A stack of school students, who aren’t old enough to drive by themselves, are making a name in first grade.
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East Albury’s Austin Shepherd is bowling-first change as a 15-year-old, while Tallangatta’s Lachie Paton claimed 6-45 against Albury last season at the same age.
Jackson Carmody posted an unbeaten 46 on debut against North Albury, while Liam Fitzsimmons already boasts a half-century.
The youngsters play under 16s on Saturday mornings, before tackling the top grade.
“Chris Sole (Albury) is the fastest I’ve faced,” Fitzsimmons said.
“He was very quick, but it’s just mind over matter, you just teach yourself to watch the ball.”
Chris Sole (Albury) is the fastest I’ve faced, he was very quick, but it’s just mind over matter, you just teach yourself to watch the ball.
- Liam Fitzsimmons
The 16-year-old hit 62 against Albury last month.
East Albury junior coach Craig Shepherd coaches his son Austin at junior level, as well as Carmody.
“Jackson has got so much potential,” he said.
“He’s a very good strokemaker and he hits the ball so cleanly.
“Austin has concentrated on his cricket this year after competing at national level in swimming the past few years.”
Shepherd and Fitzsimmons have been named in the junior Riverina team to play at Wollongong in February.
“The bowlers at first grade level are more accurate than in the juniors,” Austin Shepherd said.
“It’s tougher to make runs and it’s tougher to take wickets.”
Sixteen-year-old Carmody agrees with his fellow Year 10 student.
“The bowlers are a lot quicker, and they’re just on the spot,” he said.
“It’s a big step from the juniors to first grade.”
Belvoir’s Liam Ross, meantime, will resume on 21 against New City.
He was hit in the helmet twice by Phoenix quick Haydyn Roberts.
“I was trying to duck and weave, but he got me a couple of times,” Ross said.
Ross is the son of former Lavington football premiership player Anthony.
“Dad wasn’t much of a cricketer,” Liam laughed.
“But he speaks with (Tallangatta veteran) Steve Wood at work, and Steve gives dad some tips.
“Dad also talks to me about technical aspects that he’s picked up, and he’s been a great support.”
Paton took 1-16 from eight overs in the match-of-the round against ladder leader Wodonga.
The Bushies restricted Wodonga to 9-171, with the home team set to come hard at the visitors.
