20th July 2024
| Matt Thompson
Wales Disability captain Dan Quick has announced his decision to stand down after Sunday’s final D40 Quest group game against Essex after three years in charge. The Barry Athletic all rounder plans to step back from playing duties entirely to concentrate on family duties.
Quick has been involved in the setup since 2021, making 16 appearances in total. He amassed 521 runs at an average of 52.10 which included three half centuries and a sparkling century against Essex at Lisvane in his first year. On the bowling front Dan contributed 9 wickets in just over 63 overs at an average of 47.22.
He guided Wales back into the top echelons of the ECB Disability League at the end of last season after the team were relegated the previous year, and has been an integral figure amongst the group on and off the field. He has attended numerous events to promote and generate awareness for disability cricket as well as assisting Cricket Wales in their formal presentation to Disability Sport Wales earlier in 2024 to obtain the InSport Silver accreditation.
A fine role model in his own right, Quick was keen to share some of his thoughts and rationale behind his decision. He said:
“I came to the captaincy decision in October and to be honest it was a relatively easy one. The way I see things such as captaincy is change is so important at the right time for any team to ensure a fresh set of eyes can come in and continue to drive the tram forward. Three years to me is the perfect length of time – we’ve been building over the last two-three years and the last thing you want to do is risk it becoming stale.
We’ve developed massively after a tough 2022. So many individuals have improved massively while our unity as a group and our team spirit is unrivalled. We came straight back up at the first attempt with a league and play-off double last year. This year we’ve played some very good cricket and established ourselves back in the top division. I’m proud of the part I’ve played in that and I look forward to seeing where the team geos from here.
I had hoped to support the new captain and be a squad player again, but having reflected further I’ve missed out on so many moments with my son growing up and family time, and it’s time to get that balance slightly more towards family now we have another baby on the way in October. It’s why I’ll likely be stepping away entirely from cricket in 2025.
I’m forever grateful to my wife Hannah for her sacrifice and support over the years, especially the last few years in particular to help facilitate all of this. I’m very grateful to the players for their efforts and support, the opportunity given to me by Les (Head Coach) and the support from Cricket Wales over the years. Having seen more of what Cricket Wales do for everyone, has been a real eye-opener and a wonderful experience.
Becoming captain of any side is a privilege, but to captain your country – there is no greater honour. I’ll always be grateful and feel so fortunate that I got to do just that. It’s going to feel very weird and tough cheering from the sides but I can’t wait to see where the boys go next year and I have every belief they will do something incredible.”
CAPTION: Dan leading the way off the field raising money for Children's Hospice Ty Hafan. Credit: CIAC Images.
Cricket Wales Head of Talent Pathway Matt Dando-Thompson said:
“On behalf of the organisation I’d like to thank Dan for his immense contribution over the last 4 years. He has led the side with aplomb and been such an brilliant role model for everyone within and outside of the group to look up to. He has been a strong advocate for disability cricket generally and I know he will be back in some capacity down the line – he’s too passionate and too invested in it to be saying goodbye forever! For now though, we wish him and his family all the best as they welcome their second child into the household.”
Succeeding the outgoing skipper will be all rounder Jack Page who was keen to highlight his excitement of the job in hand. He commented:
“To be appointed captain of your country and such an excellent group of players is a huge honour.
With Dan stepping down this year, I know I have big shoes to fill. The difference in the side from when he first took on the role is huge. From gaining promotion, to winning our first national title, he’s really set the standard! I’m looking to build on a supremely strong foundation and take us to even greater heights than ever before!
The future is bright for the side and I can’t wait to get started.”
A reminder that the Disability team are holding open trials this winter, details of which can be found below. The trial os open to anyone with a disability from dyslexia to physcial impairments and anything in between!
To be eligible for an open trial you simply need to:
1) Have a connection with Wales (we define this as having either been born in, currently living in, playing club cricket in Wales or have a relation that is Welsh)
2) Be available to travel to Wicket2Wicket Indoor Cricket Centre, Cwmcarn, Newport (NP11 7BH) on Saturday 5th Ocober 9am-12pm.
HOW TO APPLY:
Players (male or female) should follow the QR code on the flyer below to register their interest via the Google Form. Alternatively the link to the form can be found here:
https://forms.gle/MbzYMMSCgAkVKAxJA
Whilst having some form of experience in cricket is desirable, it is not essential and this will not prevent you from applying!
We will be in touch with everyone who has applied notifying them of outcomes and timings for the trials. If accessing the session in Newport (if coming from furthest West, Mid or North Wales) is a challenge then we will communicate an alternative opportunity to observe you more locally.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS ARE MONDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER 2024.
**If you have any queries about the registration process please contact Cricket Wales Head of Talent Pathway Matt Dando-Thompson on [email protected] OR Head Coach Les Randall on [email protected]
