 Gordon Cricket Academy Report 2007/08
The following report has been submitted for inclusion in this year's annual report.
The 2007 /08 Academy season started with the planning of an ambitious 35 sessions for the Under 21, 19 and 16 divisions. Early fitness and net sessions were eagerly attended by most of the squad members and Tim Packman set out the fitness requirements for the players after aerobic testing.
(Matt Jones in action)
Matches were scheduled for the Academy during the season against Kings, Riverview, Shore, St. Joesphs, Macquarie University, Barker and Knox College as well as the annual Howitt vs Packman match The weather however played havoc with our preparations and four of the matches were washed out. The matches played were all won by the Academy teams and after three years of matches our team remains undefeated against the various school first XI’s.
Matches against the schools will be re-scheduled again for the coming season and we look forward to continuing our excellent record.
 During the season there were many excellent coaching sessions provided by our head coaches Steve Smith, Beau Casson Rod Hokin and Craig Simmons and these gentlemen were ably assisted by several coaches including Michael Falk and Ed Howitt. Michael did a fantastic job again with the Under 16 squad bringing together a range of 13 to 16 year olds and providing first call introductory development skills for these young players.
(Chris Archer during his firast grade debut at Chatswood)
In addition to training and coaching sessions the Academy was thrilled to have the head of Macquarie University Sport, Ms Deidre Anderson as a speaker for one of our communications sessions at the University. Deidre was an inspiration for the 25 squad members invited to the session as well as a number of senior players and coaches including Matt Nicholson and Steve Smith.
The Academy also assisted two of our members Blair Lindsay and Brad Rasool in securing education scholarships with Macquarie University. Further scholarships are being planned for the coming season.
The sessions during the year included specialist coaching in all facets of the game including a series of high level batting classes run by Steve Smith in January for our Under 21 squad. Beau Casson was able to manage our spinners throughout each of the squads while Matt Nicholson provided support for the fast bowlers.
 It is pleasing to report that during the year three of our members, Ben Garratt, (now over 21), Matt Jones and Chris Archer made their first grade debuts. These players will benefit greatly from their experiences.
This was the eighth year of the Academy and the club is very grateful to our major sponsor Peter Horwitz for his continued support for this important initiative by the club. Peter has allowed the Academy to provide high level coaching and life skills to our members for a number of years and we look forward to his continued support.
(Ben Garratt in action)
I would also like to personally thank the Academy committee for its work during the season with particular mention of Tony Wilson who attended most sessions and provided excellent administrative support and guidance.
Paul Stephenson
Director
Gordon Cricket Academy | 
