Cricket Albury-Wodonga’s hottest batsman says a renewed passion for the game is behind his lightning start.
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Tallangatta’s Nathan Thompson is the leading run-scorer with 140, at the same average after being dismissed only once in his three innings.
“Basically, I’m a bit keener to play cricket,” Thompson said.
“I’ve done a pre-season which is something I don’t normally do.”
Thompson works for the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and his season can often be interrupted fighting fires.
The hard-hitting left-hander played only eight matches last season, finishing 44th on the run-scorer’s list with 188 at 23.5.
He’s a former representative player, who was once hit in the helmet by tearaway teenager Josh Hazlewood, the ball ricocheting around 30 metres.
And the fact he’s focused on cricket is a worry for the competition as the Bushies now boast three dangerous batsmen in Thompson, Matt Armstrong and Sri Lankan Dilhara Lokuhettige, with the possibility of English county all-rounder James Weighell returning.
Tallangatta remains the only unbeaten team after three rounds.
Lavington has only one win, but the plaudits keep coming for recruit Brett Davies.
Just days after Panthers’ coach Robbie Mackinlay declared the paceman will improve every player in the team, the star of round three, Wodonga quick Scott Billington, says he’s in the top three players the Wagga competition has produced in the past decade.
“I played with Brett last season as Lake Albert broke a long premiership drought in our 125th season,” Billington said.
“He’s a fantastic player, he’ll give Lavington experience and a little bit of mongrel.”
Davies took 4-28 against Albury, but the home side produced a whirlwind finish, tearing through the middle and lower order.
“Lavington was phenomenal with the ball,” Albury co-coach Jerim Hayes said.
“If they’re not the best disciplined bowling team, they’re in the top couple.”
Premier Belvoir’s win over wooden spooner Wodonga Raiders was largely unremarkable, but for Josh Warren’s catch with the gloves.
“Peabo (Raiders’ captain Darren Petersen) went for a slog, and half got a top edge,” Mick Spiteri said.
“It went over the keeper’s head, and Josh had to run 10-15 metres and dived full length, taking it inches off the ground.”
And East Albury has equalled its winning record from last season.
The youthful Crows had only two wins in finishing eighth, but they showed their promise in toppling a Greg Daniel-inspired North Albury.
