Willetton graphic designer turns his keen eye to cricket bat-making

The crafted willow is after all a batsman’s weapon against an angry fast bowler or crafty spinner.

Willetton resident Toby Richardson recently turned his hand to the bat-making art.

The graphic designer said he chose to create his own bats rather than spend money buying a new one.

“It was really from playing,” he said. “Guys have an interest in bats; it’s just part of playing cricket.”

In June Mr Richardson flew to Victoria to take part in a bat-making master class hosted by former Test cricketer Ian Callen.

He said he was surprised at how much technique went into perfecting the craft, which he does from a small Booragoon workshop.

“To get a bat exactly the way you want it takes a bit of work to shape and get it to a particular weight,” he said. “I like the crafting, using the tools and making a product exactly how I’d like it.”

Mr Richardson, who has released three bats under his new brand, Richardson Cricket, used his history in design to create the graphics on the bats too.

“It’s quite satisfying for me doing the whole thing,” he said. The next step is to hopefully sell them and to see people making runs with them.”

For information visit ww-w.richardsoncricket.com.au.