Q&A with Cricket star Will Sissons
With the cricket season fast approaching, we spoke to our resident star, Year 10 pupil,Will Sissons about his hopes for the upcoming campaign:
What teams will you be playing for this year (in school and out)?
I will be playing for our 1st XI, Eryri (NW Wales regional team) U15s, Wales U15s and possibly South and West England U15s if selected.
How beneficial has your experience been captaining Wales?
My experience has been very positive. Captaining your country is an amazing feeling and you gain a sense of responsibility. I relish player management and having to make crucial choices, which could change the match.
What inspired you to play cricket?
I don’t exactly remember! I remember picking up a bat from an early age and then it was programmed into me. I also remember going with my brother as a junior to club sessions. That was when I first played properly.
What have you learned from former pro Will Owen during his time coaching here?
Will is an amazing coach and has really helped me progress my game in a small space of time. I feel I have strengthened my own game in many different aspects thanks to Will. It has given me a more rounded game, which will hopefully benefit me for selection processes in the future.
What are your hopes for the season both individually and for the teams you are playing for?
My main aspirations for the season is to make the South and West England u15s – to be part of that would be such good news and would expose my game to a very high standard. Also, I hope our Welsh team can build on the strong season we had last year and increase our tally of wins.
What are your ambitions for the future?
At the moment to go professional! But I know I am a long way from that and therefore balancing my academic commitments is also key – but while the chance is there I aim to keep striving for it.
Who are the players you look up to/model your game on?
There are many players who are complete idols for me for all different reasons, but I would say my main idol is Sachin Tendulkar: his patience and knowledge are second to none.
How helpful have the staff been in developing your talent?
The staff at school have been helpful in nurturing my talent and helping me develop, most notably Mr Leach. The hours of commitment (often early in the morning!) he puts in is something I could only have wished for.
What was it like to be nominated for Young Sportsman of the Year at the Conwy Sports Awards?
For me it was a great honour, as the night is very prestigious, where the wealth of talent in young stars of the present and future is acknowledged. It’s also astonishing to see the quality of sportspeople in the region. It made me feel very privileged even to be nominated.