Premier Cricket: Ringwood bloods five first-gamers against Dandenong

With a host of senior players unavailable, Ringwood brought up a handful of debutants for the match against Dandenong.

Ringwood’s five newcomers at Shepley Oval:

Five fresh faces for Sean Flynn’s Ringwood.

With captain David King unavailable after his recent wedding and Covid hitting a few other players, the Rams gave Victorian Premier Cricket debuts to a handful of players in the match against Dandenong at Shepley Oval on Saturday.

Batsmen Ethan Walker and Trent Wynne, bowlers Trent Webb and Clayton Henderson, and wicketkeeper Ben Gibson came into the team.

The tall Henderson made a spectacular start, knocking over Dandy great Tom Donnell for a first-baller.

And his celebration was almost as impressive as his delivery.

He went on to the impressive figures of 3-22 off seven overs.

Despite Donnell departing for a duck, Dandenong scrapped out 6-125 in reply to the visitors’ 123, captain Brett Forsyth (51no off 106 balls) escorting his team home.

Gibson took the gloves and he will have them for some time yet given Josh Hartill has moved to Tasmania.

Hartill started the season with Glenorchy, returned to the Rams when Victorian Premier Cricket started in November and has now gone back to Tassie, sensing more opportunity.

He made 24 for Glenorchy last Saturday.

The Rams have a high opinion of Gibson’s ability, no surprise given he is in the Vic Metro Under 19 emerging players squad.

Right-arm swing bowler Webb, 24, joined Ringwood this season from Wantirna South.

“He’s been a really strong player locally for a number of seasons, so that was a good story for him,’’ Rams coach Flynn noted.

Flynn said he was pleased five players could get a start in Premier Cricket.

“Everyone has to make their debut at some point and often it’s through an injury or an unavailability,’’ he said.

“We were really excited to see those boys all play together at the same time and get some opportunity.

“Even though we only won one of the games against Dandenong, boys got opportunities at higher levels and some of them grabbed them.’’

He added: “It was much better playing cricket last Saturday than it would have been sitting at home watching the Test match or down the pub. We’re really glad the round went ahead.

“All credit to Cricket Victoria for being determined to play as much cricket as possible.’’

Flynn said of Hartill: “I think he sees he has a better pathway in the Cricket Tasmania system.’’

The Rams are tenth on the ladder with three wins, three losses and a draw, and will be strengthened for their home match against Greenvale Kangaroos this Saturday.

Meanwhile Ringwood is third on the women’s Premier Firsts ladder after a seven-run loss to Dandenong on Sunday.

Kristy Arulrajah played her best innings for the season, scoring 58.

Chasing 184, the Rams were 2-113 at one stage but were dismissed for 177.