The New City top-order right hand batsmen admitted it had taken him 12 months to adjust to the intensity of the Border’s elite competition, but after three innings, two undefeated, the former Holbrook junior has 176 runs at an average of 176.

Last week he cracked 13 fours and a six in an unbeaten 94 against Albury at Billson Park, the week before an unbeaten half century against Tallangatta.

“I think it’s a case that I’m a bit more relaxed now, I know what to expect,” Wishart said.

“It’s a big shock coming from Holbrook to provincial cricket.

“Obviously there are a lot of good cricketers but it is the intensity that came as a real eye opener.

“From the moment you pad up at training to the start of the pre-game warm up there is a real purpose to everything you do.

“It is the same on the field — the intensity is there whether you are batting or in the field.”

Wishart started playing Saturday morning cricket when he was 11 and seniors when he was 14.

The now 20-year-old top-scored in Holbrook’s grand final loss to Henty in 2012-13 before joining the Phoenix.

Unlike many others from the submarine town’s junior production line he found his way to New City rather than Lavington.

“I don’t really know how that all happened — I had a few chats with the club president and the coach and just liked some of their ideas,” he said.

“We don’t have some of the names and reputations of other sides but we all have a crack and generally are pretty competitive, no matter who we are up against.”

Wishart said last summer was a learning experience for him.

“I think I bounced around a bit last year — played first grade, second grade, even C grade,” he said.

“Some weeks I would open and then I would be pushed right down the order.

“But I have had some luck this year and got a start in all three innings, and in all three I’ve batted in the middle order.

“I have no doubt that I’m best suited to batting at No. 4 or No. 5 and perhaps that has had something to do with getting a decent start to the cricket season.”