Stevenson, 28, has taken 13 wickets at an average of 9.08, the St Patrick's all-rounder playing his role to perfection in the middle overs.

The seamer's variety has proved his greatest strength so far but even Stevenson hadn't predicted his figures looking so rosy after seven games.

"I didn't expect to have this big a role with the ball," Stevenson said.

"I didn't expect to take as many wickets as I have but the shorter format suits my bowling.

"I bowl lots of change-ups and very rarely bowl six balls the same in an over so it's quite hard for the batsman to adjust if they don't know what's going on.

"I always knew I'd be third or fourth seamer coming into the year.

"With Liam Scammell coming on board (as coach), I thought I'd bowl a little bit less with him being the main all-rounder now but with Scam opening up with the ball, they need someone to come through the middle and try to peg it back a bit.

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"It's Evo (Luke Evans) and Scam at the top with the ball, then me and Nick Hynes bowl change-ups.

"I go into every year and try to enjoy it but I didn't expect it to be this good so far."

Stevenson, who bowled the Super Over for Patties against East Albury last weekend, has also proved handy with the bat.

He came in at number eight and smashed 18 off 10 balls against the Crows, having started the season with 27 against North Albury and 20 against Lavington, batting at six in both matches.

"I'm having to come in and score some quick runs at the end," Stevenson said.

"It's about playing with freedom, that if there's 18 or 24 balls left, you have confidence in your ability to do what you've got to do and if not, there's blokes behind you that can.

"It's not about chewing up balls, it's about scoring as quick as possible, finding the gaps and knowing where your sweepers are.

"There's a lot more to come from this Patties side."

St Patrick's take on Tallangatta at Xavier High School from 3pm on Saturday.

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