Premier Cricket: Northcote duo chosen for Under-19 national carnival
BATTING prodigy Elliot Brandon-Jones’ rapid development has been rewarded with selection in the Vic Metro squad for December’s Under-19 National Championships.
North
Don't miss out on the headlines from North . Followed categories will be added to My News.
BATTING prodigy Elliot Brandon-Jones’ rapid development has been rewarded with selection in the Vic Metro squad for December’s Under-19 National Championships.
Brandon-Jones, who made his Premier Cricket First XI debut for Northcote in Round 16 last season, has been earmarked for a key role in the Dragons’ batting line-up.
YOUNG GUNS EARMARKED FOR KEY BATTING ROLES AT NORTHCOTE
DRAGONS FALL TO MAGPIES IN PREMIER CRICKET CLASSIC
PREMIER CRICKET: DREAM DEBUT FOR TEST LEGEND’S TWO SONS
The 18-year-old showcased his talent when he topscored with 69 on debut against a potent Dandenong bowling attack led by former Test quick Darren Pattinson.
“He just seems to have time,” coach Steve Taylor said.
“Just great to watch and I think his development from when he debuted at the end of last year to now has really gathered momentum.
“He put in a lot of work over the off-season, got a lot fitter and a lot stronger.”
The North Balwyn junior averaged 32 in 2017-18, reaching triple figures for the first time at Second XI level for Northcote in Round 12.
“The (under-19) squads that have come out are really strong,” Taylor said.
“The guys that are involved are making their mark on Premier Cricket already and Elliot is certainly one of those.”
While his maiden half-century came off 153 deliveries, Brandon-Jones displayed his attacking prowess when he cruised to 55 from 54 balls against Camberwell Magpies in Round 4 this season.
“He’s progressing nicely. We gave him the opportunity at the end of last year and he has absolutely grabbed that with both hands,” Taylor said.
Left-arm spinner Roby Lane, who debuted in the opening round of 2018-19, was named in the Vic Country squad.
The Gisborne junior has been a consistent performer for the Dragons’ Second XI, taking 14 wickets last summer and winning plaudits for his consistency.
“He really puts it back on the batsmen to change the way they play to score,” Taylor said. “Otherwise he’ll just keep racking up the dots. He attacks through asphyxiation.
“Resilience is a really good characteristic to have as a spinner and he has certainly got that.”
Taylor said Lane, a left-arm orthodox bowler, “adds something different” to Northcote’s bowling attack.
The Under-19 National Championships are on from December 3-13 in Adelaide.
MORE LOCAL SPORT NEWS
THE LATEST COACH AND PLAYER MOVEMENT FROM LOCAL FOOTY
The Natural: McMahon shaped by footy’s toughest school
Carlton VFL coach Luke Power likens him to an EPL striker, a natural finisher. Liam McMahon has graduated from the toughest school in footy, learning how to be a key forward.
Racist slurs hurled at Indigenous local footballers
A Melbourne football league is investigating after vile abuse was hurled at players from a club where Eddie Betts plays and is coached by Neville Jetta.