Generation Next has arrived at Williamstown CYMS.
The work that has gone into the CYs’ nursery in the past seven years is starting to reap rewards.
It was a youth-driven CYs side that took the field and hammered Point Cook by 99 runs in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association west A1 season opener at Fearon Reserve on Saturday.
Home-grown, up-and-coming teenagers Kallan Dawson, Pat Galic and Jack Sutter had a major input to the first-round victory.
According to CYs playing assistant coach Andrew Leetet, the club is very happy with the way the juniors have pushed through this year.
“In preseason, they really stood up and deserve their positions,” he said. “We’re giving them exposure on merit.”
Point Cook was left shellshocked when it was bowled out for just 99. Dawson shared the new ball with the experienced Andrew Walshe and finished with four wickets, including both openers.
“He bowled really well,” Leetet said. “He played a few games in our twos last year to get a taste for it and as he grows into his body, he’ll only get better.”
Sutter had played one game in the first XI to round out last summer and found his way back into the side on the opening weekend.
He had the big responsibility of donning the wicketkeeping gloves and acquitted himself well, conceding just two byes and affecting a stumping.
Galic, a medium-pace bowler and middle- order batsman, has the chance to nail down the all-rounder position.
The CYs elevated Paul Russ to coach this season with a view to him further developing the club’s promising youngsters.
“Paul’s got a history with CYs and also played with South Melbourne and Yarraville, so he’s got a pretty good grounding,” Leetet said. “We spoke about continuing our junior push.”
CYs welcomed back Sri Lankan import Damitha Hunukumbura, who got his season off to a flyer with 60 in the run chase as his side powered to 5-198. He opened the batting with new recruit Aaron Alley, who impressed in his first game back from a lengthy absence from the game.
Leetet is cautious about what the first-up win means in the context of the season.
After all, CYs were hot favourites heading into the game, with Point Cook being the newly promoted side of the division.
“It’s only round one, but it’s good to get the first win on the board,” he said.
CYs will make the short trip to Newport- Digman in the second round, rekindling a rivalry that dates to the days when both clubs were in the Williamstown and District Cricket Association.
