Four to make A Grade debut

The Maiden Gully Marist Cricket Club begin a new era with 4 players making their A Grade debut to play Muckleford on Saturday.

The team is made up of 4 juniors who played juniors previously or are current junior players.

Astin Clayton at just 15yo after a standout year in the BDCA 4th XI and numerous appearances in junior representative cricket will play as a batsman. The left-hander plays with maturity beyond his years and understands his game extremely well. Astin will also captain the Under 16's this season.

Jonty Cavalier has bowled with good pace and accuracy in the pre-season, Last year in the Under 16's he took 6 for 6 in a junior game and the top age under 16 player is ready to bowl in our top grade. Jonty is also just 15 years old.

Noah Hadden performed extremely well also in the BDCA 4th XI last season and his enthusiasm and energy was contagious whether behind the stumps or as a batsman. However, it's his bowling that has come on in leaps and bounds and his play with the bat in seeming to have plenty of time will assist in the 17-year-old for his debut.

Lastly Mitchell Lawrence who has represented Australia and Victoria in all-abilities cricket will also make his debut after an excellent pre-season. Last season he was the outstanding bowler in the MAACA and his accuracy with the ball will be of great benefit in keeping it tight.

With Jimmy Liersch playing last season and having his 15th birthday on Friday, it means we have 4 players aged 17 years or younger in our side.

Never before has the Gully fielded such a young side, The club does not expect the results to potentially happen overnight, but the side is filled with players passionate to the Maiden Gully Marist Cricket Club.

With the returns of a fit Dallas Gill and Rob Brown, the wizardry of coach Adil Ali, the consistent Brett Haw, the experienced Dean Trew and support from Rumeet Singh and Joel Logan, it is a new era. There is also a host of talented juniors and experienced players in the grades below. Don't write us off and go into games with confidence.

The seconds in the A Reserve CDCA competition will begin their campaign next week.

The thirds playing in the BDCA D Grade will play Strathfieldsaye at Maiden Gully Recreation Reserve.