By Hayley Wildes
When thinking of a successful season, many would regard one Premiership as being just that.
At Lynbrook Junior Cricket Club, they do things bigger – think four Premierships!
Having fielded six teams in the DDCA’s 2017/18 season, four Lakers’ teams made Grand Finals and all of those tasted the ultimate success.
The Under 13-1, 13-3, 15-3 and 15-4s brought Premierships home to Lynbrook in stunning style. There were match-winning performances all over the place, but it’s hard to go past Ryan Blake’s unbeaten 50 to steer the Under 15-3’s to the flag.
Kevin Clare, Junior Vice President at Lynbrook Cricket Club talked about the season and that hectic grand final day.
“We’ve been going for 12 years and this has been the most successful year for the juniors. It’s been fantastic.” Clare said.
“There were people running around everywhere and we hosted two of the grand finals. We had a good local turnout with a lot of the senior club getting behind the juniors – even for the away games.”
With the senior players supporting the juniors, there’s no doubt that that connection is helping the club flourish.
“There has been a really strong connection this year – that’s been one of the goals to bring the two closer together and it’s really worked well. We have some of the senior guys helping with coaching all the time.” Clare said.
With over 100 registered junior players, and another 30 Milo Cricketers, the Lakers future is certainly a bright one.
“The kids actually come from far and wide; they don’t just come from the Lynbrook/Lyndhurst area.” Clare said.
“We have kids travelling from Berwick to come and play with the club – they’re kids who may have moved away from the area but still want to have ties to the club.”
The club also have a host of talented female cricketers coming through the ranks – with two girls playing key roles in the Under 13-3s Premiership; Meera Hyderabad and Hasrat Gill.
Hyderabad was a key figure all season for the Under 13-3s, with her wicket-keeping prowess shining through.
With so much young talent, Lynbrook have no shortage of future stars and the name Jay Singh is one to keep an eye on.
Playing in the Under 13-1s, he dominated at the crease and was near impossible to get out. In 14 innings’ he was only dismissed twice. Believe it or not, that’s not the most impressive stat from his season.
He scored 372 runs for the season with an average that beggars belief; 186. Eat your heart out, Donald Bradman.
