Tuesday, 15 Feb 2022

West Moreton Anglican College aims for fifth consecutive Champion TAS Cricket School Title and Open Firsts cricket premiership

A-GRADE premiership-winning coach Brian Andrews is WestMAC’s new Head Cricket Coach as the College seeks to maintain the winning edge in the pursuit of a fifth consecutive Champion TAS Cricket School Title.

Andrews’ appointment, as part of the College’s focus on high-level coaching and programs, is a key ingredient to WestMAC’s recipe for cricket success in preparation for Saturday’s home match against Canterbury College as The Associated Schools (TAS) competition kicks off.

Andrews’ son and professional coach Matt, a WestMAC Alumni and a former Ipswich Hornets A-Grade player, has been appointed specialist batting and wicket-keeping coach under the College’s new Head of Sport Rob Hillier.

“Brian and Matt Andrews are the perfect candidates to guide our students because they have champion qualities themselves and have the knowledge and skills to pass on to our students,’’ Hillier said.

“Brian is one of the most qualified and renowned coaches in the Brisbane western suburbs and Ipswich regions.

“We have focused on maintaining the overall success of being Champion TAS Cricket school by keeping things simple and making cricket enjoyable for all of our students.’’

WestMAC First XI captain Fletcher Madden (Year 12) and star batsman Zac Fisher (Year 12) were excited by the new coaching appointments as this year’s team are keen to convert last year’s minor premiership into a title this year.

“We’ve had some excellent quality coaching and opportunities while at WestMAC,’’ Fletcher said.

Fletcher was proud of WestMAC’s cricket legacy and team spirit, and players had trained hard to continue the College’s winning culture this season, starting this Saturday. Fletcher was a member of the 2020 First XI premiership side.

“We are extremely proud that WestMAC have been Champion TAS school for four years and we are excited to have the opportunity to defend this title and to continue this legacy,’’ Fletcher said.

“We are looking forward to playing together again as a team and will be ready from the first ball.’’

The First XI side will be spearheaded by star batsman Zac Fisher, who has made the South Queensland 18s and 21s representative teams respectively and accrued a record 130 runs in a TAS match last year.

“Last year I scored two 100s for the season so I’m aiming to score more this year,’’ Zac said.

Principal Geoff McLay said WestMAC students were brimming with excitement and enthusiasm for the first round of the season.

“The commitment and passion shown by our WestMAC sports teams, as well as our dedicated coaches, during pre-season training has been inspiring,’’ Mr McLay said.

“At WestMAC we focus on developing players’ basic skills and a strong team culture by providing specialist and skilled coaches. This strong WestMAC culture of support and team work has been evident in the build up to this weekend’s first round and we expect strong performances.’’

WestMAC Head of Sport Rob Hillier said the College has experienced record numbers for their Intermediate cricket teams among boom participation rates across all sports which also includes Boys Volleyball, Girls Basketball, Football and Tennis and Boys and Girls Swimming.

“We are ready to go from round one,’’ Mr Hillier said. “Our mantra is to give students the tools, through access to high-level training and specialist coaching, to help them achieve their individual and team potential.’’

To learn more about WestMAC’s high-level sports programs, click here.

To learn more about the opportunities and coaching support as part of the scholarship program, click here.

For more information:

West Moreton Anglican College Senior Communications and Events Officer

Fiona Purdon

P:07 3813 4518 and M: 0429 491 335