Young talent steps up

SCOTT HAMMOND/Marlborough Express

SUMMER SIZZLER: Andrew Forgesson has enjoyed an outstanding summer on the tennis court and the cricket field.

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It's said good things come in small packages.

This summer Andrew Forgesson has proved that holds true, especially in sport.

The pint-sized 13-year-old has not only established himself as one of Marlborough's most promising tennis players, but also made his mark on the cricket field.

At 38 kilograms and under five feet tall, Andrew is small compared to boys his own age, but that hasn't stopped him stepping up the year groups to take on tennis players twice his size.

Last weekend he took on 10 others to win the under-16 boys' title at the Marlborough Tennis Club champs.

The performance was one of many outstanding outings this season at junior and senior level.

Earlier this year, he became one of the youngest players to represent the Marlborough under-18 Blair Cup team.

Despite giving away size and power to his older opponents, the quietly spoken youngster said he used speed and consistency to make up the difference.

A top20 ranked player in New Zealand for the 12 years age group, Andrew's aim is to return to that level now he has moved up to the 14s.

Andrew's talents are just as evident on the cricket field, where he is a nuggety opening batsman and wicketkeeper, as well as a handy medium pace bowler on occasion.

He played fourth grade for Wairau Valley and was in the Marlborough primary school representative team.

He even stepped up to play second grade cricket earlier this month, scoring 24 not out – no doubt the first of many fine innings in the senior ranks.

A keen student of tennis and cricket, Andrew enjoys watching both sports and will travel to Wellington tomorrow to watch day two of the first test between the Black Caps and Australia.

Andrew's favourite cricketer is another diminutive batsman, India's Sachin Tendulkar, while Rafael Nadal is tops in tennis.

Andrew was born in Bermuda to a sporting family – mum Anna and dad Brett like to run, though Andrew describes that pursuit as "too boring".

Older sister Rebecca, 15, enjoys dance and gymnastics, meaning little sibling rivalry on the sports fields.

Originally from Blenheim, the family moved back a couple of years ago.

In year 9 at Marlborough Boys' College, Andrew enjoys maths and, not surprisingly, PE.

Growing up in Bermuda, Andrew's first forays into sport involved football on a Saturday and rugby on a Sunday.

He has also tried his hand successfully at golf and basketball, though some tough choices have meant rugby joins tennis as his main winter sports.

A lively halfback, Andrew played for the Marlborough under-12 rep team last year, though a broken hand in the final game of the rep season meant a delayed start to summer sport.

One thing's for sure, though – Andrew isn't going to let a few knocks hold him back.

- The Marlborough Express