NSW Premier Cricket: Rising Wagga and Campbelltown-Camden run-machine on rich vein of form

He’s the Riverina young gun lighting up the big smoke, and the longer Jake Scott spends away from the cricket pitch the better he performs in Sydney’s premier competition. Here’s why.

Jake Scott in action for South Wagga Blues. Supplied: Cricket NSW

He’s the Riverina young gun lighting up the big smoke, and the longer Jake Scott spends away from the cricket pitch the better he performs.

A product of the South Wagga Blues, the teenage left-hander continues to shine among a host of BBL stars in Sydney’s premier T20 competition, the Kingsgrove Sports Cup.

Still only 19, Scott’s 214 are one behind the leading run scorer after five preliminary rounds. The mainstay of Campbelltown Camden’s middle order, the tall all-rounder has turned heads with 14 sixes and a strike rate of more than 140 runs per 100 balls.

A constant figure through the NSW Country pathways, his growing resume includes a Basil Sellers Scholarship – awarded to those with the potential to earn a NSW or rookie contract.

Unfazed in the presence of elite company, the apprentice cabinet maker is also showing his leadership qualities as skipper of the Ghosts’ under-21 Poidevin-Gray Shield side.

“I haven’t played against any of the current BBL players, but it’s great to have them in the grade competition,” said Scott following a match-winning 69 off 39 deliveries against Eastern Suburbs.

“I’m good mates with Manly captain and former BBL wicketkeeper Jay Lenton. We played them the other week and it’s definitely cool to see him go about his business.

“Especially the way he directs his field placings. It looks like he’s slowing the game down but he always manages to get through the overs on time.”

No stranger to playing in Sydney, Scott notched three top grade half centuries for Penrith last summer before being lured south by an old friend.

“I’ve known Henry Railz for a long time and he joined last year. He recommended the Ghosts, and I’ve really enjoyed the change, plus there’s probably more opportunities for me too,” Scott said.

“I’m out of the NSW pathways now, but the likes of Justin and AJ Mosca at Campbelltown are experienced guys that offer advice and help improve my preparation.

“I’ve been doing a lot of mental work and I take journal notes now, and prepare the night before games. Just understanding who I’m coming up against and the dimensions of the ground.

“Then hopefully instinct takes over and I’m better prepared to cope with tricky situations.”

Jake Scott during the Basil Sellers Scholarship induction at the Sydney Cricket Ground, October 10, 2022. Photo by Hanna Lassen/Getty Images

So far so good. Currently riding a rich vein of form, the high achiever also credits his time away from the crease as a pivotal step in his new-found consistency.

“At the moment I do cabinetry for motorhomes. I work Monday to Friday and the hours suit my training commitments with the Ghosts,” he explained.

“It’s good to have a break from the game. I can concentrate fully on my work and then use cricket as an outlet. It has definitely been a major contributor to my performances this season.

“Coming through the pathways it was just all cricket, and trying to get selected in the next team. But I’ve come to realise the importance of finding a balance away from the game, and I really enjoy my job, plus it creates options down the track.”

Backed by solid support from family and friends back home, the run-machine is happy to encourage like minded players to test the boundaries.

“It’s good to stick up for country players and show that it’s not all daunting and scary to follow your dreams. Around the right people, anyone can get it done,” he said.

“It would be great to see more country people, especially from Wagga and the Riverina, come and try premier cricket in Sydney.