Cam McClure fires on his Premier Cricket First XI debut for Essendon
Essendon showed its pace depth as First XI debutant Cam McClure helped skittle Dandenong in their Premier Cricket one-day clash at Windy Hill as skipper Michael Hill starred with the bat.
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Essendon paceman Cam McClure made a stunning Premier Cricket First XI debut on Sunday with a four-wicket haul in his team’s victory over Dandenong.
The young quick finished with figures of 4-52 as the Bombers cantered to an eight-wicket win in the one-day fixture at Windy Hill.
Brought in to replace injured spearhead Tom O’Donnell, McClure wasted no time making his mark claiming three quick wickets to shatter the Panthers’ top order.
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After Matt Doric had Tom Donnell caught behind for five, McClure then ripped out Brett Forsyth (20), Comrey Edgeworth (0) and Lincoln Edwards (2) to leave the visitors 4-38.
“He had a couple of early shouts in his first over and then just hit the wicket back of a length,” Essendon captain Michael Hill said.
“There was a little bit of assistance in the morning for the quicks, but he bowled really well and got the rewards.
“We’ve got Matt Doric and Tom O’Donnell so there just wasn’t any room for him, but Tom going down gives Cam a chance and he’s definitely given us some (selection) headaches.”
Liam Bowe picked up 2-37 as Dandenong was all out 142 in the 32nd over – Ed Newman (72) the only batsman to offer any resistance.
The Bombers’ run chase got off to a disastrous start as openers James Seymour (4) and Aaron Ayre (7) fell cheaply.
However, Hill and Connor Rutland launched a rescue mission and the pair finished unbeaten, closing out the win in the 35th over.
Hill’s 74 not out continued his dominant start to the season, while Rutland posted finished 58 not out, his maiden First XI half-century.
“It’s always nice to chase down 140 on what was a pretty good wicket, so credit to our bowlers,” Hill said.
“We had a tiny wobble at the start but Ruts played beautifully for his first 50 in the First XI.”
Ladder-leader Essendon remains undefeated.
Hill’s men will look to continue their winning form when they visit AH Butler Oval for a two-day clash against Frankston Peninsula.