Testimonials – Darryl Woods Cricket Coaching

2021

I just wanted to say thank you so much for giving Richie such a wonderful experience this week at your cricket clinic. Richie was so enthused and excited by what he learnt at the clinic and he is really looking forward to trying it out at a match. Thank you for helping a beginner like Richie gain confidence in his cricket and really get a passion for the game.

Katherine Newton-Mcgee – Mother of Richie

We will definitely recommend your cricket camps to others in Richie’s cricket club.
2020

Now that the short league season is over (bar the play-offs and a few end of season friendlies), I wanted to drop a note to say thank you for all your time and input over winter. It has been hard to focus this year with everything going on, but my average has gone up from 35.27 (last year) to 46.40. I know that it is a bit skewed by two decent scores (108* and 85 this weekend), and I should have converted two other starts (16 and 17) and also not given away my wicket so cheaply the other times (6 and 0). So lots to work on again this winter. But I have felt that once I got into my 20s, my balance and concentration levels were better than last years and these allowed me to bat longer and better. And your insights and indoor feeds have had a lot to do with that. I hope we can net through this off season as much as possible. I want to try and keep improving as much as I can and play for as long as I can, so your help is much appreciated.

Pablo Mukherjee Oxford Nondescripts/Oxfordshire Seniors

I thought I would update you on my progress this year after our 6 excellent batting sessions.
I am currently 8th in the overall Cherwell League batting totals and averaging 82, so my investment has paid great returns!
I am now getting well forward to the pitched up balls and my back leg does not collapse any more, so the mode of dismissals has reduced significantly.
Still mental issues of hitting too hard, but my new technique, in terms of stance and backlift, gets me out of trouble alot.
I just need the confidence to hit the spinners in the air to the left of mid on. Going to try that in future games.

Nick Moorman BNOCC/Oxfordshire Seniors

2019
Ever since I started coaching with Darryl my cricket has improved massively and with his help, I have managed to get onto the Oxfordshire player pathway. Darryl makes all aspects of training and coaching fun. I could not find a better coach.

Evan Hindle

From Catherine Turner – Alfie and Charlie Turner’s Mother
Thanks so much as ever. The boys really do respect you and you do them a great service in your cricket coaching and wider mentorship!

2018

From Dylan Driscoll Oxfordshire, Sussex and EPP player:  “The sessions were always different, working on various skills and techniques. Because I went with two friends, there was a good competitive feel and Darryl always made this enjoyable as well as pushing us to get better.

“Kelvin, Dylan’s father had this to say: “As a parent, it’s great watching a coach build a relationship with his pupil. You always get the feeling Darryl cares and follows their progress throughout the season. Dylan has been with Darryl for three winters and made so much progress, Saturdays could not come around quickly enough for him.

“From Alfie Turner Oxfordshire County
capt:” A great coach who has helped me improve all aspects of my game, mentally, tactically and technically. He keeps the sessions enjoyable and is very easy to have a laugh with while also staying focused on what you’re trying to achieve.”

From Charlie Turner Oxfordshire County EPP player:

“There is never a dull moment at a Darryl session. You are always doing something productive whether it be setting the field to an aggressive batsmen or perfecting the in-swinging yorker or whacking your brother back over his head for four when practising the straight drive! 100% worth it!

“Darryl is our favourite coach. He is very patient and positive in what he says. He is able to improve our batting and bowling technique and sometimes coaches us together which is also really good.”

Henry Welch Oxfordshire player and sister Edie Welch

“The reason for getting in touch was to thank you again on behalf of our committee for everything you have done for the club over the past few seasons. I would also like to thank you personally as a parent because I know our eldest lad James loved his Friday nights with you as it is all about building enthusiasm and enjoyment of the game and you certainly managed to achieve that. Judging by the results for the older groups it looks like your technical coaching & input certainly paid dividends and when combined with Steve’s energy and organisation it gave the U15s a really successful run punching well above their weight.If there is one thing I love to see at the club it is lots of youngsters up at the club on a Friday evening doing something that betters their game and at the same time enjoying themselves and that is only possible with good coaching and mentoring.”
Mark Hewlett Langford CC Treasurer

“Darryl challenges me to be the best I can be. He has really improved my technique and my understanding of the game. His sessions are tough but fun.”
Jamie King. Chipping Norton CC, West Oxon District U15s”

I have been playing cricket for around 7 years and Darryl has played a big part in my development through coaching at County Level and also through the Emerging Players Programme. Darryl has helped me become a better all round player but he has especially helped me with my batting technique, making me a more positive player. Coaching sessions with Darryl are always productive and enjoyable.”

Thanks Darryl from Carla Wood – Oxfordshire County and Oxfordshire Womens and England Women Development Programme U19.

“I wanted to let you know – although you may already be aware that James has been selected to represent Oxfordshire at U11’s this year! As you can imagine he is over the moon and we’re extremely proud of his achievement. It has been a team effort although largely down to James’ dedication, enthusiasm and doggedness. However, I would like to record my personal thanks to you and latterly Matty for all you have helped him with as coaches. It is without doubt that without your expertise, enthusiasm and guidance James would not have achieved all he has so far. On a personal front, I’m very grateful to you for all your input with James and hope that you too feel justifiably proud of your part in his success – he couldn’t and wouldn’t have done it without you. This, of course we hope, is just the start of James’ journey and I am certain that we will continue to seek your coaching and mentoring skills for James to ensure further success for him.We will continue to recommend you to friends with children seeking to make their way further in this fabulous game, and always making it fun and enjoyable (I know that that can sometimes be a challenge!) – I can think of no better ambassador for cricket in Oxfordshire and in the wider sphere.Once again many thanks especially to you and also to Matty for all you have achieved with James and hope you’ll join me in raising a glass to him next time you have one in your hand.”

With the very best regards and sincere thanks
Ross Mattinson father of James Oxfordshire Youth 2016

“I just wanted to say a big thank you to you and your coaches for a superb afternoon at Standlake last Wednesday. It was really well organised and the group loved it. I have heard back from them today and they say it was one of the highlights of their trip. You even managed the language barrier brilliantly.I hope to bring you some more groups in the future.”Thanks once again.

Kind regards Isobel LewisExplore Oxford Tours French Under 10 yr old Students trip to the UK

“I have known Darryl for about 5 years at Oxfordshire. He has coached me in the County Girls Age Group sessions and also for the last 3 years in the Emerging Players Programme. Darryl’s coaching has really helped me to progress my game to where I am today. He makes his sessions fun but also knuckles us down to the serious parts. Over the years Darryl has really helped me develop confidence in batting and starting to play more attacking. Thanks, Darryl.”

Linsey Smith – England Women’s T20 Squad, The Hundred for Northern Superchargers, Women England Development U19, Southern Vipers, Oxfordshire County Girls, Reading Ladies 2015

“I first met Darryl when I joined the Oxfordshire U13 County team and he was coaching during the winter months in Oxford. I joined Oxford Downs Cricket Club the following summer and quickly ascertained that Darryl was the man to listen to if I wanted to improve and learn how to get to the top of my game. His enthusiasm for the sport shines through and he imparts his knowledge with precise instruction, ensuring he is clear in his teaching, thereby getting quicker results with plenty of time to practise what he is explaining. I gained confidence in my seam bowling with Darryl’s help in my run up and style and am
also enjoying batting, even when facing the bowling machine! With Darryl’s help
and guidance, I am now a regular player for the Men’s 1st team, as well as
Oxfordshire U15s and a member of the Gloucestershire Junior Academy. However,
practise makes perfect, and I always come back to Darryl for his help and
invaluable advice, as his experience and passion for cricket are second to
none.”

Tom Costley, South and West Bunbury Fesitival player, Oxfordshire County Youth Player, Gloucestershire Junior Academy

“Darryl has been a fantastic coach for me over the past 2 years, and has really helped me come on as a cricketer. His training sessions are always a lot of fun, perfectly balanced with some hard work and seriousness! He has a brilliant ability to pick up on anything you are doing wrong, and always helps you to iron out the mistakes.”

Fi Morris – Hundred playing The Southern Brave for England Academy, Southern Vipers, Hampshire Women   2014

“Anyone can coach but to be able to ‘sell the game’ with enthusiasm and enjoy doing it at the same time is a great quality and you have it.
Your not an everyday coach Darryl”.

Stephen Findley-Wilson – Langford CC father to Angus Aged 18 and Henry Aged 16 both of whom have attended the DWCC Coaching during the winter. Gloucestershire County Youth Players.

“Darryl has coached me for 6 years both 1:1 and in a team environment, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him. He has really improved not only my technique but also my mental approach and general awareness of the game. He has made me realise how important qualities such as confidence and patience are. Darryl is always very encouraging, enthusiastic and supportive about your game. He uses a wide range of drills, practices and match scenarios to help improve not only your technical ability but also your general match awareness.”

Megan Burton Oxfordshire Women / Wales Women & England Development U19’s 2013

“I have known Darryl for several years and it has only been this year that I have begun to work 1 to 1 with him. Darryl enabled me to progress my game further and to a new level. Also passing on his own experience as a player has helped me immensely to compete and perform better at senior level.
Since working with Darryl he has helped identify my strengths and weaknesses which have given me more knowledge of my own game.
He has worked hard with me and has improved my technique significantly within these weaker areas. My performances have improved throughout the season and I have scored runs on a more consistent basis.
Having Darryl as a personal coach has been a real benefit to me this season, and I look forward to continuing my work with him again in the future”

Stafford Sansome, Oxfordshire Youth and Bicester & North Oxford CC 2012

“I really enjoyed my coaching sessions with Darryl and Matt especially as they both explained things in a positive way and I way in which I could easily understand. I am really looking forward to my next sessions in the summer and hope my Mum will let me carry on through the winter!”
Testimony from George Tait attending DWCC Winter Academy and Summer Coaching Course, Oxfordshire U17 Captain 2011

” It was such fun as Darryl taught us the pull shots when batting, he also helped me with my bowling style. I am really excited to start the cricket season and try out what I have learnt”

Tyron Eyles Aged 9 – A member of the Darryl Woods Saturday Cricket Academy and a member of the North District U13 team“

Darryl Woods coached me as part of an Emerging Players Programme.This was a wonderful opportunity for me and I learnt a huge amount.Darryl is a magnificent
coach, a great guy, fully focused and determined to get the best out of me.He coached me both in batting and bowling (leg spin).He was keen to improve my performance both working on my mental attitude and physically and worked particularly hard in the sessions on building up my fitness.He inspired me, was tough but I always enjoyed and looked forward to the sessions and cannot thank him enough.”

Ed Gross Oxfordshire U17’s and Oxfordshire 2nd X1 Player, Eton School Captain

“Darryl is an intense coach who has well laid sessions working you physically and mentally. All aspects of the game are covered with the same enthusiasm, which is very addictive. His knowledge and passion for the game has been a benefit to me this season as we focused on keeping and batting. I look forward to working with Darryl again next year and would recommend him to any player of any level.”

Mark Fitzsimons, Bicester & North Oxford CC