Premier Cricket: Exciting talent emerges at Camberwell Magpies

Camberwell Magpies have one of the youngest and most exciting lists in Premier Cricket. And a couple of teenagers are showing the way.

Camberwell Magpies youngster Liam Fitzpatrick scored his maiden Premier Cricket century.

Camberwell Magpies have players capable of going on to higher honours, according to coach Ben Ryan.

On Saturday, two of the Magpies’ most exciting prospects put their names up in lights.

Teenagers Liam Fitzpatrick and Will Townsend shared a 159-run sixth wicket partnership in the Magpies’ First XI win over Kingston Hawthorn.

Fitzpatrick, 19, scored his maiden top grade century, 100 off 118 balls, in only his 12th match.

Townsend, who recently turned 18, made 72.

The youngsters came together at 5-78 and took the score to 237 in a memorable rescue mission.

Ryan described Fitzpatrick as “a great talent” and said his composure was the key to his game.

“He’s just 19 so there’s plenty of upside to him,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to what he’s going to achieve over the next few years.

“He’s a very smart young cricketer, he manipulates the field very well.

“He’s not in the mould of Chris Thewlis, who played that incredible innings in our seconds. He’s more about scoring ones and twos, he picks gaps, runs well between wickets and never looks flustered.

“He’s always composed, that’s the strength of his batting.”

Ryan said Townsend, who is in the Vic Under 19 squad, was one of the most talented all-rounders for his age.

“He does everything — bowls a decent pace ball for his age, he’s skilful in the field and his batting is coming along really well now,” he said.

“He returns to school cricket this week so we’re going to lose him for the rest of the season.”

Chris Bridle took 4-31 for Camberwell on Saturday. Picture: Hamish Blair

All four of Camberwell Magpies’ sides won on the weekend.

With an average age of 21, the club has one of the youngest lists in Premier Cricket.

“We had seven boys out of the (First) XI that had played less than 20 First XI games, so that’s where we are at,” Ryan said.

“We’re in a position where in two or three years time if we keep this group together I’m sure we can become a very strong team in all grades and some of our boys can go on to higher honours.”

Meanwhile, Chris Thewlis, after smashing 237 off 72 balls in the seconds, has earned a call-up to the First XI for the Magpies clash with Casey-South Melbourne this Saturday.

Ryan said selectors couldn’t ignore the dazzling performance.

“It’s going to be a week to week thing with him because he’s got some chronic hamstring issues,” Ryan said.

“It’s a bit harder to hide him in the field in the firsts but if he can get us a quick fire 50 that will make up for that.”

Shubham Bhargave of Camberwell bowling. Picture: Hamish Blair

Ryan said more players would be given a chance in the First XI this season.

“We’ve had five debutants for the season and I can see there being a couple more,” he said.

Teenage fast bowler Tom Nelson is close to returning and Will Walker, who has been the backbone of the Magpies’ bowling attack for 10 years, is close to playing his first game for the season after recovering from a hip injury.

“We’re finally getting everyone back on the park,” Ryan said.

“So it’s just about getting the boys to do the basics well, do them longer in games, compete every ball.

“And play with spirit and I think at the end of the day the results will work out in our favour.”

Camberwell Magpies president Peter Warner said it was an exciting time at the club.

“We’re just promoting our kids and we’re not worried about wins and losses,” he said.

“This year is a learning year. Give us a couple of years and we will be up there with the rest of them.”