Gippsland Pride performed very strongly in this season’s Under 16 male Youth Premier League.
The campaign concluded in the Albury region last week; Gippsland finishing second in the Stars Pool.
Sale-Maffra was well represented, with Sam Anderson, Hayden Wrigglesworth, Ashton Wright, Harry Tatterson and team manger Charlie Morrison making the trip.
Wrigglesworth contributed a couple of good scores during the week, making 36 and 26 not out, while Wright made an unbeaten 48 in the last game.
ELSEWHERE, a number of locals played for Gippsland Under 21s against Barwon on December 11.
Coached by Collegians’ Chris Malone, those making the trip to Merv Hughes Oval, (Footscray) were Henry Anderson, Nathan Whitford, Zak Russell, Jed Malone (all Collegians), along with Longford all-rounder Jake Wynd and Yarram pace bowler Kelly Griffiths.
Griffiths and Whitford opened the bowling, with wickets going to the latter, along with Anderson.
Chasing 290, Pride put up a good fight, but were bowled out for 246.
REPRESENTATIVE honours keep rolling for SMCA players.
Boisdale-Briagolong’s Austin Anlezark just finished up playing for Victoria Country at the Under 19 National Championships in Adelaide.
The young speedster took the new ball every game he played, as Victoria Country made it to the Preliminary Final.
Anlezark has made huge strides in recent seasons, and was even a net bowler to England batsman during the last Ashes series.
FURTHER honours have come for another SMCA player – Tom Wrigglesworth.
Wrigglesworth made his first grade debut for Melbourne Cricket Club in Victorian Premier Cricket last weekend.
The leg spinner took two wickets for the Demons, and became the sixth Stratford player to reach Premier First XI level after Andrew Tatterson, Jack Tatterson, Simon Waixel, Tilly Pendergast, and older brother Jack.
There has now been three Wrigglesworths from two generations play Premiers firsts – Tom’s dad of course being former Victorian player Ian Wrigglesworth.
Current Redbacks captain Jack Rietschel also more than likely would have played firsts for Melbourne, after planning on making the move in 2020, only for logistical circumstances to curtail operations.
Melbourne Cricket Club and Sale-Maffra teams have enjoyed a strong, if somewhat unnoticed, connection over the years.
Collegians legend Stuart Anderson played a number of first grade matches for the Demons, while former Sale player Josh Benson captained teams in the lower grades.
Only the best play for Melbourne.
