While many Whangarei youngsters have been spending time relaxing at the beach this week, a group of budding Black Caps have been putting in the hard yards honing their cricket skills at the region's home of cricket Cobham Oval.
Cricketer and coach Rory Darkins has been running two, two-day cricket skills courses at the oval this week and he's been amazed at the enthusiasm, and skills, of his young charges.
Monday and Tuesday were for 7 to 11-year-olds while yesterday and today are for those up to 14 and Darkins said as well as being a lot of fun, the 45 youngsters were doing well at improving their skills and learning some new techniques.
"We do 12 hours over the two days and I've been amazed at how keen they are. Even on the breaks, I think the longest I've seen one of them sit down for is a few minutes then they are back up in the nets or something, they're really enthusiastic," he said.
"If you want to make it as a Black Cap you need to live and breath the game and be prepared to put in the practice and constantly look to improve your skills. If you are prepared to put in the time you've got a chance of making it. I've been really impressed with all of them in that respect."
Darkins said all the youngsters had improved with the coaching, and while he didn't want to name any names, felt there was at least one or two that were already showing signs that they had what it takes to make it as a professional cricketer.
"This is the first year I've done this and I think it's been a real success. I've really enjoyed it and I hope they have. It's also been great for me ahead of the restart of the [cricket] season." he said.
Twenty-year-old Darkins, captain of the City team in Whangarei, said he decided to do the courses because of a break in the cricket season and little to help keen youngsters keep their skills up and develop new ones over the break.
"Whether they are at home or at the beach [from now on] they've got some tips and routines to do that will set them up well for the restart of the season," he said.
"I've been playing cricket in Whangarei since I was about four and I always found when I was growing up that there was always cricket for me to do [in the season break] with summer programmes for youth, but there doesn't seem to be anything like that now.
"This is a way for me to help the next generation and for me to keep my skills up and make cricket a career. I'm away playing cricket [overseas] for six months of the year, which makes it hard to hold down a job, and this helps me out."
As well as large group sessions Darkins does one-on-one and small group coaching sessions.
For more info email rorydarkins36@gmail.com or call him on 02102935636.