FOURTEEN of Warrnambool’s best cricketers are chasing redemption.
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Coming within eight runs of lifting the provincial grade Melbourne Country Week crown last season, desire to go one better is burning red-hot. Meet each of our best – and find out why captain Nathan Murphy and selectors picked the side.
NICK BUTTERS (WOODFORD)
WHO: Mooted as a future Melbourne Country Week captain and is still just 24 years of age. Has blasted 591 runs in the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association to date and also has 12 wickets to his name. Also a three-time premiership captain.
MURPHY SAYS: “He has leadership qualities and is a hard-hitting batsman up the top of the order. He could also bowl some part-time off-spin for us.”
CAM WILLIAMS (RUSSELLS CREEK)
WHO: Lively leader who is capable of breaking open a game in a matter of overs with his aggressive batting style. Takes the gloves and expect to see stumpings as he keeps up to medium-pacers.
MURPHY SAYS: “I rate him as one of the best country cricketers in Victoria and he’s someone who can just break it open in an instant.”
CHRIS BANT (ALLANSFORD)
WHO: Unassuming type who has stamped himself as one of the competition’s best players with two centuries for Allansford this season. Was deemed “unlucky” to miss out last season, and is pushing for a top-order spot.
MURPHY SAYS: “He brings steadiness to the top order and also some leadership in that he captains Allansford. He’s been there before with Grassmere and he’ll be up for his first tour with Warrnambool.”
BEN THRELFALL (WEST W’BOOL)
WHO: Threlfall is top-order batsman who has captained Victoria Country at junior level. Doesn’t often bowl fo his club but could get overs in Melbourne. Expect him to bat in the middle-order.
MURPHY SAYS: “He’s very good with the music after the game – but no, he’s a very fluent batsman and a good team member. He’s a flexible player and is a good floating player. We’ll back his skills.”
TOM BATTEN (WOODFORD)
WHO: Has played just four games for Woodford but selectors believe he can stand up on the big stage. Was a revelation last season, and provided “x-factor” for the side in the middle-to-lower order. Good athlete.
MURPHY SAYS: “He’s probably our x-factor again. He’ll come in around the 30-over mark and play his shots and he’s just good in the field for us.”
BRETT ELDRIDGE (NESTLES)
WHO: Genuine country week performer who has been drafted in for his leadership. Understands the game and selectors are hopeful he can return to his best form at the tournament.
MURPHY SAYS: “Experience. He's been on that many tours and I think on over half them, he’s picked up player of the week. He has experience and proper knowledge.”
JACK SUNDERLAND (WEST W’BOOL)
WHO: English import who is as good with the bat as he is the ball. Capable of bowling aggressively and can throw in a number of deliveries to bamboozle an opponent. Tipped to play a vital role in Warrnambool’s bowling attack.
MURPHY SAYS: “He brings some real aggressive bowling to the attack. He’ll hit the mark pretty hard. He’ll bring some of that pommy humour. We haven’t had four quick (bowlers) for a long time.”
JEREMY BURGESS (MERRIVALE)
WHO: Demanded selection after sizzling form earlier in the season. Looms as a middle order batsman and is tough to dismiss when his confidence is high. Thrilled to be in the mix.
MURPHY SAYS: “He’s a good team man and he’s just good for morale as a whole. We’ll even look for him to bowl some middle overs.”
JIMMY ELFORD (RUSSELLS CREEK)
WHO: Bowling all-rounder capable of taking large numbers of wickets – and did so last season. Offers pace, athleticism and the ability to break a match open. Also brilliant in the field.
MURPHY SAYS: “He’s a really good cricketer – an underrated cricketer. He can bowl anywhere – in the middle overs, opening, or towards the end. We’re looking for him to have a big week.”
TYLER FOWLER (WOODFORD)
WHO: Sharp, young bowler who can intimidate batsmen with his efforts. Was integral in his first country week last season and looms as an even bigger prospect this year. Expect wickets galore.
MURPHY SAYS: “He bowled well for his first time out last year and we’re looking for him to take that and develop it even more this year. We want him to lead the attack with Jimmy and Jack.”
HANK SCHLAGHECKE (WOODFORD)
WHO: Seasoned bowler who has time on his side. Multiple premiership player and is renowned as one of the quicker bowlers in the association.
MURPHY SAYS: “He just runs in all day and bowls hard. We’re looking for him to get up against the batsmen.”
BEN EVANS (WESLEY-CBC)
WHO: Wicket-taking spinner who gets good flight in his deliveries. First-time country week player.
MURPHY SAYS: “He brings variety with his left-arm orthodox bowling.”
MARK MURPHY (BRIERLY-CC)
WHO: Electrifying all-rounder who can bat, bowl, field and wicket-keep. Star quality is through the roof.
MURPHY SAYS: “He’ll bowl a bit and there will be more chances up the top of the order. He’s probably been a bit ‘Maxwellish’ in that he can play a loose shot but needs to bat deep down there.”
NATHAN MURPHY (BRIERLY-CC)
WHO: Second-year skipper who has had a big year with Victoria Country calling in January. One of our best-ever batsmen.