U19 National Cricket Champs, Albury: Forgotten run machine bangs down state selectors’ door

A young Sydney cricketer has brushed aside two years of heartache, scoring a mountain of runs to become the new face for NSW Metro at this week’s U19 National Championships in Albury. FULL STORY

Trystan Kennedy, U19 National Cricket Championships, Albury, 2023-24.

He’s the new face for NSW Metro gearing up for this week’s U19 National Cricket Championships in Albury.

But if runs are currency, then Gordon’s Trystan Kennedy will be as safe as a bank.

Named among a strong 13-man outfit, Kennedy is the only player not to feature in either of last season’s U17s or U19s nationals.

Despite two seasons in the rep wilderness, the determined right-hander hasn’t wasted any time, successfully transitioning from school competition to the top grade in NSW Premier Cricket.

Trystan Kennedy on the front foot for Gordon. Picture: John Appleyard

“It’s very exciting to be with all the boys, I’m good mates with them so it is nice to have a crack,” said Kennedy, a former student at Knox Grammar.

“I was very motivated after missing out on the U17s side a couple of years ago. It sparked a little fire inside of me and it certainly pushed me that little extra step further.

“I thought I was in the mix. But obviously playing school cricket the other year I knew that I really had to prove a point compared to all the other boys playing grade.”

Missing but not forgotten, according to Metro coach Anthony Clark.

“Trystan has missed out on making the past couple of NSW squads,” said Clark.

“But he’s someone that we’ve kept an eye on. He played some cricket in England during the off-season and has been in good form for Gordon.”

Trystan Kennedy lifts the run rate. Picture: John Appleyard

Good form indeed.

With three second grade centuries for the Stags last summer, Kennedy not only bashed down Clark’s door, the top-order specialist finished the season with a knock off 70 in Gordon’s top grade.

“Last year was my first full season of grade and I knew that if I got a couple of big scores that would put me in good stead for this year, and luckily I got picked for NSW,” said a relieved Kennedy while disclosing two key ingredients.

“Brendan Lyon was a big help throughout that time, he’s been my coach for the last seven years,” explained Kennedy.

“On the mental side, I did a bit of work with Alan Mantle who works with Cricket NSW, and that was a big changer for me.”

Buzzing with confidence, Kennedy continues to tick all the boxes, and in October notched a maiden first grade ton with 132 against Manly.

But with Gordon teammates Joey Gillard and Bryce Cook suiting up for Country, come Thursday, Kennedy believes Albury won’t be a place for the faint-hearted.

“I’m sure there will be plenty of banter if we come up against them. Especially Bryce, we played Green Shield together, so if we come across him in the comp there’ll be plenty said that’s for certain.”

Starting on Thursday, click HERE for all the post match analysis.