NSW Premier Cricket Rd 6: Special moment for debutant

They say good things come to those who wait but this Sydney cricketer has been bidding his time for years for this special opportunity in NSW Premier Cricket.

St George cricketer Jackson Shaw gets his big break in NSW Premier Cricket. Pic: Supplied

He’s a Sydney electrician who has been waiting his “entire life” for this opportunity - a crack in NSW Premier Cricket first grade with a club he has played his entire career with.

And from the overwhelming messages of congratulations and support he has received, St George Cricket Club’s decision this week to upgrade him for the game against Sydney on Saturday is a big hit.

St George cricketer Jackson Shaw. Pic: Supplied

“It’s great. I’ve received between 50 and 100 messages. It’s been overwhelming. I’m a bit shocked at how everyone is so happy for me,” Jackson Shaw said.

“But that’s what I love about St George. Everyone is really supportive and nice.’’

Shaw, 23, an electrician from Engadine, is a Saints junior and will be the 459th player to represent his club in first grade.

Helping him make the step up a grade have been some fine performances at the crease in second grade both last season and in the opening rounds of NSW Premier Cricket.

“I scored a 100 on the weekend which helped,” he said.

“I had a pretty good year last season as well. I was leading scorer for the club with 431 runs.

“I’ve just come up through the grades. I was in fifth grade when I was 15 and have worked my way up. It’s all just about scoring runs and doing my job for the club.”

St George cricketer Jackson Shaw. Pic: Supplied

Jackson admits he expects to be a little bit nervous on debut but is keen to make the most of that opportunity.

“I’ve been striving to play first grade since I was a little kid, my whole life,” he said.

“I’m just really enjoying cricket and playing with a great group of guys.’’

St George is in third place on the points ladder heading into the sixth round of the Sydney first grade competition.

Northern District heads the ladder from Mosman.

In other round six first grade matches this weekend, Campbelltown Camden host Gordon, Manly Warringah play UNSW, Mosman tackle UTS North Sydney, Northern District plays Blacktown Mounties, Parramatta play Eastern Suburbs, Penrith take on Randwick Petersham, Sutherland play Bankstown, Sydney University meet Hawkesbury and Western Suburbs play Fairfield Liverpool.

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