Wizards of Aus

Photo: Picture by VINCENT BROWN.

AUSSIE RULES . . . Chris Hutchinson (left) and Ben Dunk scored tremendous unbeaten centuries for Royton last weekend.

CRICKET:

AUSSIE power is sweeping through the Paddock. Royton raced to the top of the Lake Garage CLL Championship with last weekend’s victories over Monton and Weaste and neighbours Werneth.

And it was Australian professional Ben Dunk and his compatriot Chris Hutchinson who led the way with unbeaten centuries.

Both scored exactly 100 not out, Dunk defying jet lag after landing in England on Thursday to post three figures against Monton and Weaste on Saturday, and overseas amateur Hutchinson emulating him 24 hours later against Werneth. Hutchinson also made an unbeaten 65 against Monton.

The Aussie duo are the hottest package in the CLL at the moment.

Dunk (26), is a wicketkeeper/batsman for Tasmania in the Sheffield Shields and Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash, Australia’s Premier Twenty20 competition.

He played for two seasons at Trinity College in Ireland, but this is his first experience of cricket in England.

“Last November I was speaking to my agent about playing cricket all the year round and it coincided with Royton needing a pro. It all fell into place,” he said.

His arrival was delayed for three weeks by visa problems: “The process took much longer than I expected. Instead of three weeks, it was nearer to four and a half or five.

“I finally arrived here last Thursday and I admit there were times over the weekend when I got very tired. Fortunately, Chris was there to keep me going!

“It was a great weekend for the club. It was good to make the 100 in the run chase on Saturday and although I didn’t get that many on Sunday, the team was still able to chase down a big total again.

“The two teams we beat were above us before this weekend, but we are above them now.

“The reason you play is to try to compete against better players and teams and one of this club’s objectives this season is to gain promotion.

“Unfortunately, I won’t score (big) runs every weekend, but one of the reasons I came here is to gain more consistency and try to do it week-in, week out.”

Dunk’s wicketkeeping duties have been put on hold because of a finger injury sustained back home, but he hopes to be fit enough by the end of this month.