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Barry McCarthy is continuing his winter in the Sydney suburb of Coogee playing for Randwick Petersham Cricket Club as part of an overseas programme organised by Cricket Ireland and Randwick Petersham.
Barry has been writing a blog as his time in Sydney passes, with his third instalment below.

As another weekend of cricket approaches and the weather starts to reach its peak it is certain to be another testing Saturday ahead.

The last couple of weeks have been very enjoyable as the weather has picked up significantly and made the trips to the beach far more enjoyable.

I was also joined by Pembroke team mate Paul Lawson which was a nice addition for Dale [YMCA Groundsman, also wintering in Sydney] and I. It has been an added bonus having the two guys here as we certainly share a lot in common and it adds a certain homely feel.

On the cricketing side of things the highlight since the last blog was most definitely winning the 20/20 competition, a very tough and well contested final and tournament throughout. It was extremely rewarding to see such hard work paying off.

Personally I am still going strong in second grade which while being slight bit frustrating has been very enjoyable. The guys at the club really are a good bunch and as a young talented team it really reminds me of playing for Pembroke back home. I hope to continue to put pressure on the selectors and hopefully get a shot in the first team soon.

I am finding myself working extremely hard while having the opportunity to play out here. After getting a taste of first class cricket towards the end of last season I have realised that it is the level I want to consistently play at. I am working very hard on my gym work and on all disciplines of my game which will hopefully be rewarding come the start of the season.

Stay tuned and look out for the next instalment of Barry’s blog in the New Year.

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