VTCA: Trent Lawford hits a century for Yarraville Club

Trent Lawford joined in on the act with a century for Yarraville Club who handed debuts to two teenagers who got their moment in the sun.

Trent Lawford loves playing against Essendon Doutta Stars.

The big hitting Yarraville Club star hit his second century against the same opposition on Saturday as he finished with 112 runs from 56 balls at the top of the order.

He hit 11 boundaries and nine sixes during his 77-minute long stay at the crease.

In the process he shared a 157-run opening stand with James Damjanovski who made 65 from 85 deliveries.

Yarraville Club went onto make 6-272 from its 40 overs.

Captain Mitch Johnstone said “no matter where we were playing the ball was going out of the ground”.

“Lawf know he has the license to go after the bowlers and it’s probably coming off more than it has in the past year or two,” he said.

“The first five balls he faced were dots as well which is probably pretty rare for him. But he’s now taking time to get himself in and then launch from there.”

Trent Lawford fired with the bat.

Johnstone admitted there was now a potential selection crisis on the table with opener Justin Bramble expected to return to the side in coming weeks.

“It’s a good issue to have,” he said.

“We have two guys who can be explosive from the word go but it’s whether we elect to go with both of them at the same time.”

The home side was able to restrict Doutta Stars to 6-133 from their 40 overs.

But it was the maiden first XI wickets of 13-year-old Jackson Martin and 16-year-old Aaron Robson which made Johnstone proudest.

“Jackson was able to get his full allotment of wickets which was exciting,” he said.

“Both boys fitted in really well. The score we put on the board allowed us to try a few different things which I thought was really important.”

Rob Newnham, who was the oldest of three players making their debut, finished not out on eight.

YOUNG GUNS EARN FIRST XI SELECTION

Yarraville Club debutantes Aaron Robson (left), 13 year old Jackson Martin (middle) and Rob Newnham. Photo: Facebook.

The future is now for Yarraville Club’s first XI.

Captain-coach Mitch Johnstone will hand debuts to three players including two teenagers on Saturday as his side prepares to take on Essendon Doutta Stars.

Thirteen-year-old spinner Jackson Martin and 16-year-old batter Aaron Robson have been called into the side alongside Rob Newnham after impressive performances in the lower grades.

Martin, who bowls left-arm orthodox, has four wickets in second XI games this season while he has proven to be handy with the bat having scored 24 runs in his only C1 appearance.

“We’re really excited to get Jackson into the team and see what he can do,” Johnstone said.

“He’s got really good control of the ball for his age but one of the best parts of his game is he is ultra competitive.”

Robson is a left-handed batter who impressed in his previous game scoring 31 runs after coming in at number three.

Johnstone said he said supporters could also expect to see him bowl some “handy medium pacers” if needed.

“Aaron is a fearless hard hitting player who won’t be worried about making the step up in grade on Saturday,” he said.

“He’s technically proficient and I’m expecting he will do quite well. He’s also a good athlete in the field — it’s an aspect of his game that has really come along this season.

“Aaron and Jackson are both high level talents who we hope play here for at least a couple more seasons before going onto bigger and better things.”

Newnham will be considered the veteran selection of the three debutantes having worked his way up from the fourth XI after joining the club for the 2017-18 season.

“Rob really deserves his opportunity,” Johnstone said.

“He’s a late convert to cricket and we’re really pleased with how he has been able to balance his game.”

Johnstone said the newcomers to the side had been rewarded for their hard work.

But he also pointed to the need to continue balancing out player points.

“It’s going to be a very exciting weekend for the club,” he said.

“Our junior base is something we’re continuing to work on because it will help us with the points scenario going forward.”

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