A quiet achiever, who admits he wouldn’t feature on the tip sheets of opposition teams, is playing a crucial role as East Albury fights for finals.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Unheralded opening bowler Michael Brown is second on the wicket-taker’s list with 18 at 17.56.
Last season, he was 47th with 13.
“I’ve slipped under the radar a bit,” he said.
“Not too many sides will put me on their watch-out list.
“I think ‘Whitey’ (team-mate Cameron White) would definitely be on the list, but not me.”
The 22-year-old is in his third season at provincial level.
He was a first-change bowler in the opening two years, but has progressed to opening, which he credits for the improvement.
“If anything, it’s just given me the chance to open the bowling, bowling with a new ball, obviously it’s a bit easier to swing the ball with a new ball,” he said.
The Crows stunned the competition in playing finals after winning just two games the previous season.
They’re involved in another tight battle for finals, sitting sixth, splitting the 10 games.
While no team is guaranteed a finals berth yet, given the two-dayers are about to start, which attract the most points, East appears set to battle potentially Belvoir and St Patrick’s for a spot.
“I think the two-day format will suit us a bit better,” Brown said.
“I think ‘Whitey’s’ a much better two-day bowler than probably anyone in the competition.
“If he gets on top of opponents early, I think we can beat anyone.”
White started last summer’s two-dayers with three successive hauls of five wickets or better, including a 6-29 against Lavington.
He finished the year as the second leading wicket-taker with 40.
He currently has 10 scalps.
East will host North Albury on Saturday, which ended the Crows’ season in the semi-final.
Elsewhere, New City will face its toughest test away to Wodonga.
City’s English first-class import Saif Zaib will be desperate to hit three figures after threatening with three half-centuries.
The Phoenix sits third (8-2), while Wodonga is still undefeated after eight wins and two ties.
Meanwhile, Tallangatta is home to St Patrick’s, Albury hosts Lavington, which has fallen from top spot after successive losses, while Belvoir could join the top six when it faces nearby rivals Wodonga Raiders.
