Ton of joy as Tinsley thanks coach Anuj
CRICKET is not all about what happens in the higher reaches of the game, even at league level, and for Clifton’s Laurence Tinsley, the last day of the season will be one he will not forget.
Clifton’s third team narrowly missed out on promotion in County League Division Nine South West but the fast-improving Tinsley scored the first century of his life as they won their last game.
And Tinsley immediately thanked Derbyshire all-rounded Anuj Dal, whose coaching input has brought his game on in leaps and bounds this season.
Tinsley has hit five half-centuries this season but he fell narrowly short of three figures when he was out for 97 in the first week of August.
On Saturday, he put it right with 103 not out in 98 balls, with 14 fours and a six as the thirds made 288-3 declared before bowling out Lullington Park fourths for 163.
Dal has helped both Clifton and Ashbourne through his business Purpose Cricket Coaching in the last few seasons but Tinsley turned to him for some one-to-one advice.
“Anuj started coaching me back in 2019 when I got back into playing and quickly realised I had completely forgotten how to play all those years after school and needed some help,” said Tinsley.
Covid then curtailed the 2020 season and a torn cruciate ligament put paid to the 2021 season for Tinsley.
This time, though, he has scored 780 runs in 25 innings at an average of 39.
“Anuj put a plan in place that focused on building a base foundation and set of go-to shots,” said Tinsley.
“He taught me how to play an on drive – its an art and I’m still learning!
“He has been excellent in helping local communities and clubs and has a great attitude towards personal development.
“Anuj is an incredible coach and mentor.
“He sets the bar high and has a unique way of helping you to develop your game naturally.
“But we also really do have a good laugh at our coaching sessions – he is a top bloke and I have something to build on for 2023.”
All the rest of the local cricket from the season’s last weekend on pages 38 and 39.