Western Warriors bonding

The Western Australian Cricket team "The Western Warriors" at their pre-season bonding and training camp. No wives, kids, mobile phones, TV's or any other of the usual distractions to contend with. That may seem all too serious, especially so early in the year but fear not - the lessons can be serious but it is 110% fun learning them.

The Warriors descended upon the Ern Halliday Recreation Camp early on Friday and got straight down to business with a team meeting. The Camp is laid out over 3 or 4 acres in the Northern coastal Perth suburb of Hillarys. It boasts plenty of facilities amongst which Perth's cricket media were privileged to witness a state of the art climbing tower for abseiling, with climbing surface and flying fox. We also saw playing fields and courts for basketball and tennis. I was told by one of the friendly staff - Steve - that the Camp is occupied by their clients year round and that it may cater for 400+ guests at any one time. WA's Umpires are soon to have their own camp at the same facility.

After their team meeting the Warriors found a throng of media waiting at the Basketball court. A number of challenging physical puzzles was set before them courtesy of the Camp's staff. Split into 2 groups eighteen Warriors plus the coaching staff solved the challenges in unique ways. I have to admit - and I am sure that I am not alone amongst the media - that I was secretly a little envious of the Warriors - seeing for myself the obvious pleasure they were deriving from their activities.

Probably the Warrior who is most eager - if a little shy - was Shaun Marsh. He has been in and around the club for a very many years simply tagging along with his dad the former Western Australian and Australian player and coach Geoff "Swampy" Marsh. Shaun says, "Its great to mix with these guys. My dad has been a big help, but he stays away from it - he lets me do what I want to do and that's good."

The 'Son of Swampy' - SOS - was quite frank about his chances in this first season. The squad is very strong on paper. "My main focus for this year is to learn from the players like the Husseys and the Moodys, to feed on what they do and hopefully some of that will rub off onto my game."

Shaun fronted up to his first press conference with his team mates crowding him and giving him a hard time. But all were silent as the interview progressed. Some credit must be given to Channel Nine's Mark Readings who plied the youngster with some pretty stock questions and encouraged and elicit good response. After his "nerve racking" introduction to the Perth cricket media was over - Marsh-y received a warm round of applause.

Tom Moody started his playing days for WA at about the time Shaun Marsh was born and roomed with Shaun's dad for 7 years. "If he gets the opportunity I'd love to play with him," he said.

Tom Moody clearly believes in the early season team bonding process. "It's an ideal opportunity for everyone to get to know each other outside of the cricket arena and cricket training. I am sure the guys that are still overseas will be turning in their sleep wishing they were here."

Tom did have a few reservations - feigned I am sure - Carrying the likes of himself Brendon Julian and Jo Angel the climbing challenges might be too tough on the equipment. "I hope the ropes are pretty strong. They'll be carrying a few kilos. It should be challenging for the bigger blokes."

The last I saw of Tom, he was flying through the air, his lanky legs akimbo whooping it up on the flying fox.

Tomorrow the Western Warriors will head out to Trigg beach where they will actually be learning to surf. Now I am really envious - see you there: Trigg Beach from 8am - 10am, Saturday, 26 August 2000.