AFTER taking two wickets in his second grade cricket debut for Gordon, Connor Cook has set himself the goal of progressing into first grade in Sydney by the end of this summer.
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It would be a brave person to bet against it happening as the 17-year-old continues his impressive progression through the sport's ranks.
But while Port Macquarie's loss is Gordon's gain, Cook admitted to a sense of disappointment he won't be around to see Pirates challenge for the Mid North Coast Premier Cricket League title.
"From the first year where we didn't win a game to winning six or seven on the trot at the end of last year before COVID, we were coming home very strong," he said.
"But you have to take these sorts of opportunities when they come around."
The off-spinner took 2-19 off 10 overs in Sydney two weeks ago and said the Premier League had provided him with a good starting point.
"You have one less bad ball an over down there so the standard wasn't too dissimilar to up here, but it was manageable so I enjoyed it," he said.
While Cook knows earning a dream position for the Blues at first-class level is still a distance away, he felt he was on the right path.
"It was good to get the first taste at that sort of level," he said.
"But I know the light is a long way away because there are very good players in second grade and even better players in first grade and the list goes on.
"But I'm there and that gives me a shot, but if I'm not then I'll never know."
Pirates look set to bid farewell to the talented teenager by the middle of November as he sets his sights on progressing beyond second grade.
"The goal would be to play first grade - that's the romantic ending I would like anyway," he said.
"But if I have a season in second grade and find my feet in Sydney I'll be happy; it's a pretty big place."
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