Hitting over the top Masterclass

Shillington and Doheny share their expertise

The last of the Masterclasses for 2020 took place in Railway Union on the final Sunday of lockdown. Once again, the weather played ball and just under 30 players from across the Leinster girls U15, U17 and U19 programmes were lucky enough to get some insight into how to hit over the top from two top-level players and coaches.

Cricket Leinster were lucky enough to have Clare Shillington and Stephen Doheny lead the session. Shillington is best known for her attacking batting style, hitting spinners and seamers over the top alike, while Stephen Doheny is known for his excellent technique and good footwork, so the players were given a taste of all aspects of hitting over the top including footwork drills, power hitting and ball position.

Shillington, who coaches in Pembroke Cricket Club, says the masterclasses have been really well received.

“The girls have really enjoyed the sessions. Something different and some new voices talking and teaching things they might never have heard before is a great idea. It helps to just open up the players’ minds to new things,” she added.

Doheny enjoyed coaching the girls and was impressed with the talent on show.

“It felt like the girls were really listening and keen to work hard,” he said, “it was a pleasure coaching them”. He tweeted after the session: “Enjoyable afternoon with all the very talented @LeinsterYouth girls!… Look forward to seeing these girls putting in big performances next Summer”.

In the new year, Cricket Leinster hope to see a return to training for all of our squads, covid-restriction dependent. This would include resuming more regular winter training while also looking at running a few more masterclasses and Easter Camps.