Beks, 18, steered the Dogs’ top-grade side to a Warrnambool and District Cricket Association semi-final berth last weekend after spending a fortnight in the club’s second XI.

He teamed with fellow teen Ben Rantall to score an unbeaten 75-run eighth-wicket stand against Nestles in the final home-and-away round to ensure Dennington’s quest for grand final redemption remained intact.

The Dogs will play Woodford in a cut-throat semi-final at Davidson Oval this weekend.

Beks said the chance to spend time in the middle during a one-game stint in division two proved beneficial.

The lower order bat made 83 and returned to the first XI the following week to produce his top-grade season-high of 35.

“I went to the twos and batted 30 overs and that got me a bit of form,” Beks said.

“I mostly bat at 10 or 11 and last week I was nine because (my brother) Shannon didn’t play and Pete Shepherd had a wedding to go to so I moved up one or two spots.” Beks played the bulk of the 2013-14 summer in division two but stepped up this season to play a role in division one alongside his father Terry and younger brother Shannon, who will play football for TAC Cup club North Ballarat Rebels this year.

“It’s pretty fun (playing with Shannon); we’re constantly ribbing on each other,” he said.

Dennington co-captain Dustin Drew said Beks was establishing himself as a quality player.

“He’s really improved for us this year,” he said. 

“Last year he played division two and took one or two wickets every game.

“He went deep into footy season with (South Warrnambool) under 18s winning the flag but he’s really grown this cricket season.

“He’s been predominantly in the side as a bowler and last week got an opportunity with the bat and made runs.”

Drew said Dennington was confident it could surprise Woodford.

The Eels’ run to the finals was smoother than that of the Dogs.

They finished four games clear atop the Merri conference.

“They have clearly dominated their side of the competition  — they finished on top and haven’t really been tested,” Drew said.

Drew believes bowling will determine the match.

“It is one of those games — it is your ninth, 10th and 11th players who are really important,” he said.

“It could be a high-scoring game or a low-scoring game.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if it was low-scoring because a lot of semi-finals are.

“This is my 10th semi-final I have played in and there’s only been one or two games where sides have made 200 runs.”