Tasmania University Cricket Club

Latest News (2nd. December 2005)

BT stands down as captain.

Brad Thomas has decided to stand down as first grade captain forthwith and has handed the reigns on to Tim Paine. Rhett Lockyear has been appointed as his deputy.

The announcement was made at the clubrooms on Thursday night and those assembled loudly gave their support to Brad by giving him ‘three cheers’ for his outstanding service to the club as captain. Tim’s appointment was also very well-received by those present.

Brad took over the captaincy at the start of the 1997/98 season and has done a tremendous job for the club in the eight and a half seasons since then. In fact, in that time the first grade team has won the TCA title once and the Kookaburra Cup title three times. Also, during that time Brad has spent time as the club coach and mentored many of the up-and-coming players around the club. One only has to look at the number of players that list Brad as their ‘most admired T.U.C.C. player’ in their player profiles on the website to get a feel for the deep respect that all players have for Brad.

In standing down, Brad wanted to make it clear that the move was not to be seen as taking responsibility for our traditionally slow start to the season. The motivation for standing down was to spark a turnaround in our performances this season.

The move also signals a generational change at the club as we look to our younger players to take greater responsibility on the field both in leadership and in performances.

Brad will continue on as a player and devote his energies to concentrating on his own game and assisting players on a one-to-one basis. No doubt the new leadership group will call upon his expertise in the heat of the battle.

Former Australian Under 19 World Cup captain Tim Paine takes over as first grade captain. Tim is a born leader and we are fortunate to have him as the new captain of the club. Tim has played for the club since he was 12 years of age and understands the dynamics of our club well. He will bring enthusiasm and ambition to the role and players will rally around him.

Rhett’s appointment as vice captain recognises his growth as an individual since arriving at our club and his keen understanding of the game.


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