Doneathy has the Luke of a good cricketer
All-rounder sets his sights on Durham – and England
A NORTHUMBERLAND cricketer has his sights set on representing Durham at first-class level after linking up with Durham Academy for the coming season.
Luke Doneathy, 15, who enjoys his club cricket at Stockfield, began playing at just six years old.
He first got into cricket through the English Cricket Board’s Chance to Shine initiative, which organised a coaching session at his school – Prudhoe High – during a PE lesson.
Since then the bowling all-rounder’s game has gone from strength to strength.
So much so he was one of this year’s recipients of Sport Newcastle’s 2018 Rising Stars of Sport Awards which recognise the achievements and progress of the region’s best young sporting talent.
Doneathy was nominated by Daniel Shurben, lead player pathway coach at the Northumberland Cricket Board.
Shurben, who also coaches Northumberland’s under-15 and under-17 squads in their ECB campaigns, said: “We nominated Luke due to his success and level of performance during the 2017 season.
“He has always excelled at county age group cricket since a young age. However, outstanding performances at senior and regional age group level resulted in us nominating him for this year’s awards.”
Doneathy has represented Northumberland and Durham at different age groups and in different formats of the game.
He said: “I played for Northumberland from the age of eight and won player of the season a few times.
“Last summer I also made my debut for the Durham Academy and was selected for the North of England team at the annual under-15 Bunbury Festival,.
“From there I was chosen for the Best of Bunbury, which involves players from the north of England going up against players from the south.
“The Best of Bunbury is held at Loughborough University, where I scored a 100 and a 50.
“I felt honoured and proud to be selected for Bunbury.
“It felt like a sense of achievement for all the hard work I had put into my game over the last few years.
“It felt like a stepping stone to what I hope to be a fulfilling career in cricket.”
Doneathy added: “I took away from the competition that even if you do not perform as well as you hope to you still have to conduct yourself in a positive manner and show a sense of maturity.
“Being selected gave me huge confidence in my ability.”
Doneathy first played senior cricket at the age of 10.
He said: “I am proud to have captained the Northumberland under 15s and like to think I have led by example and been a positive role model to my peers.
“To also play two years above my age level with the under-17s and contribute positively to a title-winning team is something I am very proud of.
“I recognise the support my coaches have given me across the age groups and I would like to thank them for helping me to develop.
“My aim now is hopefully to progress through the ranks at Durham to make it to the first team.
“From there, my dream would be to be one day capped for England.”
On his Sport Newcastle award, the teenager added: “I was surprised at my nomination but it is always nice to be recognised for your achievements.” Shurben added: “Luke has progressed at a very good rate over the past two seasons since his skills with his pace bowling increased.
“Up until under-13s he was very much seen as a top-order batter who dominated the bowlers and bowled occasional off-spin.
“Now he is seen as a highly-skilled all-rounder.
“Luke can progress as far he wants to with his cricket.
“He will have knocks along the way but he has the mettle to overcome these.
“Although still young, he will spend the full 2018 season with the Durham Cricket Academy and we will continue to support him in any way we can.”
IN THE FIRST IN A REGULAR SERIES OF FEATURES ON THIS YEAR’S SPORT NEWCASTLE RISING STARS OF SPORT AWARD WINNERS, SAM BLACKLOCK MEETS CRICKETING PROSPECT LUKE DONEATHY