance made the trip possible, I thought it may be of interest to you to receive a report on my time in Cape Town , and the ways in which the experience has benefited me.

 

Firstly, however, I would like to express my sincere thanks for providing financial support for my training in South Africa . Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

 

As you are aware, my time in South Africa was spent in attendance at the NBC International Cricket Academy in Cape Town . I was one of a small number of English cricketers making preparations for the coming season, and was joined at various stages by young cricketers from the local area. The group from England included Darren Stevens, from Kent C.C.C. and in his third year at the Academy, and Simon Jones, of Glamorgan C.C.C. and England , who made the trip to continue his rehabilitation from injury.

 

The five-week programme was mentored by Neil Burns, formerly a County cricketer with Essex, Somerset and Leicestershire, and now Chief Executive of the London County Cricket Club, the organisation responsible for the Academy in Cape Town. Further information regarding London C.C.C. can be found at www.londoncountycricketclub.com.

 

Though the Academy did not have an official base, as such, much of our time was spent at the Sport Science Institute of South Africa, locate at Newlands, beside the Test ground. The Institute provided excellent fitness training facilities, combined with the advice and assistance or resident instructors, sport scientists, psychologists and dieticians. Biomechanical analysis and fitness testing was performed at the Institute during our time there.

 

One of the invaluable benefits of the programme was the available access to the expertise of a number of elite performers within their respective fields. Joining Neil Burns in the mentoring process was Dr. Ken Jennings, a world-renowned International Sports Psychologist, and Dr. Ken West, International Ophthalmologist, Biomechanics consultants and Oxford University lecturer. In addition, much of the training was supervised and led by Gary Kirsten, formerly a player with Western Province and South Africa . From my point of view as a left-handed opening batsman, the opportunity to work with Gary was one of the highlights of the trip.

 

The group was also extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to meet and discuss the game of cricket with Hylton Ackerman, Vincent Van Der Bijl and Robin Jackman. Of particular significance for me, however, was the time spent with Geoffrey Boycott, near his home in Pearl Valley . It was without doubt a privilege to spend time talking cricket with people of such expertise, and learning from their wealth of experience.

 

Considering the likelihood of pre-season preparations at Headingley being confined to indoor facilities by inclement weather, the chance to attend net practices and training sessions on grass wickets was particularly beneficial. There were opportunities to make new developments to my game whilst consolidating the simple basics of technique.

 

I hope the aforementioned details have been of interest to you, and provide reliable proof that your financial support has been put to valuable and productive use. It is without doubt that I reflect on my time in Cape Town as being extremely beneficial in my development as a cricketer and a person.

 

Many thanks for supporting my development. I wish you an enjoyable and successful cricket season and look forward to seeing you in the near future.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Joe Sayers.

 

 

NOTE:

 

Joe was unavailable for his scheduled February pre-season interview due to his South African trip. The interview has now been rearranged for Friday 23^rd March. Please feel free to submit any questions you have for Joe, either about his trip to Cape Town or on the season ahead HERE.