A teenager is taking Seabrook and the competition by storm in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Clark Shield season.
At just 14, Siddh Dang made his first XI debut for Seabrook in its first match for the season and hasn’t looked out of place.
He sits in the top five for wickets for the season with 13 wickets, having led the way after the first four matches.
Seabrook president Ateev Dang said it was exciting to see what Siddh had done this season.
“He was the player of the tournament in our second XI and we thought we’d put him in our first XI as we thought he would go OK,” Dang said.
“He was leading the whole association [division] for wickets. We had a player come in from premier cricket and thought he might dominate but Siddh has been the standout.”
Ateev said Siddh had been very excited about his performances at this level.
He started the season as a second change bowler before moving to open the bowling in the side’s loss to Sunshine Heights.
Siddh again opened the bowling on Saturday against Bellbridge and took 3-43.
The summer is only going to get bigger for Siddh.
He is set to represent Ivanhoe in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association Craig Shield.
Ateev said after feedback it was decided that he should play outside of the western suburbs to further progress his game.
Long term, Siddh will likely step up to higher grades but for now the focus is playing with his home club.
“He is really focused on club loyalty,” Ateev said. “He’s looking to stay another year and then hopefully we’ll have someone else to step up into the first XI.
“We’ve all been excited about what he has been able to achieve as a 14-year-old.”
For the season, Seabrook has two wins for the year.
Ateev said they’d had some unavailability and injuries which had hurt them.
“Dulanga Lakma played for Thomastown United and Khush Talati played for Melbourne University and we’re hoping they will help us get to finals and be successful.”
Seabrook faced Bellbridge on Saturday and Sunday.
While most games were washed out on Saturday, Seabrook and Bellbridge were able to get their game started.
Bellbridge made 217 as it was bowled out in the 61st over.
Talati took four wickets for Seabrook.
Seabrook never got going with the bat, bowled out for 135.
Talati top scored with 23.
After six matches, Seabrook sits seventh on the ladder.
It finishes the first part of the season with a two-dayer against Barkly St Uniting.
