FTGDCA YOUNG TALENT TIME IN VCCL REP MATCH

By Richard Millott

 

Three of the most promising cricketers in the FTGDCA have gained selection for next week’s Under 21 VCCL Match against the VMCU.

 

Braden Taeuber (Monbulk), Tom Gelbert (Olinda) and Liam Hunt (Upwey) have all gained selection in the Victorian Country Cricket League team to take on the Victorian Metropolitan Cricket Union in their annual Representative match on Sunday 10th February.

 

Taeuber has been a key all-round component to the Finals-bound Hawks, representing Monbulk in their Decoite Shield campaign by contributing 262 runs at an average of 32.75, highlighted against Lysterfield with 88.  Likewise with the ball, Taeuber has claimed 19 wickets to date at 16.89, his Round 6 effort of 4/41 against Mountain Gate being his best return to date.

 

Olinda’s fine recent form is no coincidence given the influence of Tom Gelbert. The talented Swan has contributed 375 runs at 37.50, with the highlight being a century against South Belgrave in Round 7. Behind the stumps, Gelbert has 8 catches and a stumping to his name in the season to date.

 

Liam Hunt has toiled hard in Upwey’s bowling lineup, with consistent wickets keeping the talented Tiger on the radar of selectors. Hunt has claimed 11 wickets at 22.09 to date, including a best return of 2/20 against Belgrave in Round 5. Hunt was also part of last year’s Division 3 Melbourne Country Week team.

 

The Trio were part of the South East Country team that performed well at the VCCL Under 21 Championships in November.

 

In the Round 1 match against Western Waves at Warrion Reserve, Taeuber (44) and Gelbert (26) lead the way with the bat to help South East to 8/189 from 50 overs, before Hunt (4/19 off 10) and Taeuber (2/26 off 10) restricted Western to 170. Round 2 against Barwon saw Gelbert (20) and Taeuber (53) again feature on the scoresheet finishing at 7/167, before Hunt claimed the only wicket at Barwon reached 1/173.

 

Sunday’s match will commence at 10am at Koonung Park in Bulleen.