Just in reply to the age old question of how to get the best Rachuig Team i would like to put forward my views.
Firstly Coaching.
We have one of the best coaches in the Country in Ken Thompson here and we should utilise him , not just in the coaching of the Teams but also in bringing on new coaches . I feel Ken should be Head Coach and have 2 assistants to look after the Teams under his eye and direction. With that done you have your selection committee .
Rachuig Trials.
Scrap them straight away , mainly fought over by the Centres for added lineage and unless setting out the same conditions of where you are bowling Rachuig at , well need i say more. I think the new Selection Committee will have enough nouse to form a squad from going around and checking out who the players are . These guys will be then be asked to join the State Selection Squad who will train under the Coaches . I am sure the 3 coaches will be able to choose the appropriate team from the programs and tests that they will set for their squad .
Now i can already here the people saying but what if i wanted to try out and i am not being looked at as everyone should be able to try out, well sorry to disagree , i cant phone Michael Voss and ask to try out for the Brisbane Lions , but if you show talent i am sure word will get around to the Coaching Committee who will assess you and hopefully give you some help to get you into the squad either that year or future years.
Funding
Ugly thing to have to do but such a vital component of the game . Everyone has their strengths , unfortunately not everyone can bowl at the elite level , this doesnt mean you are any less part of the Team . We need the services of as many talented Fundraiser as we can get , let the Bowlers do what they do , train get in the best bowling shape they can , learn from their coaches and get over there and win.
Rachuig is a yearly thing and should be treated as such , from training and fundraising to planning and development it is a fantastic event steeped in tradition and a stepping stone for some of the best players our Country has seen , so lets not let this go the way of some other tournamounts and give it the respect it deserves.
These are just my opinions , if anybody else agrees fantatstic , if not just another old bowling hack sticking his nose into something he doesnt play anymore .
All the best to those that are still wanting to play in this event .
Steve Wimbridge
Perth
