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Premier Cricket: Consistent Claremont-Nedlands all-rounder Dan Turkich approaches 200th game

Elliot RaiterWestern Suburbs Weekly

WITH both bat and ball Claremont-Nedlands’ Dan Turkich has always been a quiet achiever. However, with game 200 approaching, the hard-hitting all rounder will undoubtedly go down as one of Premier Cricket’s most consistent performers.

The former Midland-Guildford product has always been a “team first” individual and believes the milestone is an achievement that hasn’t always been at the forefront of his mind.

“It’s something you don’t focus on while you’re playing with your teammates every Saturday,” he said.

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“It is a big surprise, but nice recognition from an individual point of view.

“Hopefully we can have a win this weekend.”

Turkich’s all-round ability has impressed throughout his career, with the Tiger citing hard work and determination as the major reasons behind his cricketing rise.

“I pride my game on hard work and enjoyment,” he explains. “All throughout my life I am a big believer in ‘You work hard, you achieve results’.

“I just like to plug away, working hard at bowling, catching and hitting more balls.

“We all give up our Saturdays to play cricket, so the more you enjoy it, the more you have fun.”

The middle-order batsman credits plenty of influential figures that helped shape his career, with his family and friends vital to his success.

“Craig Kirkby, Kevin Gartrell, Drew Parker and Peter Worthington were all people that helped me throughout juniors and my early senior games at Midland-Guildford,” he said

“Peter Carlstein, John Traicos and Chris Mason were important when I first reached the Tigers. While the current coaching staff of Tim Macdonald, Travis Birt, Jim Allenby and club captain Chris Brabazon are all great mates and terrific to learn from.

“Claremont is very privileged to have those great players now coaching the club.

“My father Gary has just about been to every A-Grade game I have played. Even juniors and the lower grades.

“He has just been a great mentor in general and a person I can’t thank enough.”

Turkich describes two grand finals as his finest moments on a cricket field; however the relationships the Tiger has formed will forever be etched into his memory.

“Captaining a colts grand final in my early days at Midland-Guildford is a great memory,” he said

“Winning the one-day flag last year at Claremont is special; that’s why we play, to win grand finals and enjoy team success.

“Just all the friendships and great people I have met over my time, that is something I will value and treasure for the rest of my life.

“I have met so many good people at both clubs.”

A united Claremont-Nedlands outfit are runaway leaders after round 10, with Turkich praising the club’s culture and people, as the side aims for an elusive two-day premiership.

“Our ultimate goal is to win an A-Grade flag,” he said

“When I first arrived at the club they welcomed me with open arms. From the committee, to the coaches, to the juniors, to the parents, it’s a unified club.

“We have a great mixture of youth and experience and we all work hard for the same goal, it’s exciting.”