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[fros23]

So it looks like I will be spending this winter playing as an overseas over in Melbourne.  Anyone ever done this before and have any tips or advice, both on and off the pitch?

Feel free to post and share your jealousy as well 

[tommo256]

I spent 6 months in WA, down in a place called Albany, Originally I went over for work and found myself a cricket club as a way to make some friends and have some social. Was the best thing I chose to do, wasn't the best standard of cricket but I have come back a better cricketer! The social was also superb, just enjoy yourself and get on the beers!

[Giraffe208]

I spent 6 months in Brisbane playing at Valley District Cricket Club in 2000-2001 so imagine things would have changed a fair bit!

My suggestions would be give everything in all training sessions and games and they'll treat you fantastically well. It's an amazing country so try and see bits and pieces but use the cricket as a learning experience aswell. It was always good to see the pro's go back to represent their club sides which pushed 1st teamers down etc and made the club stronger as a result.

Many happy memories and wish you all the best

[Number4]

Get used to drinking COLD beer and eating Vegemite on toast and drop and have a beer with Vic 

[uknsaunders]

So it looks like I will be spending this winter playing as an overseas over in Melbourne.  Anyone ever done this before and have any tips or advice, both on and off the pitch?

Feel free to post and share your jealousy as well 

I have seen you play remember, I suggest a Vets side in your physical condition! Fros is an excellent "moonball" specialist and a front foot bully boy, if you bounce the f*** out of him he won't get a run. I'm hoping a tough winter in Aus will turn him into a legendary cutter and puller, ready for another tough summer/winter (hard to tell the difference) in Yorkshire.

Might be worth speaking to my brother who lives in Melbourne. Lookup "another annoying Saunders" on facebook and he should pop right up.

[BigBlueMachine]

Who are you playing for? Where abouts in Melbourne will you be based?

[Montys Beard]

Moved here in November, haven't had a chance in summer cricket yet due to injury but I've found a club in Sydney and am just playing withg their LMS team until the summer begins, playing in Aus definitely brings something out of you though, my game has improved no end since I've been here...

[400notout]

I played in Brisbane Grade for a season a few years ago for Redland Tigers, fantastic experience.

I would say, if you can get away with it, travel on a holiday visa, don't waste your working visa the first time round like me!
The club set ups are all really professional in the grade setup (in bris anyway) so just work hard and you'll be rewarded.

Get used to using a debit card for everything, I found I rarely used/carried cash. I got an account with Nab, seemed pretty good, no problems!

And whenever you meet someone / meet them in future, they will shake your hand, regardless. I dunno if that's just a thing that doesn't happen in my area or they are just really polite!

Just enjoy it, its a fantastic chance to learn about your cricket and yourself, you come back with a different outlook on things!

[fros23]

Who are you playing for? Where abouts in Melbourne will you be based?

Playing for Gembrook about 50 kms out to the east, play in the west gippsland association.  Will be staying in Hughesdale for the first couple of months at least.

Whereabouts are you based these days?

[fros23]

I have seen you play remember, I suggest a Vets side in your physical condition! Fros is an excellent "moonball" specialist and a front foot bully boy, if you bounce the f*** out of him he won't get a run. I'm hoping a tough winter in Aus will turn him into a legendary cutter and puller, ready for another tough summer/winter (hard to tell the difference) in Yorkshire.

Might be worth speaking to my brother who lives in Melbourne. Lookup "another annoying Saunders" on facebook and he should pop right up.

Wow, pot and kettle Saunders strikes again!

[uknsaunders]

Wow, pot and kettle Saunders strikes again!

lol - I'm not touting myself as an overseas player! Seriously, good to hear you are linking up with BGB at Gembrook. Let me know if you need my brothers' contact details or help.

[BigBlueMachine]

Hughesdale will be a good spot. Easy to get into the city. Bit of a trek out to Gembrook I'd imagine. I don't know too much about the West Gippsland CA. I guess that's mat cricket? I play for Mt Waverley in the sub-district. Living in Mentone.

[uknsaunders]

Think this is Gembrook



Article on Gembrook

http://pakenham.starcommunity.com.au/gazette/2013-08-14/cricket-coaches-up-close/