SPINNER DEW FOR FIRST XI DEBUT
A HOST of youngsters are emerging in the footsteps of their fathers and making Thomson a true family cricket club.
Club captain Grant Dew will lead the first XI side out today with his 16-year-old son Sebastian beside him on debut.
The left-arm leg-spinner won the club bowling award in the seconds in 2018-19, and after a strong pre-season Sebastian has smashed the door down to win a spot in the firsts.
The Dews are one of a handful of families who have second-generation talent ready to take over the club, alongside the Menzies, Cockerells and Hartshornes.
“It’s really good. It’s a really nice thing to have that family connection,” Grant Dew said.
“We’ve been working with them obviously as these boys have been growing up — the credit goes to them.
“They’re working hard to get to the level and have been excellent contributors.”
Dew has been a key figure at Thomson since he first wore the colours as a 16-year-old 31 years ago, despite playing at other clubs.
He initially planned to filter down the grades and play with his two sons but their form forced him to stay at the top.
Dew’s younger son Xavier is also on track to make an impression at senior level after playing in an under-13 representative side last season.
“(Xavier) loves the game as well and it’s nice to see,” Dew said. “I’ve done my job as a cricketing father now.”
When Thomson bowls today against Newcomb & District, Dew said he would have no hesitation in throwing the ball to his debutant spinner. Sebastian, too, is not afraid to give the ball flight and already boasts a repertoire of deliveries, including a wrong’un that has deceived seasoned batsmen.
“When the time is right, I’ll certainly be giving him his chance,” he said. “He’s made some good improvements to his game.”