Premier Cricket: Essendon trio selected in under-19 Victorian squads

THE depth of young talent in Essendon’s Premier Cricket stocks has been recognised with three players chosen in Victorian squads for December’s Under-19 National Championships.

All-rounder Connor Rutland is one of three Essendon players who will compete at the Under-19 National Championships. Picture: Hamish Blair

THE depth of young talent in Essendon’s Premier Cricket stocks has been recognised with three players chosen in Victorian squads for December’s Under-19 National Championships.

All-rounder Connor Rutland, wicketkeeper-batsman Donovan Toohey and middle-order batsman James Ryan will take part in the national carnival from December 3-13 in Adelaide.

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“Those three are definitely ones to watch in the future,” Bombers coach Mitch Johnstone said.

Rutland has been a regular First XI player since making his debut in 2016-17, displaying his talents as a seam bowler and hard-hitting lower-order batsman.

The Bundoora junior, who first played for the Bombers as a 13-year-old, has been named alongside Toohey in the Vic Metro squad.

“His leadership as well, for a young guy, is really impressive,” Johnstone said.

“He’s building nicely. There’s going to be ups and downs as a young player, particularly as an all-rounder, but he’s on the right track.”

James Ryan tucks a ball off his pads for Essendon last summer. Picture: Hamish Blair

Ryan, from Bendigo, made three First XI appearances last summer after quickly progressing from the Third XI to the seconds in his debut season at Windy Hill.

Nice nod for @EssendonCC trio Jimmy Ryan, Connor Rutland & Donovan Toohey and @nccdragons Roby Lane & Elliot Brandon-Jones, chosen in the Vic Metro/Country under-19 squads. Some rising @vicpremcricket in the northern suburbs

— Tim Michell (@tim_michell) October 29, 2018

“He’s a really clean striker of the ball and a really classy left-handed middle-order bat,” Johnstone said.

“He played last year as well and probably wasn’t in the best of form at that time but we think he’s primed and ready to do really well in that tournament.”

Ryan produced his best Second XI innings in Round 4 against Carlton, clubbing 84 from 99 balls.

He has been selected in the Vic Country squad.

While he has been stuck behind gifted gloveman Isaac Conway in the pecking order, Holy Trinity junior Donovan Toohey is rated highly at Essendon.

A consistent batsman and efficient wicketkeeper, Toohey averaged 34 last season with the bat and collected 21 dismissals.

“Donovan’s batting is good enough to be picked on that alone and he just smashed down the door in the threes last year,” Johnstone said.

“He knows his game, plays within his limitations and is usually very consistent.

“He’s a genuine cricket nuffie as well. He lives and breathes the game.”

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