Preston returns from Christmas break in style, demolishes Ormond

Despite winning just one game before Christmas, Preston made a stunning return to action against Ormond, as a quartet of teenage young guns helped demolish the high-flying Monders.

Althaf Nizam in action for Preston. Picture: Hamish Blair

Preston’s future looks bright after the club’s teenage tyros inspired a stunning eight-wicket win over VSDCA high-flyers Ormond on Saturday.

The Bullants had won just one game before Christmas but returned to action in style, knocking off the Monders, who sat in third position entering the clash.

First XI debutant Tom Downes, 17, second-gamer Tom Boddy, 19, and 18-year-old Daniel Gregory were dominant at E.E Gunn Reserve.

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Downes (2-15) and Boddy (3-21) took the new ball as Ormond was skittled for just 84 on their home deck, fellow teenager Althaf Nizam claiming 2-22.

Opening batsman Gregory finished unbeaten on 41 as Preston made light work of the run chase, reaching 2-85 in the 29th over.

Bullants captain Michael Hayes heaped praise on his young teammates and the club’s youth academy.

Gayan De Silva in action for Preston.

“It just goes to show our development program is one of the best in the competition,” Hayes said.

“It’s quite enjoyable – playing for the club for so long – to see the efforts the club has put into development come to fruition before our eyes.

“Tom (Downes) was on a hat-trick – for a first gamer – he was really impressive.”

Boddy gave Preston the perfect start, having Ormond captain Ben Speake caught behind for one.

The home team was 3-19 when Downes dismissed Luke Rainone and Luke Heath with consecutive balls, but the young paceman wasn’t able to complete the hat-trick.

Gregory and Daniel Franco (20) put together a 48-run opening partnership to make light work of the run chase.

Daniel Franco in action for Preston. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Hayes said Preston’s academy – run by senior coach Alex Lewis – would be the envy of the VSDCA.

“There’s not many teams with three teenagers in the First XI and all three playing major roles,” he said.

“The club has been working on the program for eight years now … it’s something the community needs to be aware of and how good it can be for young kids.

“At the end of the day we’re a pathway club into Premier Cricket, we develop these players knowing they’re going to play Premier Cricket and hopefully when their time is up they know they’ve got a home to come back to.”

While seemingly out of the finals race, sitting nine points behind sixth-placed Kew, Preston will be looking to finish the season strongly.

The Bullants face Brunswick (home) on Saturday before taking on Moorabbin (away), Brighton (home) and Ivanhoe (away) in the run home.