Premier Cricket 2020-21: Josh Hartill equals Rams club record with seven dismissals

Ringwood’s Josh Hartill entered rare air in his side’s five-wicket victory over Richmond, equalling a club record with a standout performance.

Hartill took six catches and a stumping on the weekend. Picture: Supplied

What a day out for Ringwood’s Josh Hartill.

The 21-year-old starred in his side’s five-wicket victory over Richmond on Saturday, equalling a club-record seven dismissals in a match, taking six catches and a stumping as the Rams chased down the visitors’ 160 total to finish 5/161.

Hartill joins previous keeper Joe Loorham on the record and Ringwood coach Sean Flynn described the young gun’s performance as “awesome”.

“Keepers take what they can get but our bowlers bowled really well but his glove-work was impeccable and we’re really happy for him to equal a club record for dismissals,” Flynn said.

“Six catches and a stumping is a pretty good day’s work … he’s coaching our Dowling Shield team on Sundays as well and he’s a really promising talent at our club.”

Tom Rogers led the way at the crease with a knock of 63 off 69 deliveries alongside Jack Blain with 43 not-out, while Brendan Walsh took 3/33 followed by Ian Holland (2/25) and David King (2/27).

Ringwood batsman Tom Rogers. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Flynn said the 29th over of Richmond’s innings proved to be a turning point, with the Rams claiming the scalps of Scott Edwards (69) and Adam Amin (4) within four balls of each other.

“It was a really good bowling effort and Ringwood’s been a really high-scoring ground this year,” he said.

“Richmond played really well and got to 2/118, then we got a run-out via our captain Patty Ashton, and then we got a wicket in the same over.

“That 2/118 became 4/118 and we bowled really well from that point on.

“Brendan Walsh got some rewards for all his hard work throughout the course of the season.”

The weekend’s victory holds further weight for Flynn with Richmond welcoming back Big Bash trio Jake Fraser-McGurk (Melbourne Renegades), Mitch Perry (Melbourne Renegades) and Wil Parker (Hobart Hurricanes).

Meanwhile, the Rams welcomed back young gun Zak Evans from his Renegades duties for his first match since the season-opener, taking 1/34 off nine.

“With Richmond getting their three boys back from the Big Bash, we felt it was a high quality win against a strong opponent,” he said.

“(Zak) will be pushing for higher honours and we’re hopeful he gets a look-in with the Vics, so we’ll just have to wait (on his availability) on Victorian selection.

“He’s fantastic when he’s back around and carries himself well and he’s always giving his best for the team.”

The Rams sit ninth on the ladder with four wins ahead of a clash with 17th-placed Kingston-Hawthorn this weekend.

“Seven games left, 35 points up for grabs so we just want to keep playing good cricket, playing as a team and we’ll end up where we’ll end up,” Flynn said.

“Every week’s a new challenge and a new opportunity, and hopefully we can get back-to-back wins.”