Aussie Tate hoping to make the grade in England
by Alan Rowley, 15th February 2004

Former Queensland Under 19 star Derek Tate is hoping to use Nottinghamshire Premier outfit Clifton Village as a stepping stone into the English county game. He returns to Clifton in 2004 and wants 'to play some serious cricket in the Premier League'.

Tate (pictured left), a 23 year old all-rounder, has consistently been in the top ten players in first grade cricket in Brisbane, and is currently joint 2nd overall in the batting table, and 3rd overall in the bowling table. He commenced his junior cricket with Loganholme and later played for Beenleigh High before being selected for his State Under 19 side. Contacts Down Under suggest that 'it's only a matter of time before he makes the full Queensland State side'.

Tate's first visit to this country took him to Cornwall where he played his cricket alongside Charlie Shreck for Premier League outfit Camborne. After three seasons in the Cornish sun, Tate discovered Clifton. Third XI skipper Joe Thorpe told 'the follow on': "He stayed with me last summer and came over to Nottingham for the Clifton race night. While he was over our 3rds were two players short on the day. As he was registered I borrowed some kit off Bobby Chapman and he played against Ellerslie 3rds.   He's a fast bowler so I didn't bowl him but he's a very handy bat too so I let him have a go."

Tate top scored with 120 runs, including 13 sixes and 8 fours, but the last laugh went to Ellerslie as the League ruled that Tate was ineligible and a genuine error had been made. Clifton lost their 20 points.

Tate makes no secret of the fact that he wants to make an impact in the County 2nds or 1-day cricket. He told 'the follow on' that he was hoping that maybe he could get a chance with Derbyshire or Worcestershire, but that all depends on how he gets on.

Tate gets a great chance to prove himself in the very first game of the season on April 24th when Clifton take on the might of the Cavaliers at Clifton Lane. Make a note in your diary!