Nov

Ireland Under 19 Star George Dockrell talks to Cover Point

Name: George Dockrell

Date of Birth: 22/07/1992

Birthplace: Dublin

Club: Leinster CC

Bowls: Left arm spin

Bats: Right hand, late middle order

After a quiet Under 19 European Championships in July where possibly his highlight was a score of 28* against Guernsey, Dockrell had an altogether different experience at the World Cup Qualifier in Toronto in September.

Dockrell was Ireland’s highest wicket-taker, capturing 13 wickets at an average of 11.46 (the best average of the tournament) and at an economy rate of just 2.99.

George also had the best bowling of any innings taking 6-19 against Hong Kong.

Still only 17, the young Dubliner is one of Ireland’s stars in the making. Here he talks to Cover Point about his short career to date and looks ahead to the World Cup and beyond…

CP: The World Cup Qualifier was certainly a big success for you, bowling-wise. You must have been satisfied?

GD: Yes. I was happy with the constant wickets I was taking in each match but the highlight was my six wickets and Man of the Match award against Hong Kong.

CP: You only got to bat once though, making 5*. Was that frustrating for you?

GD: Yes. Obviously I would have liked to have batted more but when the team was batting well I didn't mind.

More than just a bowler..

CP: Do you see yourself as a genuine all-rounder?

GD: Yes I do and I would really like to develop my batting so I can offer more to teams. At the moment in international cricket you cannot just be a bowler.

CP: It was a huge season for Leinster CC, winning the Twenty20 and the Irish Cup - what made the difference this year?

GD: I think we have been improving each year as a team. Anton Scholtz as captain had us playing to our full potential, and the contribution from our pro Carlos Braithwaite was important. We also had a good blend of youth and experience including Mark Jones who had a good season and contributed a lot.

CP: How much of a disappointment was it for you to miss out on the Irish Cup Final?

GD: It was a huge disappointment as you don’t get a chance to play in the ISC Final often but it was a nice situation to be in. Hopefully there will be another opportunity soon.

CP: Highlight of cricket career to date?

GD: Playing in the Clico Under15 Tournament in the West Indies and winning the Most Valuable Player award for Ireland.

Also captaining Leinster CC Under15 to the treble, including the All Ireland Cup.

CP: Worst moment of your cricket career to date?

GD: Driving to Dublin from Connemara for my first trial match at Under11, which was abandoned!

CP: What do you think Ireland can realistically achieve at the World Cup?

GD: The team is extremely talented as shown by the depth of our batting line up and I believe that if we all play well there could be an upset.

CP: What are your own personal goals for the tournament?

GD: I’d like to bowl well and take wickets against the test playing nations as well as putting in good all round performances.

CP: What are your goals for 2010?

GD: One goal would be to put in good all round performances with bat and ball for the 1sts including some big scores.

I’d also like to continue to get experience on Ireland A.

CP: What are your (cricket) long-term goals?

GD: In the future I'd like to play for the full Ireland side.

CP: Biggest Influence on your career?

GD: I have been very lucky to have had some very good coaches including Rob O'Connor, Brian O'Rourke, Brian Gailey, and most recently Adi Birrel.

CP: Outside of cricket what else are you passionate about?

GD: I play hockey in the winter with Three Rock Rovers, which I enjoy.

I am interested in music as well. (Ed's note: according to Stu Daultrey, GD's favourite band is The Killers,.... also a favourite of Stu's).

CP: What is the training regime like until the World Cup?

GD: We started in November and have a number of weekend training sessions. The Irish coaches have also given us fitness plans to complete until we leave in January.

The team will be in Australia for a week of training before practice matches in New Zealand ahead of the tournament.