Sport
19 November, 2024
Lovel and Grant reps
Central Highlands Cricket has had a Maryborough District Cricket Association (MDCA) influence running through it in the Victorian Country Cricket League (VCCL) under 18s competition.
Both Laanecoorie Dunolly’s Joe Lovel and Beaufort’s Ben Grant have been selected thanks to good starts this season, particularly with the ball.
Lovel currently lies equal second on the bowling charts with seven wickets at an average of 12.9 for Laane, while Grant has been equally as impressive, taking six wickets at an average of 20.3 to open the season.
Both have been incredibly busy cricketers throughout the early stages of the season, with Lovel balancing his Laane commitments with under 18s for Kangaroo Flat and Central Highlands, while Grant has played under 17s and A grade for the Crows on top of his commitments with the Central Highlands.
The Central Highlands team struggled in their opening game of the VCCL under 18 round robin series against Northern Rivers at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Oval.
Batting first, Lovel and Grant were unable to get onto the scoreboard, with Lovel out for a duck from five balls, and Grant scoreless as the last man in.
Northern Rivers’ batting quality was on show as they easily chased down the Central Highlands’ 130 off just 18.2 overs, with Lovel bowling six overs and going for 41 runs, while Grant went for 18 runs off two overs.
Lovel retained his spot for the Central Highlands’ second game of the series, against Mallee Murray in Kerang on Sunday.
This time, Lovel was able to enjoy a terrific impact with the ball, doubtless boosted by his five-wicket haul the day before for Laane in their 209-run victory against Carisbrook.
Lovel caused carnage through the middle order, taking three wickets as he led the way for the Central Highlands with 3/54 off 10 overs.
Lovel was not required with the bat, but the Central Highlands chased down a total of 243 to take a memorable five-wicket victory.
The last two weeks has been the start of what looks to be a big representative campaign for the MDCA, with the seniors set to step out for the Sharp Shield match against Grenville at Beaufort on December 1.
Dates for junior Country Week have been announced, with the under 13s set to take on the A.J Martin Shield from January 6 to January 9, while the Kirton Shield will begin on January 20 right through to January 23.