One of the association’s quickest bowlers is targeting Canberra to fast-track his rise.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
St Patrick’s Jarryd Hatton has just joined ACT outfit, Ginninderra.
“I thought if I have a real good crack at my cricket, then obviously Canberra’s a good option,” he said.
“They’re in the Futures League and I just think the opportunity there is a lot greater than CAW.”
The Futures League is basically Sheffield Shield’s reserve grade.
The ACT-NSW Country Comets tackle the State Second XI’s, with former Test bowler Trent Copeland captaining the Comets earlier this season.
“To take the next step I probably have to be exposed to that kind of cricket and coaching I guess,” Hatton said.
“I need to improve my consistency, I need a bit of repetition.
“I have to hit that consistent line and there’s a bit of technical work I need as well.”
Hatton has taken 63 wickets at 20.13 in his four seasons in CAW.
The 23-year old has taken three five-wicket hauls, with a best of 5-23 against New City in 2014-15.
He hasn’t bowled though since round three against Lavington in late October.
“I’ve got a back issue so I wouldn’t have been able to play at St Pat’s until after Christmas,” he said.
Hatton’s speed has never been clocked, but it’s generally considered he would bowl well over 130km at his best.
His natural slant as a left-armer across the right-hander is difficult to counter, particularly at that speed.
And while excited at the prospect of taking his bowling to the next level, he admits it was a difficult decision.
“Oh mate, absolutely, 100 per cent, I love the club, they’re like a family to me,” he said.
“The coaching panel at St Pat’s have been great, they’ve really encouraged me.
“It’s just sad to leave, but it’s also nice to know that I’ve got so many good mates there and I can always come back to that.”
But it’s not just his former club who Hatton has bonded with.
He’s also become close to Wodonga coach Robbie Jackson, who played a key role in his development to NSW Country selection last season.
“I’ve created a pretty strong bond with ‘Jacko’ over the last few years with Riverina as well,” he said.
“I talk to him and bounce ideas off him.”
Given the loss of its only paceman, St Pat’s has done remarkably well to sit in fifth spot.
The Patties have used as many as five spinners or slow bowlers in a match as they try to manufacture wins.
The club hosts New City on Saturday.
