Barrier Daily Truth

Derham hits top speed

Friday, 3rd February, 2012

SPEED DEMON: Tom Derham’s ability has won him a place in the National Under 18 Talent squad.

By Peter Argent

Broken Hill fast bowling export Tom Derham’s star is continuing to rise.

He is among four South Australian under 19s cricketers who have been recognised after the national championships and were named for national duties.

They have been selected in the National Under 18 “Centre of Excellence” Talent Camp squad which includes the most exciting teenage cricketing prospects from around our nation.

Along with Derham (West Torrens), Alex Gregory (Sturt), Kelvin Smith (West Torrens) and Travis Head (Tea Tree Gully) are members from the Redbacks’ under 19s campaign who have all be selected for the Australian under 18 national talent camp. Northern Territory local Tom Andrews, who plays in Adelaide for grade club Sturt, has also been picked.  

The young men will train at the Australian Institute of Sport later in the month.

“There were 20-odd blokes from the under 19 championships picked,” Tom Derham explained.

“This included the ‘team of the carnival’ side and some other talents the selectors believe could make the side.

“All the fast bowlers go to Canberra first where we’ll do our own training and tests, etcetera.

“Then we head off to Queensland with the full squad to do the full gambit of preparation. I believe that is at the Cricket Academy at Border Field in Queensland.

“At the moment all eyes are on my cricket. This camp is a stepping stone to making the Under 19s World Cup during August in Townsville.

“We have now done our (under 19) championship reviews with the coaching staff at the SACA.  

“They said that were happy with my carnival, especially my leadership both on and off the ground.

“This should come in handy in the 2013 under 19 championships, which I will still be able to play in and is expected to be in Adelaide again.

“The Redbacks have also asked me and Travis Head to go into the strength and conditioning program for the remainder of the season.”   

With a number of his team mates from the state under 19s side playing district A grade cricket, Derham said he was happy playing B grade at West Torrens at the moment and trying to force his way into the first XI to play alongside first-class cricketers Peter George and Trent Kelly who are opening the attack.  

He has also being undertaking football pre-season training with the Port Adelaide Magpies senior squad, under Tony Bamford, since mid November.

“I’ll try and play both sports as long as I can until I’m forced to make a decision on either,” Derham said.

“From a football perspective there has been no talk from the coaching staff about where I may play.

“After playing in the under 18s last year I would be more than happy to start in the reserves and see how I go from there. “

As reported last week, Derham became the fastest bowler to compete in the Top Gun challenge, televised around Australia by Channel 9, delivering his quickest ball at 143 kilometres per hour.

“It was a great experience,” he said.

“I had the chance to meet Heals (Ian Healy) and Mark Nicholas beforehand and have a chat.

“Brett Lee also gave me a few tips, like bowling a low full toss so you didn’t lose speed with the ball hitting the turf wicket.

“It was great to break the previous Top Gun record of 140 km/h.

“I did have a slight breeze behind me which helped a little.

“Hopefully with a couple of full pre-seasons under my belt, bowling at 150 km/h is a possibility.”  

That will make even the most accomplished of batsmen nervous.