Ash White admits to struggling at the start of his first full season in first grade.
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But some 14 months on, the quick feels comfortable in the Gunnedah first grade competition. White feels like he belongs which has seen the quick bowl more consistently.
He has taken a wicket in every first grade game he's played this season to sit equal fourth on the wicket-takers list. It comes on the back of taking the first grade bowling aggregate award last season.
"I probably put a bit too much pressure on myself. Once I found my feet, I got comfortable in the team," White said.
He added: "I just try my best every week try and do what's best for the team. I try to bowl as tight as possible - I hate going for runs."
Shaking off that self-pressure was fast-tracked by the help of good mate and opening partner Garry Briggs.
They share a bond that started way back when White was a part of the lower grade sides. "We're real close, me and Garry. I've known him since third grade - when third grade was still going," White said.
"He was a role model then. He showed up every week, had the right attitude and wanted to see the kids go far. That's his attitude.
"He's always at the game encouraging you if you bowl a bad ball.
"When we go to training, we muck around, try a few different things. If something works for him, he'll come and let me know - that's the bond we have."
The duo's combination extends to the representative arena. White and Briggs have combined for Gunnedah in the Connolly Cup this year and last year.