16-year-old Totton & Eling starlet Tom Cheater has been rewarded for his outstanding 2021 season with the offer of an Academy Contract at Hampshire CCC. Last season Tom played a key role in helping Totton & Eling 1st XI gain promotion to the Southern Premier League, alongside a very positive year for the Hampshire County Age Groups.
WELL DONE TOM AND CONGRATULATIONS FROM EVERYBODY AT TOTTON & ELING CRICKET CLUB!
Richard Dibden, Chairman of T&E Juniors, commented “We are exceptionally proud that Tom has come through the Juniors system at the club to achieve his first Academy contract. First and foremost, his attitude towards his cricket is first class and he trains exceptionally hard to improve and develop his game. He is a great example for all our existing Juniors and shows what can be achieved!”
Tom’s Journey
Tom joined Totton and Eling CC training at the age of 5 and started his journey on our Junior Cricket Pathway. When asked by the coach whether he’s a batter or bowler, he confidently declared “I’m an all-rounder” and this has definitely proved to be the case. As a hardhitting batter and first change seamer, Tom is also an outstanding fielder and works exceptionally hard on all aspects of his game. He recalls a T&E coach telling him in those early years “not everyone can bat and bowl in each match but everyone will field in each and every game.”
At the age of 8, Tom was referred for regional trials by T&E and he progressed into the Hampshire Primary Squad from the age of 10. Still playing every game possible for T&E Juniors, Tom started to play adult cricket from the age of 12 and was selected to play for the 1st XI from the age of 14. Over the last 2 seasons, Tom has played an increasingly
influential role for the T&E 1st XI and alongside strong performances for Hampshire Under 16’s, Under 18’s and a few matches for the Academy last season, he impressed the coaches at Hampshire enough to reward him with his first Academy contract
Tom’s Top 6 Tips for our up-and-coming Juniors
• Always train hard and ensure you get something out of every session
• Listen to every coach and show respect for the roles they do
• Have a laugh and a good time along the way, it is so important you enjoy
your cricket!
• Be the best ‘sportsman’ you can be; cricket is a game at the end of the day
• Believe in yourself and your ability
• Keep on top of your schoolwork, then you can accept invitations to play
cricket matches at short notice…