Welcome back to this weeks Tah Talk with Jay Lenton. This edition Jay gives an insight into the return of rep players to W1s, the successful week for both Julian and Myles at the U/17 national championships, and the W1s T20 Semi-final at Drummoyne Oval.
Thanks again to Underground Cricket for partnering with this article each and every week. Great to have Damon, Jason and the team on-board. For all your cricket equipment needs visit them at www.undergroundcricket.com
REP PLAYERS LIFT ALL
Never underestimate the influence rep players have on their teammates, opposition and the competition in general when they return to Premier Cricket.
We saw that for ourselves last weekend when Manly’s first grade women’s side welcomed back a host of topline players for their clash with ladder leaders Sydney.
Ebony Hoskins, Anika Learoyd, Hannah Darlington, Georgia Adams and Sam Bates all turned out for the Tahs, while the Tigers were boosted by the return of Sammy Jo-Johnson.
This ensured a high-quality game from start to finish.
Batting first in a rain-affected T20 encounter, Manly made 5-120 from 19 overs thanks to handy contributions from Darlington and Lauren Kua.
It was then over to the bowlers where Darlington, Bates, Adams and Chelsea McLerie did a job on the Sydney batting line-up.
It was just the third time Sydney had been beaten this season as our girls moved into third position.
Our first grade men’s side is a long way from the top six but we are hoping for a late rally as we start to welcome back a few of our rep players over the closing rounds.
There’s no doubt we have missed the presence of our big names this season but it’s been a good learning experience for our young players.
With all the cricket going on around the world, pulling players in different direction, it’s still vitally important rep-class cricketers drop back to club cricket at every opportunity.
It lifts everyone involved.
TEENAGERS ON FIRE
Talking of rep players, it was pleasing to see Julian Osbourne and Myles Kapoor performing strongly at the Under-17 National championships this week.
Myles is a classy top order bat while Julian is all raw pace and aggression with the new ball.
Myles hit a hundred and Julian has taken a swag of wickets against some of the country’s best teenaged players.
Julian’s is the tournament’s premier bowler, taking 5/25 in the semi-final against WA and 7/13 in final regular round against VIC Country.
Myles has hit 174 runs at 34.8, including 108 against ACT. Both were members of our Green Shield-winning team last season and have been performing well in our lower grades.
They look to have huge futures.
Well done boys.
SAVE THE DATE
Finals have arrived early at Manly.
Our first grade women’s side will contest the T20 semi-finals against Sydney at Drummoyne Oval on Monday.
And in the Poidevin-Gray competition, the Tahs take on Northern District on February 16.
Both Manly teams are a real chance of taking out a premiership, so get along and support them if you get the chance.
Go Tahs!
