The second NICA “Masterclass” took place on Thursday 21st February at Queens PEC with 29 participants enjoying the insightful spin class led by ECB Coach Andy McCrea. The fantastic turn-out of both young players looking to develop the art and older cricketers seeking advice and essential skills from the coaching team of Andy Mc Crea, Kyle McCallan and Regan West were entertained for the two hour session which will aid performances throughout the forthcoming season and beyond.

After formal introductions and a brief philosophy of spin talk from Kyle and Regan, two of Ireland’s top performers with the ball, the group were led through a series of drills under the watchful eye of the experienced coaches enabling one-to-one feedback on technique and strategy.

Theoretical presentations by Andy McCrea aided better understanding of the current coaching philosophy on spin and in particular emphasized the ideals of a straight approach and gaining maximum spin on the ball in order to facilitate “dip”. The format of the session enabled classroom work to be mixed in with practical performance and adaptations in the sports hall with the assistance of the coaching team.

In general the well-attended session, the second hosted by the NICA, following on from the previous Wicketkeeping Masterclass, was a roaring success and the intention is to formally structure such classes for a variety of age-groupings throughout the off-season. Next in line is a Batting Masterclass pre-season which is to be confirmed as yet. The NICA would like to thank all of those who attended on the evening and of course to thank the coaches, Andy McCrea, Kyle McCallan and Regan West for their insightful tips and advice which shall hopefully benefit of those present on the evening.