Tigers veteran free as a bird
Former Clarence District Cricket Club player, state-level pathways graduate and veteran Tigers pace bowler Sam Rainbird has announced his retirement from Tasmanian cricket.
Since making his first-class debut in 2012, Rainbird played 56 games for Tasmania, amassed 170 wickets and was named the Tasmanian Tigers Sheffield Shield player of the year in for the 2013-14 season.
He also holds the record for the best figures in a single innings by a Tasmanian bowler claiming eight wickets and conceding just 21 runs against Queensland in 2022.
“Thank you to Cricket Tasmania and the Tasmanian Tigers family for allowing to me represent my state for 13 years. Playing for my home state was something I dreamed of doing as a kid,” Rainbird said.
“A massive thank you to my family, my wife Belinda and my daughter, Blake. I understand the sacrifices that you have made to allow me to follow my cricket career.
“To my parents Craig and Roslyn, thank you for always being there for me throughout my journey, driving me to training and games as a kid, supporting me and motivating me to persevere.
“Lastly to my teammates, thank you for being more than that, the game has given me friends for life and for that I will be forever grateful. To share a change room with players I grew up idolising and current players that I admire has been a privilege.”
Cricket Tasmania Male Program head coach Jeff Vaughan said Rainbird was the ultimate team man and a much-loved member of the squad.
“He has a great connection across the entire playing group from our oldest and most senior players to our newest rookie players. He epitomises ‘team’, what Tasmanian cricket stands for and has immense pride in the Tasmanian badge.” he said.
Despite his playing days coming to an end, Rainbird has expressed interest in taking up a coaching role and guiding the next generation of Tasmanian cricket talent.
Vaughan said Rainbird would remain a huge part of Cricket Tasmania.
“We look forward to his future involvement in what may become a very successful coaching pathway,” he said.
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