District cricket club Waratah closely monitoring the upward progress of premiership stars James Seymour and Isaac Conway

Waratah opening bat James Seymour joins BBL side Melbourne Stars and teammate Isaac Conway starring with the gloves for South Australia’s second X1

Waratah premiership captain Isaac Conway, right, with Palmerston counterpart Alex Bleakley before the district cricket grand final. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford.

DARWIN and Districts Cricket premiers Waratah are toasting opening batsmen James Seymour and wicketkeeper-batsman Isaac Conway this week after both players took some big steps forward in their playing careers.

Seymour was added to the Melbourne Stars Big Bash League squad on Monday after his consistent batting with Melbourne Premier Grade club Essendon, capping it off with a century for a combined side against Victoria’s Sheffield Shield squad last weekend.

And Conway grabbed eight catches behind the stumps for South Australia’s second X1 against Tasmania in Hobart.

COVID-19 restrictions are likely to delay 28-year-old Seymour’s debut with Glenn Maxwell’s Stars, with the January 23 clash against the Peth Scorchers in Melbourne looming as his first game.

“I’m waiting on a medical clearance from Cricket Australia to clear me to join the Stars’ hub, which means I might have to isolate for a week before getting the OK,’’ the left-hand bat told the NT News.

“The 110 I made for the Premier Grade team of the year from 97 balls against Victoria played a big part in me being picked as a replacement player for the Stars.’’

“It’s been a long time coming, I’ve been playing grade cricket in Melbourne for 10 years and seven seasons in Darwin have been great for me.

“So it’s good for all that hard work to be finally recognised, hopefully now I can perform well and give myself some more opportunities going forward.’’

Waratah skipper Conway’s decision to stay with SACA club Port Adelaide has paid dividends, with his immaculate glovework and high quality batting catching the eye of state selectors.

Tahs president Simon Matthias said everyone associated with the Red Caps was immensely proud of both players’ achievements.

“Isaac and James are long standing Waratah players and both were instrumental in the success the club enjoyed last season,’’ he said.

“We are rapt the two of them are experiencing success at the next level, albeit in different forms of the game.’’