Guest blogger Kingsley Went recently caught up with Scotland International cricketer George Munsey (OD 2006) to find out what it was like to play in the recent ICC World T20 and what George has achieved since leaving the Dragon. George is a talented all-round sportsman whose experiences and advice is invaluable for any young Dragon with sporting aspirations. Many thanks to both George and Kingsley for taking the time to share this story with us.
What age were you when you first started playing cricket?
My first memories of cricket is going along to my Dad’s games for Cumnor Cricket Club and being 12th man and often ending up fielding at the age of 10 for a few overs of the game due to players being late or injured.
What was your favourite sport when you were at the Dragon?
I always loved the Inter House rugby which was always a big match with great rivalries.
When you left the Dragon, where did you go and why did you choose to go to that senior school?
After the Dragon I went to Loretto School in Edinburgh on a golf scholarship as it is the best school for golf in the UK. At the time I was wanting to pursue a career in golf so the move to Edinburgh was an easy one.
Having chosen golf to pursue and make a career of, what happened for you to change and who was influential in this?
I made the change when I turned 18 out in Australia. I went away to figure out what sport I wanted to play. I went to TSS (The Southport School) in Brisbane, Gold Coast on a school exchange. I played golf and cricket for them in their summer and after much thought decided that the team aspect of cricket swung the choice in that direction.
Which teams have you represented along the way?
Scotland
Scotland A
Scotland under 23
Northamptonshire
Nottinghamshire 2XI
Oxfordshire
Canberra Comets (Australia)
What was your favourite memory of playing for Scotland in the World Cup Qualifiers (surely it has to be against Zimbabwe!)?
Unfortunately, it is not playing against Zimbabwe, although playing against a major test nation is always pretty cool.
On a personal note it was the feeling at the crease against Afghanistan whilst batting away positively and going after their bowlers. From a team’s point of view it was an amazing feeling to get our first win under our belts at a major event. This was a massive step for Scotland and awesome to be part of it.
What message would you have for Dragons about playing sport and a career in the professional game?
All the pressure is on the training you do behind the scenes and ticking every box before the game or event starts as you need to be in the best condition possible. When it comes to the match this is the time to relax and enjoy the occasion and play with no pressure. Showcase what you practice and who you are and put on a show for those watching and the results will follow.
What is your highest score and who was it against?
My highest score at any level was 177 not out last year in a club game for Grange CC against local rivals Carlton CC and we chased 277 with the loss of 2 wickets and loads of overs left.
I also scored 172 not out for Nottinghamshire 2XI on trial last year on a two week stint with them before settling at Northamptonshire.
