A desire to play alongside his sons has driven Andrew Arnott back into cricket.
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And early into the NTCA third grade season, it is a decision that is certainly paying off.
The South Launceston returnee has slipped back into the sport with ease, scoring 191 runs at an average of 63.67 over three games, earning him the label of 'run machine' from his clubmates.
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT
"When I was a kid I used to play a fair bit of cricket back in the younger days - I played for Tassie in the under-13s and stuff like that," he said.
"The young fellas have been playing here for four or five years now and I've been coaching the under-13s for the last four years and under-14s this year.
"The whole idea was to play just a few games with my eldest son [Ryan]. He's 15, so hopefully I can play a few games with him."
Yet to play a game together due to the conflicting schedules of the under-18 competition, the 44-year old has taken up a senior role in one of the Knights' third-grade sides alongside captain John Johnston.
"What I try and teach the young fellas is play straight early and work your way into your innings so that's what I've been trying to do.
"It [coaching juniors] probably has helped. I used to play a fair bit of cricket when I was a kid but its been 20-25 years since I've played."
I'm pretty happy where I'm playing, helping the side out and helping the kids out. That's what I'm here for.
- Andrew Arnott
Despite his form, the Launceston Airport baggage handler is happy filling this current role and not looking to move up the grades.
"I'm pretty happy where I'm playing, helping the side out and helping the kids out. That's what I'm here for.
"I said to Hawk [coach Dean Hawkins] at the start of the year I didn't want to be pushing a young bloke out of a spot and I'd just make up the numbers to help with the two third-grade sides."
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