LEADING by example is the way forward for first-year Nichols Point coach Luke Coates.
The 26-year-old did just that by taking a personal-best 7/19 against Coomealla Wentworth last week to give his side their opening win of the 2022/23 SCA campaign.
His haul has rocketed him to equal top of the wicket taking table so far with 10 scalps, alongside Gol Gol’s Luke Hickey. His wickets have come in just two games.
Coates, whose previous best figures of 6/32 came for Mildura Settlers during the 2018/19 grand final, said he hoped to set the standard for his team.
“Not sure I’ll be able to do it again now but I’m glad I did it when I did and as coach of a club it helps set a good standard,” he said.
“I’m not as young and fit as I used to be. I think my ego got in the way more than anything bowling eight overs straight but I’m just glad I got through it.
“It helps your bowlers out when your team bats first and puts 220 on the board.
“We all had a chat before we started (last week) about reaching a set total, and we got there and kept pushing on and then our pressure in the field helped out as well.”
Coates said he has enjoyed the challenge of coaching so far.
“It gives you a bit more responsibility and pressure for your actions,” he said.
“It sets a bit of a different light because you’re used to just playing but now you have to think about tactics, who bowls, who bats where, what grade you put them in and all that sort of stuff,” he said.
“Being in the game the whole time is the best part about it because you know your decision can change the game but can hinder it as well, so you’re always thinking.”
Following the first four one-day games, two-day games start on Saturday, with the Pointers travelling to Mildura Senior College to face Mildura Settlers.
Coates, who is expecting his first child with partner Shania in January, said there may be some changes to the batting line-up for the longer format.
“We got 220 off 40 overs, you’d want to try and make 250 to 300 if you can in 80 overs so the batting will be different but the bowling and fielding won’t change,” he said.
“Lewy Dichiera batted at five last week, I think we’ll put him back up to the top of the order with Shaun (Mathews) and hopefully we get a few back that haven’t played yet to help strengthen our batting depth as well.”
Coates said one of the most rewarding aspect of coaching is watching development of younger players, with Dichiera and Charlie Butcher two in particular he has been impressed with.
“That’s one of the best things when you’re coaching, you get to see at training and on Saturday as well the results of the younger guys and then you give them the opportunity and they can show you what they can do which is all you can ask for,” he said.
