Robertson 15-year-old fast bowler Mason King is a talent.
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A talent playing second grade in the Highlands District Cricket Association (HDCA) competition.
Every football club, regardless of the shape of the ball and the majority of cricket clubs have ‘recruitment officers.”
Each “employed” to recruit youngsters who can benefit the club and improve their sporting lot in life.
I unintentionally donned my “recruitment hat” last Saturday while umpiring the second grade game between Robertson and Bowral Blues at Stephens Park.
Young Mason toiled under the sweltering sun and, despite bowling great length and line was wicketless in his first spell.
This was while Bowral skipper Andrew Langford was playing shots to all parts of the ground, laying a foundation for what was expected to be a match-winning score.
Alan notched a century in East Bowral’s total of 270. A much needed captain’s knock.
The East Bowral would have easily climbed over the 300 mark had it not been for a return to the bowling crease by Mason King.
Mason, fire in the belly, skittled the tail to finish with 4-35.
This youngman has the right attitude, the right skills to be eagerly sought after by recruitment officers across the state.
As they say in the “cricket classics,” – he can play!
Robertson, batting their strong suit, answered the challenge by winning with four wickets to spare spare spare.
Nic Wilson made an accomplished unbeaten 91 to get the chocolates. Spare.
“Young Mason toiled under the sweltering sun and, despite bowling great length and line was wicketless in his first spell. This was while Bowral skipper Andrew Langford was playing shots to all parts of the ground,” Geoff Prenter.
Talking of Talent
“There will never be another Don Bradman……”
True. But there also may never be another Steve Smith.
The Perth test double century-maker has no peer in word cricket.
In the air, along the ground, Mr. Smith has an array of shots envied by his white flanneled mates here and afar.
Bradman’s approach to scoring centuries was to keep the ball along the ground, thus avoiding holing out.
Smith has no preference as long as he is piercing the field wherever it is stationed.
His technique can’t be challenged but perhaps when one of the English quicks can master an out-swinger, he could claim the prized scalp of the Aussie skipper.
Pace of the Century
We had Ray Lindwall and Keith Miller. Throw in left handed swing master Alan Davidson to give them a spell. We had Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson. There was McGrath.
Now we have Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, not to forget Pat Cummins. Australia has a history of great fast bowlers. Our one and only world class spinner, Nathan Lyon would be thrilled to play in the same team.