Andy’s hard work reaps just reward

ANDY YOUNG: Took a career-best nine for 55 in Austerlands match against Hollinwood,

AFTER collecting a career-best nine for 55, Austerlands’ Andy Young was fully expecting to hear of a “10 for” — but the 25-year-old seamer need not have worried.

Young’s performance in the Saddleworth and District Cricket League game at home to Hollinwood was the bowling highlight of the weekend and of the season so far.

He was concerned because of previous experience. The former Austerlands captain explained: “It made a nice change as I’ve usually been overshadowed by somebody else.

“I had seven for 31 against Shaw three years ago, but Daniel Superina claimed all 10 in the same match.

“A couple of years earlier I had seven for 35 against Uppermill, but Cec Wright went on to take seven for 20, also in the same game.”

Young’s display was not topped this time as Austerlands won by an emphatic 125-run margin.

His nine-wicket haul took his tally for the season to 36 in the league.

Sri Lankan overseas amateur Pubudu Seneviratne took the other wicket to fall.

He added: “There were a few poor shots and some good balls. I was also helped by a couple of decent catches from Kevin Du Feu and Greg Scholes.

“I struggled a bit last year. I only bowled 100 or so overs and never really got going.

“But I’ve worked hard this season and it seems to have paid off. I’ve benefited from a lot of work in the nets and I’ve also got plenty of overs under my belt in matches. I think I’m up to about 200.”

Young’s fine form with the ball could have a large bearing on Austerlands’ hopes of booking a place in next season’s LCB Cup.

They sit in the fifth and final qualifying spot and have a 48-point cushion over Friarmere, who have a game in hand.

But Austerlands and Friarmere will be without their professionals for the last two games of the season.

Donwell Hector and Liam Sebastien will return to the West Indies after this weekend’s double-header to take up domestic duties.

Rameez Alam, the Droylsden professional, has already gone back to Pakistan after he was called into his country’s Academy squad.