Young Dennington duo look forward to 2021 country week campaigns

They are playing their first year of Warrnambool and District Cricket top-grade and will both be part of WDCA junior country week sides from January 3-7. They typically take on sides such as Portland and Wimmera Mallee.

Powell, 16, is playing for the Warrnambool Blue under 17 outfit while Alexander, 14, will suit up for the Warrnambool Gold under 15 team.

The under 17 tournament will be held in Warrnambool while the under 15s will go to battle in Horsham.

The pair previously played in a country week under 15 premiership side when Powell was top-age and Alexander was bottom-age.

Playing on turf at country week is something they've valued as they normally play on hard-wickets during juniors.

They've had even more exposure to the natural surface since making their WDCA division one debuts.

They both played in their fourth top-level match as the Dogs lost to North Warrnambool Eels in a one-dayer on Saturday.

Kory Howlett (40) and Jack Burke (43 not out) helped the Eels to 9/163 before the Dogs were knocked over for 150 at Dennington.

Powell took 2/24 from five overs and made 13 with the stick while Alexander was run out for 11.

Alexander who made his debut against Merrivale in round two noted division one players were sharper in the field.

"It's definitely a massive step up from a lot of the junior cricket but it's a good challenge," the young batsman said.

"They bowl really tight areas which makes it a lot harder to score and if you hit it to a fielder, chances are they're definitely going to catch it."

The 14-year-old was honoured when he got selected as his dad, Jeremy, and uncles Jarrod and Nick also played senior cricket at the club.

"I've been here since under 11s which is really good, you get to know all the people and then when you get to this level (top-grade) you know everyone which is always good," he said.

"It was a thrill when I heard I was playing."

It's Powell's first year at the club and he made his debut in round one against Wesley-Yambuk.

He's also noticed the increased tempo at the highest level.

"Bowling is a bit harder, you've got to make sure you're nice and tight with the ball, otherwise you get punished fairly quickly so it's a big step up," he said.

"And in the field you've got to be switched on for the whole 45 overs, that's one of the more important things, just in the field stopping as many runs as possible."

Powell bowled a match-winning 4/26 as the Dogs beat Nestles in round four.

"It was definitely a surprise, I hadn't taken a wicket before in senior cricket - I got a few in the twos the week before," the left-arm bowler said.

"Obviously (wicket-keeper) Stui Brown was pretty handy with two stumpings so that was nice.

"I just felt those conditions suited the way I bowl."

Alexander also made a handy 30 not out against Nestles that day.

In other division one results, West Warrnambool surprised Russells Creek with a bowling masterclass.

Joe Nyikos took 4/11 as Creek crumbled for 119. Skipper Ben Threlfall with 45 not out ensured the run-chase was successful.

Merrivale's 7/196 proved too strong for Wesley-Yambuk which only managed 142.

Josh Stapleton (72) and Theo Opperman (61) hit most of the runs before Hugh Fleming and Marcus Bunney claimed three pegs each with the ball.

Max Green (39) top-scored for Port Fairy as the Pirates reeled in Nestles' 157 in 43.4 overs. Niahl Dwyer's 4/28 was crucial during the bowling effort.

Allansford-Panmure's imposing 5/218 was too much for Brierly-Christ Church with the Bulls all-out for 171.

The Gators' middle-order stood up with Kade Parker's 66 a highlight.