NSW Premier Cricket: HSC student Joel Davies stars after golden duck on debut for Manly

A big day out for his club after a less than memorable debut could not have come at a better time for this rising star of Australian cricket.

If you ever doubted what a difference a week can make in cricket check in with this HSC student tipped to be a big hit in the future just like his big brother.

Joel Davies has spent most of his time in recent weeks studying for and sitting his final school exams.

But on Saturday he gave a lesson in grit when he came back from a forgettable Sydney first grade debut in round two of NSW Premier Cricket to put on a head-turning display.

Exactly a week after this 18-year-old made debuted for Manly Warringah first grade with a golden duck against Randwick Petersham, he hit 70 to be his club’s leading scorer in their much-needed win over Western Suburbs

Joel Davies made a big impact in his second first grade match. Pic: Supplied

“It was a relief,’’ said Davies, the younger brother of Sheffield Shield and BBL young gun Ollie.

It was also nerve-racking, according to the Saint Paul’s Catholic College student who sits an exam in timber on Monday and religion on Thursday.

“It wasn’t an ideal start last week so when I got that first run in this time it was such a relief,” Davies said.

“It was a huge pressure situation. It was good to get that win yesterday.

“We were 3-15 and I knew something was going on. It was a bit nerve-racking but I did feel more confident knowing I had the debut.

Ollie Davies is now playing for Thunder in the Big Bash League.

“I just settled in pretty quickly, I was out there with a senior player and he helped me a lot. We ticked off goals, short-term goals and each time we just got a little closer.”

The Curl Curl cricketer was looking for form ahead of his trip to South Australia in December for Australian under 19 squad trials for the upcoming World Cup in the Westy Indies.

Other Sydney players heading across to press for selection include Liam Dodrell, Ryley Smith and Jack Nisbett.

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