Ambitious Spirit Still Drives Fishlock At 81
Newcastle Herald
Wednesday January 14, 2009
VETERAN Bob Fishlock is looking forward to returning to the Newcastle District No.1 grade pennant competition this season.
The 81-year-old is back at Lambton and in top grade for a Beresfield pre-season competition match tonight.He will play third for Jay Walls against East Cessnock No.2 in what is a virtual replay of last year's state No.2 grade pennant final won by Lambton."I did not play pennants last season, but I am keen as ever to get back into top grade this year," Fishlock said."I have always maintained if you want to play the game your ambition should be to compete at the highest level."I may not play as well now as I used to, but I still have many more good days than bad and I still love the competition. I am also seeking to regain my place in the Newcastle senior representative side."But if I am not playing well enough, then I will be the first one to put my hand up and tell them that I should drop back in grade."Fishlock started his career at Lambton in 1962 and played with the club until 1979. Since then he has had two stints with Hamilton, a period as coach and co-ordinator at Windale Gateshead and a season each at Wallsend and Raymond Terrace.He has played 104 games for NSW, was a member of the state selection committee for 10 years and spent six years on the state coaching committee and two years with the NSW Institute of Sport."I have been associated with top players for a long time, and I still do a lot of coaching at Lambton as well as other clubs," Fishlock said.He has helped several top players finetune their game over the years, including internationals Kevin Walsh, Scott Caundle and Wayne Turley, who have regularly travelled up from Sydney so the old master can show them a couple of tricks.Lambton will no doubt be keen to take advantage of Fishlock's experience in their return to No.1 grade this year."I am there if they want to know anything," Fishlock said."They are really terrific young blokes that just have to step up from No.2 grade and learn how to play at the top level."In the top grade you need rhythm, and that only comes through consistency."While only a limited number of players at Lambton have had experience playing No.1 grade pennants, there is plenty of talent there for a very good side and a very strong club."Fishlock said he kept in shape by getting out and doing something every day."If you get unfit at my age, you stay unfit," Fishlock said.
© 2009 Newcastle Herald