This week Cricket Leinster Youth (@leinsteryouth) sat down with Malahide, Durham and Ireland fast bowler Peter Chase to discuss his time with Durham and his insights into the county game for an Irish player.
So Peter, how did Durham come about?
I was fortunate enough to be selected for the Leinster Development trip to Newcastle/Durham in 2011 and on the final day of the tour we had the opportunity to bowl at the Durham squad in their warm up for a T20 match at the Riverside. I had a bowl and Geo? Cook, the head coach at the time, was watching and asked me if I would be interested in coming back over for a trial period. I went back over a week later for 2/3 weeks and have been going back over ever since. The Leinster trips to the North East of England are fantastic and remain the best trips I've been on. It is a great way for younger lads to be tested against top quality opposition and without the trips I probably wouldn't have had to chances in cricket that I have had.
Has it been beneficial to your cricket game?
Yes it definitely has been. The amount of cricket you actually get to play makes a big difference. You are playing cricket nearly every day whether it be in a game or training. Practice is a big thing but I think there no substitute to actually playing games. Also the chance to be around the other players and picking their brains about cricket in general is like gold dust. You pick up a lot from just being in that environment let alone playing in it.
What is different from the Irish set up over there?
The Irish set-up is improving rapidly but in Durham cricket is very well established. You have all the necessary facilities in the one place whether it be indoor/outdoor nets, gym, bowling machines etc. Everything is within walking distance. Also, club cricket over in Durham is more geared to the longer format of the game. It is basically 60-overs a side which can end in draws. It is all about being able to take those ten wickets to win the game. The standard is also quite high with many clubs having former county players and overseas pros.
What have learnt over the course of your time in Durham?
I have learnt quite a bit over in Durham. The main thing probably is the amount of work you have to put in yourself. There is a real onus on you going and working on things yourself whether it be batting, bowling, fielding. You can have all the coaches in the world and the facilities but it is really up to you to grab the coach and tell them what you want to do and for you to actually go and use those facilities. Things just don't happen, you have to make them happen.
Do you have any personal highlights?
Well, getting my first cap for Durham was pretty special in itself but the biggest highlight has to be getting five wickets on debut against Notts. I wasn't really expecting to make my debut at the time let alone do so well. I was bowling well for the seconds at the time and a few injuries came about. I got told I was being brought into the first team squad, got given a chance and it all just clicked on the day. That’s a moment I won’t forget anytime soon. Being part of the squad that won the one-day competition in Lords was also pretty special but nothing could top the debut.
Finally, what’s next for you? What’s your next step?
Next thing would be getting back over to Durham as soon as possible. Obviously the main aim over there would be to get back into the first team and play championship cricket. It’s a fairly strong squad with everyone fully fit and with some very good bowlers so it will be hard work but I know I can do it. Also, I will be trying my best to get into the Irish starting XI. I have been with the squad now for the last few months and I want to establish myself as one of the first names on that team sheet.
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