When the WCL Division 1 starts on Thursday, there is an opportunity for the up and coming Ireland players to step up to the plate. One of those is Clontarf's 23 year old Andrew Poynter.
Andrew Poynter
Profile: Andrew Poynter
Date of Birth: 25th April 1987
Place of Birth: London
Teams play for: Clontarf CC, Ireland A and Ireland
Bats - Right hand middle order
Bowls - Off spin
I am no good at...being on my own. Always need people around me or someone to talk too.
I can't believe that ..A tennis game could go on for 11 hours!
CP: When did you start to play the game?
AP: As long as I can remember, I was down Sunbury cricket club (Surrey championship, England) all weekend while games were going on. Would be in the nets most of the day, with anyone that would bowl to me.
CP: What sparked your interest in the game?
AP: My dad played, so I would go down club with him and my brother Stuart. We would find anyone to play in the nets with or just watch the games going on. Cricket was always in my family, my uncle Deryck Vincent played for Ireland and Clontarf. Also my mum would be either scoring or doing the teas on a Saturday.
CP: Biggest influence and why?
AP: In cricket, Deryck Vincent (uncle) always has little tips and points for me after I bat, little things that I do not think of when batting but are so simple and affective. Andy Wagnor (Middlesex Youth coach) got me to really enjoy the game and is just a brilliant coach. Would let me play how I wanted and then just chat - so not too technical, more an approach to batting...see ball, hit ball.
Also my mum as took me all over the place to play and train, without that I would be nowhere.
CP:Highlight of your career to date?
AP: 76 not out vs Holland in Intercontinental Cup 2008 - it was my first four day game for Ireland. Was brilliant to get a score, also we won by an innings.
Also winning the Leinster league and cup double twice with clontarf...only been playing there four seasons.
CP: And the biggest disappointment?
AP: getting 0 against anyone!
CP: Area looking to improve in 2010?
AP: Becoming more consistent with scores in league cricket. Also my bowling, trying to become a useful bowler for 5 or so overs in Ireland games.
CP: What are your targets for the 2010 season ?
AP: Be top run scorer in Leinster and get a regular place in the Irish squad.
CP: What are your ambitions in the game beyond 2010?
AP: Become a regular player for Ireland, win games for them and win the Irish senior cup with Clontarf
CP: Who is your favourite cricketer?
AP: Michael Clarke, Great batsman especially against spin, useful spinner and one of best fielders in the world. Also Michael Vaughan, best cover drive in the world at the time and one of best captains ever.
CP: What else are you passionate about besides cricket?
AP: Playing and coaching hockey, I am very competitive at everything! spending time with my girlfriend (Zoe).
Also my hockey and cricket shop AP Sports, bassed at Clontarf CC.
CP: What could Irish cricket be doing that it is not doing already to make the
game more popular?
AP: Invite kids into T20 games for free, as it is most attractive form of the game. Try get into as many schools as physically possible and give kids a taster of the game.
AP Sports is on Facebook and its website is www.apsports.ie
Andrew Poynter in conversation with Liam Rooney
Copyright: Cover Point
