New City’s Coby Fitzsimmons quickly made a name for himself with a series of strong displays in his debut season.

“Probably the Albury game, he came in under a lot of pressure,” Phoenix captain Sam Grant said.

“I think he made about 20-odd not out (23) and had only had a few A grade games at the time.

“It was sort of the day he announced himself as an A grade player and you could see he’s gone from strength to strength.”

Fitzsimmons, who’s just finished Year Nine at Murray High School, came to the crease at 8-129, chasing Albury’s 173.

The right-hander combined with his skipper (87 not out) in a match-winning 48-run stand.

The 15-year-old has been working on a number of areas since training in Melbourne over winter.

“I’ve just been working on hitting the ball hard and trying to turn over the strike,” he said.

“And in bowling, it’s been about more consistency and throwing in your variations.”

Fitzsimmons plies bowling’s toughest trade – leg spin.

He’s grabbed nine wickets, including a best of 3-22 against Wodonga Raiders on December 1.

“It’s obviously helped with all the confidence that my team-mates have given me,” he said.

“But it’s just really backing your ability and that’s what I’ve found really works.”

Grant, who’s played at first-class level, knows his difficult the art can be.

“I think he’s been a bit unlucky with his figures, sometimes it doesn’t reflect how well he’s bowled, he’s been fantastic,” he said.

“He’s a good competitor, he expects a lot of himself and sets high standards, it’s always the best way to be.

“He’s got that doggedness and desire to do well, I’d have him in my team any day of the week.”

After two months of 50-over cricket, play returns to T20 level today.

New City is the only winless outfit after the three rounds.

The Phoenix will host Belvoir.