On Saturday YMCA play Railway Union in the 1st round of the Lewis Hohn Williams Leinster Senior Cup. While Railway having won 5 matches out of 5 this season (including a Division 1 match against YMCA) will start as favourites, YMCA have enough potential match-winners within their ranks to believe they are well capable of causing an upset. The players YM will be looking to for leadership on Saturday include the evergreen Alan Lewis, captain Reinhardt Strydom and professional James Parkinson...
Profile: James Parkinson
Date of Birth: 19/11/1988
Place of Birth: Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Aus
Teams play for: Parramatta Grade CC, YMCA CC
Role in team - in Sydney mainly a bowler, in Ireland an all-rounder
Bats: right-hand
Bowls: right arm opening bowler
James Parkinson at Lord's
CP: What do you know about Irish cricket?
JP: Before last year not a lot. Now after playing and coaching here last season I know that the standard of club cricket is really good and a lot of fun as well. There are also a lot of talented juniors around which is awesome. I also know the national side is doing well.
CP: You joined YMCA in 2009. Had you been to Ireland before that?
JP: No 2009 was my first time ever overseas
CP: What did you enjoy most about your first season in 2009 in Ireland?
JP: I loved the cricket and playing with YMCA. Great bunch of blokes, winning our league was awesome and playing in some different conditions after the heat in Australia.
I can't lie - I loved the night life as well!
CP: What was the worst thing about living in Ireland?
JP: Being the grounds man at YM. The rain wasn't too much help (!) but otherwise I didn't have any problems.
CP: What's been the highlight of your cricketing career to date?
JP: Playing for NSW u/17s and winning the tournament, and from that making the u/17s AUS Merit team. Also making the u/19s NSW city squad.
CP: And the biggest disappointment?
JP: Getting injured a few times when I made the u/19s NSW city squad. I also had a team chase 450 this year against us in Sydney grade cricket which wasn't too much fun!
CP: How did you get the role at YMCA?
JP: The second grade captain at our club in Sydney last year was friends with one of the boys at YMCA and found out that they were looking for a pro and helped me out with getting in contact with them.
CP: What are your targets for the 2010 season?
JP: Hopefully take a similar number of wickets as last season score a few more runs and help YM hopefully win the Division 1 competition.
CP: What happens for you in September?
JP: In September, after the season is finished this year I'm meeting up with 3 mates in London and taking a Contiki tour around Europe. Once that's finished I'm on the way home to start our season in Sydney. I think I arrive 3 days before the first game so the game should be interesting!
CP: What are your ambitions in the game?
JP: To stay fit and injury free so I can play as long as possible and make sure I'm enjoying it all the way.
Also to try and break into the state cricket side in Australia.
CP: Who is your favourite cricketer?
JP: I loved watching Glen McGrath bowl and watching Michael Slater bat.
CP: What else are you passionate about besides cricket?
JP: Outside of cricket I love my music and live gigs. I also play soccer and hanging out with my mates having a few beers.
Copyright: Cover Point
