Cricket Southern Bayside: Trae Love-Linay scores stylish century
A St Brigid’s-St Louis teenager’s century has been described as “the most technically correct innings you’d see from a local cricketer”.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Rarely did he hit the ball in the air.
About the only times Trae Love-Linay went aerial was when he dispatched four sixes.
The St Brigid’s-St Louis opener peeled off an unbeaten 103 to steer his side to a resounding win over Clayton District in Division 1 of Cricket Southern Bayside on Saturday.
It was a ton built on power and patience.
Chasing 211 for victory, the Saints coasted to 3-211 in 34.5 overs to bank their second successive win.
Love-Linay’s innings came off 105 balls and had the glitter of 12 fours and 4 sixes.
The 18-year-old earned rave reviews from his skipper Liam Harris, who made 33 and watched the youngster from close range.
“It was just the most technically correct innings you’d see from a local cricketer,” Harris said.
“It was chanceless and all his boundaries were along the ground. He made it look easy.
“It was awesome to watch.”
Harris said Love-Linay’s cover drives and cut shots were a highlight. Premier Cricket clubs would be wise to put this kid on their radar.
“He didn’t look like going out and he made me feel like a bit of a spud down the other end,” Harris said.
“I was just trying to get him on strike. He’s obviously a talented kid and we’re lucky to have him this year.
“He puts in a lot of hard work, he goes to the nets more than anyone else. He deserves the rewards he gets because he puts more effort into his cricket than anyone else, he loves it.”
Another Saints young gun Andrew Loffel put the finishing touches on the win with a crisp 38 not out off 26 balls, with 2 fours and 3 sixes, at No. 5.
St Brigid’s-St Louis has won two games in a row to consolidate fourth spot and Harris said the Saints were aiming high this season.
“We haven’t won flag in 26 years in the ones so we hope to make finals and see how we go,” he said.
“It’s exciting times.”
Former Victorian quickie Allan Wise has returned to St Brigid’s-St Louis — his junior club — this season.
He’s played a couple of games already and Harris said he would be vital as the season continues.
“He bowled really well the first couple of games, everyone obviously knows who he is…we’re very lucky to have him on board,” he said.
Rare air for young Ram on debut
First XI debuts with the ball simply don’t come much better, or memorable, than that of Ringwood’s Justin Beaton. Remember the name.
‘He just gets it done’: Dandenong’s glowing praise for young gun
Dandenong coach Tom Donnell has sung the praises of two star Panthers, including one he thinks could be making a historical start to his Premier Cricket career.