Benny Blog: Howell on his winter in Australia and our new head coach
6 February 2015
I left London Heathrow on a typically cool, brisk Monday morning and a prompt 10 days, 23 hours and 30 minutes later I arrived in Melbourne, Australia.
It was a much needed break from a long, hectic season.
London - Miami - Buenos Aires - Mendoza - Buenos Aires - Miami – Los Angeles - Melbourne. It wasn’t the break I was expecting but it was an amazing cultural experience and one I will never forget.
Anyway on to the really important stuff....CRICKET!!
Two days after arriving in Melbourne I was straight into it, playing my first game for Hawthorn-Monash University Cricket Club in the Grade competition. Their recent history suggested they were a struggling side but this was not the case.
It has been a privilege to play with such a determined, high-spirited and talented group of guys. They are run by a passionate coach, an astute captain and coaches who share their wisdom with open hearts.
From rock bottom, Hawthorn are currently in finals contention.
The definition of will-power states it's the strength of will to carry out one's decisions, wishes, or plans. This perfectly sums up the guys at Hawthorn Cricket Club.
While I was keeping busy here, I heard the news of John Bracewell’s departure. He has lived for Gloucestershire Cricket and for us players and I would like to take this chance to thank Braces for the opportunity he gave me three years ago. I also want to wish him well on his future endeavours.
The nature of sport is that when one door closes, another one opens. Walking through that door is Richard Dawson. “Daws” coached us to the T20 quarter finals three years ago. He is a top guy, an astute coach and extremely passionate. I am looking forward to working with him again and all the players I'm sure feel the same. 2015 is our year! C'mon!
I hope to keep you updated in a few weeks on our position. For now here is a fun summary of what I have learnt on my travels…
1.Cheltenham is the best cricket festival in England. So stay fit, train smart and enjoy success in July.
2. La mejor profesión en vez de Cricket es ser Piloto de Avión! My spanish is improving...
3. Never ask a wine connoisseur what their favourite wine is. They have 500 - do not ask again.
4. Aussies love winning more than they love to drink.
5. The casino is only fun when you win.
6. Stop worrying about the world ending today, it's already tomorrow in Australia.
7. When people think cricketers have six months off – 6am hill sprints and beach runs are not easy.
8. Sharks do not stop Aussies from surfing - they do stop me.
9. England needs a Big Bash: We’ve got the Birmingham Bears, how about the Bristol Bombers...?
10. Life is not about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself.
I hope everyone has had a great start to 2015.
See you soon!
Benny
For a photo gallery of Benny's winter in Australia see below
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