AS far as first-team debuts go, to say Asa Tribe’s for Glamorgan went well, would be a drastic understatement.
The 20-year-old starred for the Welsh outfit in the Minor One Day Cup against Wiltshire, batting at number four to score an unbeaten 93 from just 90 deliveries, which steered his side to a comfortable seven-wicket victory.
Speaking after his remarkable day, the Farmers CC and Jersey batter said: “Ever since I received my rookie contract, I’ve wanted to push for a first-team place.
“It’s an excellent feeling to have finally got it. I’ve been working incredibly hard this season and it was nice to seal that debut with a good performance as well.
“To get the win as well makes it even sweeter. It’s great to score runs but it’s far better to contribute to a win for the team.”
Last October, Tribe became the first Jersey-born player to receive a professional contract and admits his first season has been full of lessons.
“It’s been interesting so far,” continued the star batsman.
“If I’m honest, it’s not been the season I wanted from a personal perspective.
“I feel like I started pretty well, but through the middle part of the season I haven’t put in the performances I was hoping for.
“This score for the first team has done loads for my confidence and I’m hoping this can be the start of a resurgence in my form entering into the back half of the season.
“We had quite a few first-team players unavailable and it was an amazing opportunity for me to come in against Wiltshire.
“To bat at number four as well was awesome. I feel comfortable there and it gave me a great chance to really stamp my authority and show what I can do.
“These chances don’t come all too often in professional sport, so I’m delighted to have made an impact.”
Tribe has been sharing training with some of the game’s greats, including none other than Australian Test number three batter, Marnus Labuschagne.
Describing his time around players of such calibre, the former De La Salle student concluded: “Even just being around these lads has helped my game so much, both on and off the pitch.
“Some of these guys have been in the professional game for years so being able to pick their brains has been so beneficial.
“I haven’t had much chance to play with them on the field yet, but I know my time will come.
“I know it’s cliché, but just being in an environment full of elite athletes brings something elite out of you as well.
“We have the Metro Bank One Day Cup around the corner and I’m hopeful of a good run in that side and to perform well.
“That’ll be a good opportunity for me to really lay my claim of being a Glamorgan player and hopefully will help me land a spot in the four-day squad for the remainder of the first-class season.”
Glamorgan are set to welcome Gloucestershire to Sophia Gardens in Cardiff tomorrow for their opening round of the Metro Bank One Day Cup.
