Joeys opt to blood opener

ST JOSEPH’S will blood a batting prodigy in today’s clash against Newtown & Chilwell.

Riley Pickering will make his debut for Joeys at Zampatti Oval, earning his opportunity after showing promising signs in recent second XI matches where he scored 17 and 47.

“He’s an opening bat and he had a knee injury at the end of the last season, but he’s come back and got himself going,” Joeys coach Andrew Hodgson said.

“He’s a genuine opening batsman for us and he would’ve got a taste last year certainly if he wasn’t injured.

“He could be a good player for us. He’s from Hamilton, so he came to the club through uni and he gets his chance.”

Pickering replaces captain Luke Ibbs, who is unavailable due to a prior commitment.

Both Joeys and the TwoBlues are desperate for victory, with just three wins between them in 2019-20.

St Joseph’s has broken through for just one win despite a number of solid performances in a tough season to date.

“We’ve been in games, but we’ve just lost big moments,” Hodgson said.

“South Barwon was the only game we got blown out of the water. Other than that, we’ve been in a position in every game where if we’d won that hour, we’d still be in the competition.

“We know where we’re at as a group and a club and we’re trying to develop our guys. Half the side played under 20 games of firsts cricket, so we’re realistic.

“Newtown’s in a similar boat, too, so it should be a reasonable game of cricket.”

Hodgson admitted his side had been beaten in “clutch” moments far too often.

“One week we’re making 250-260 and not bowling well and the next week we’re bowling a side out for a 150 and only making 130,” Hodgson said.

“From a batting point of view, I put my hand up. I’m the senior guy in the group and I’ve got a couple of starts but I haven’t gone large yet.

“You can’t put it (pressure) on kids who are plying their trade, you want them to jump in with the senior guys, so it’s just a consistency thing with the whole group.”