WODONGA batsman Dan Dixon says the emergence of several youngsters has helped the CAW club overcome the loss of key personnel.
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Despite losing about 15 players this season, the Bulldogs have remained ultra competitive with two wins in the opening three rounds.
Spinner Philip Stahl and wicket-keeper Harrison Kitching have been given opportunities in the past fortnight.
Under-16 player Hudson Garoni is also in first grade ranks.
“It’s been a good time to bring the kids through,” Dixon said.
“We lost 14 to 16 players over the off-season and they have stepped up well.
“They are working their backsides off and being rewarded with opportunities.”
Stahl took 0-4 off four overs on debut at the weekend, while Kitching has taken three catches in his two first grade appearances.
We lost 14 to 16 players over the off-season and they have stepped up well.
- Dan Dixon
Wodonga is likely to regain trump card James Tonkin after the Christmas break.
The former Lavington star is yet to make an appearance this season and will further strengthen a top-order boasting Robbie Jackson, Andrew Weighell and Jack Craig.
“He’s going to play but we aren’t too sure exactly when yet,” he said.
“He’s getting married and has taken over his father’s business so ‘Tonky’ has a fair bit on his plate at the moment.”
Cooper Garoni is also set to play in coming weeks after recovering from a knee operation.
Wodonga holds the whip hand against East Albury at Les Cheesley Oval after dismissing the Crows for 128.
The Bulldogs will resume at 1-32.
Meanwhile, North Albury is sweating on boom recruit Ashley Hulme’s availability.
He didn’t bat against New City in round three and was sorely missed when the Hoppers were steamrolled by Tallangatta at the weekend.
Club spokesman Gerard Midson said Hulme was in the process of relocating to the Border from Melbourne.
“Hopefully he will be right in the next week or so,” he said.
“More than likely he’ll be back for our next game.”
In other news, former East Albury skipper James McNeil’s frustrating run in Premier Cricket has continued.
The Melbourne Uni batsman made another start before being dismissed for 22 against Prahran.
He has previously made scores of 26, seven, 21, 44, 56 and 43.
The CAW ladder is: Belvoir 33.81, North Albury 28.29, Tallangatta 26.23, St Patrick’s 25.59, Wodonga 24.36, Lavington 23.16, New City 19.60, Albury 15.73, East Albury 10.72, Wodonga Raiders 9.74.
