Essendon pair set to start summer of cricket in interstate competitions
After dominating the winter cricket season in the Northern Territory, Essendon’ Ryder Medallist James Seymour and recruit Isaac Conway are set to start the summer in interstate competitions.
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Essendon’s reigning Ryder Medallist James Seymour is set to start the summer in Sydney.
Seymour dominated the winter season in the Northern Territory, inspiring Waratah to dual premiership successes, but will not return to Melbourne.
Instead, he is set to link up with NSW Grade Cricket powerhouse Randwick-Petersham.
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However, he will not be lost to the Bombers, agreeing to return as soon as the Victorian Premier Cricket season does get underway.
Essendon teammate Isaac Conway has a similar agreement with South Australian Premier Cricket outfit Port Adelaide.
Bombers coach Ash Cavigan said it was too good an opportunity to pass up.
“We thought it was an opportunity they should take up, especially when we made the decision a few weeks back when things were looking a bit grim,” he said.
“Who’d want to come back here if you’re able to go and keep playing cricket.
“We’ve got an understanding with both clubs that when we need the boys back they come home.
“We’ve done that with a couple of bush from the bush as well.
Conway captained Waratah to the Darwin Premier Grade and Top End T20 titles and will return to Windy Hill this season after spending 2019-20 with Camberwell.
After winning his first Ryder Medal – tied with Ringwood’s David King – Seymour backed up his outstanding 2019-20 with a superb campaign in the top end.
Seymour scored three centuries, including a matchwinning ton the semi-final and top scored with 67 in the grand final win over Palmerston.
The hard-hitting opener plundered 574 runs at an average of 44.15 in the First XI competition and added another 231 runs at 77 in the T20s.
Seymour also snared 17 wickets with his part-time spin.
Conway also enjoyed a successful season on the field, racking up 521 runs at 47 in Premier Grade and 201 at 67 in the T20 series.
The wicketkeeper secured 14 catches and three stumpings with the gloves.
Essendon is also investigating ways for several players to start training and perhaps play early season games in regional competitions.
While Melbourne is in lockdown players cannot train but regional clubs have been given the all clear to begin training.
“Isaac Willett might sneak come games in around Wangaratta, a few of the boys are around Bendigo – Liam Bowe and Luke Stagg – and the O’Donnell boys are in Seymour on the family farm,” Cavigan said.