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Meet the Academy – Will MacDonald
Right-arm fast medium bowler and right-handed batter Will hails from Camborne and attends Taunton School.
How did Will get involved in the game?
“I first got into cricket through playing in the garden with my brothers,” he explained. “Then I joined my local club Camborne and spent the weekends and several days each week playing in the nets.
“From that I started to play for my club and then played through the Cornwall age groups at Under 11s and 13s.
“Two years ago I went to Sri Lanka with the Somerset Under 14s which was an unreal experience. It was great to be living and playing in a different environment. The wickets were so dry and very tough to bowl on as a quickie. There was a lot of turn but not much for a fast bowler.
“Last year was my first winter training with extra sessions and now I’ve been lucky enough to get the opportunity to come onto the Academy.”
What does it mean to Will to be on the Academy?
“I feel like it’s a great opportunity and I’ll get a lot of extra coaching and training with experienced players and coaches. Just being around this environment is going to have a really positive impact on my game.
“I spend three sessions a week on the Academy and I’m also revising for my exams at the moment, so there’s not quite as much cricket back at school right now, but I get to work at school with Mr Sanderson, Mr Roberts and Mr Trescothick!”
How was 2024 for Will?
“Last year I captained the School Under 15s team and got the chance to play for the First XI against MCC which was a really good experience.
“I probably bowled my best and was at my most threatening in one of the Bunbury trials at Wells Cathedral. I felt I was bowling nicely, had control over the ball and was taking wickets. I felt my execution was as good as its ever been. My favourite delivery is the one that pitches on middle and nips away hitting the top of off.”
What is Will hoping for at the end of his time on the Academy?
“The aim of everybody on the Academy is to go on and play cricket professionally. I play quite a few other sports as well. I’m a number 10 or centre in rugby, and last year I started to play hockey.
“I played a lot of cricket at Camborne and when I was 11 or so I started to realise that I could bowl quite quickly. I was playing for Cornwall against Somerset Under 14s when I was 12.
“I then had a few games for Somerset, which is when things started to take off for me and I came into contact with Matt Drakeley and Andrew Griffiths.
“It feels amazing to be here as part of the Academy and I’m just so grateful for the opportunity. I was just so wowed by the environment and the availability of everything when I first started. The facilities and the coaches here are just on another level and I am loving being a part of it.”
Looking ahead, Will said: “In 2025, my main goal is to still be fit, take some top order scalps and score some big runs.
“In five years I want to have a contract and be playing cricket regularly and helping whichever team I play for. Hopefully, that will be for Somerset.”
