Patrick Rowe moves to Tasmanian premier club

A talented Victorian wicketkeeper has made a “surprise” move on the eve of the premier cricket season to pursue opportunities with a top flight interstate club.

Former Victorian rookie-contracted wicketkeeper Patrick Rowe will join Tasmanian premier club New Town as he pursues a second chance in professional cricket.

The “recent” move to depart Victoria and his premier cricket club St Kilda comes after state selectors elected to go with rising star Liam Blackford as their first choice wicketkeeper in a second XI game on October 17.

Rowe, 21, will be joining the Bucks who won their first flag in 52 years last season in Tasmanian premier cricket.

Patrick Rowe wicketkeeping against Carlton’s Evan Gulbis during the Premier Cricket preliminary final last season. Picture:Andy Brownbill

Bucks coach Peter Di Venuto said he was excited to have Rowe at the club having known him since he was 10-years-old.

“From my point of view I have always kept an eye on what he is doing,” Di Venuto said.

“He went to England during the winter.

“Ultimately he was considering what his options where within Victoria after having a rookie contract for three years and then not being contracted.

“And in my own mind, thinking the second XI selection and him missing out on that probably confirmed in his headspace perhaps where he was in the Victorian set-up.”

The Bucks are heading into their fifth game of the season this weekend where they are one win, two losses and a wash out to start the campaign.

Di Venuto said Rowe will “add depth” and help fill the void left behind by spinning all-rounder Ben Manenti who left the club in the off-season after being awarded with a state contract with South Australia.

Rowe, who represented the Australian under-19 cricket team as wicketkeeper is set to bat in the top four for the Bucks.

St Kilda captain Adam Crosthwaite said Rowe’s decision to leave was in hope that he could “work his way into the squad” with Tasmania who currently have 37-year-old Tim Paine as their number one keeper.

“It is disappointing to lose him but at the same time we’re excited that he is a young guy that has taken a chance to see if he can make it in cricket,” Crosthwaite said.

“Although it’s sad for us as St Kilda and sad as Victoria to lose someone like him, it’s also exciting for Paddy and I hope he goes really well.”

Patrick Rowe is congratulated on his catch to dismiss Mayank Agarwal by Marcus Harris during Day 2 of India v Australia A day/night tour match at the SCG. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Rowe played a game for Australia A in 2020 after coming on as concussion substitute for Cameron Green.

The youngster has also played for Victoria in first-class cricket and Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash.

Crosthwaite who represented Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales as a contracted wicketkeeper said these decisions were difficult.

“I think it is a recent move,” he said.

“It’s sort of been on the cards the last couple of seasons that they (Tasmania) have been interested.

“There are some guys here in Victoria that are doing well.

“As a wicketkeeper, it is extremely tough to know when the time is right to stay or the time is right to go.

“There is a lot of guessing involved in it.

“I think it has been a pretty quick decision in the end.

“In professional cricket, sometimes you have to make these decisions and that’s what Paddy and his team have done.”

Tim Ludeman was another Victorian born cricketer who had to move interstate to earn a state contract.

Ludeman was offered a spot on South Australia’s list in 2009-10 and returned to Victoria in 2017-18 to finish his career with the Melbourne Renegades.

Crosthwaite said Rowe’s move was unexpected.

“It took me by surprise a little bit as well,” he said.

“I understand where Paddy is coming from and he almost wants a fresh start and Hobart sort of gives him that which is great.

“I have have been aware that it has sort of been around in his mind but I haven’t really been a part of the decision making through him and his management.

“If that’s something that paddy wants to do with his career, I think it’s great and I hope he does really well.

“It’s always a big move when you have to move states to play cricket but hopefully it works out for him.”