By Liam Twomey
Young cricketers from all over Australia now know, if they want to get to the top they are going to have to go through Jonah Koch.
The 17-year-old has long been known as an exciting prospect throughout the western suburbs cricket community, however Koch has now shown the rest of Australia what he can do.
The speedster has a knack for taking wickets and keeping the run rate down which earned him selection in the Victorian under-17 state side for the national championships in Hobart late last year.
Opening the bowling for the Big V brought out the best in Koch, who took eight wickets from his five matches and helped lead Victoria to a third-placed finish at the tournament.
On the back of his performances the Maribyrnong resident was named in the competition’s team of the tournament.
“It was very exciting,” Koch said. “I didn’t expect to be named in that team at all to be honest. I had an OK carnival but I wasn’t really thinking about that at the time.
“I was still pretty disappointed that we couldn’t get the championship win. It was nice to get the recognition for hard work though.”
Koch did his best work in the middle of the tournament, taking back-to-back three wicket hauls against Queensland and South Australia.
His combined figures from those two games were a staggering 6-33 from 24 overs.
The momentum carried through to the Victorian Premier Cricket season when Koch opened the bowling in the second XI for Footscray Edgewater. Upon his return he claimed seven wickets in the final four matches. “The season might have started off a bit slow but after the carnival I came back and I felt like that was a bit of a turning point,” he said.
Not just a star in the outdoor game, Koch also represented Victoria at the national indoor cricket championship in Werribee last year.
While Victoria finished fifth of the six states represented, Koch said it was a great learning experience.
“The indoor championships taught me a lot.
“We didn’t have the greatest carnival but you need to front up to each game and compete and I think that builds a bit of resilience.”
For his outstanding sporting
achievements, Koch has been named as a monthly nominee for the Don Deeble Rising Star award. The award is run by the Sunshine Western Region Sports Club in conjunction with
Star Weekly.
Koch will receive $1000 donated by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club and other prizes to assist in his future sporting goals.
The Don Deeble Rising Star award recognises young athletes in the western suburbs who have achieved outstanding results at a state and national level.
To nominate someone for the Don Deeble Rising Star Award email ltwomey@mmpgroup.com.au.
