14YO CRICKETER CREATES HISTORY Off-spinner becomes the youngest to play A-grade
Making your Agrade debut before the age of 18 is no easy feat in the Toowoomba competition.
Greg Ritchie achieved the honour at the age of 15 before going on to have a successful career at the elite level of the game, the same age as Mick Miller who represented Queensland and South Australia at the state level and played in the U19s World Cup.
The Chronicle understands a slice of history has been created to start the cricket season, with Southern Districts bowler Paul Draheim becoming the youngest A-grade player in Toowoomba cricket.
The 14-year-old has held his own against seasoned competitors in the Harding-Madsen Shield.
Throughout three games this season, he nabbed three wickets, including best figures of 2-39 from 10 overs against University in round three.
The past few months have been a hectic period for Draheim, who has also plays in the Lord Taverner’s competition and in the TGS first X1.
He said he appreciated the step up in intensity while playing against men as he continued to see how far the sport could take him.
“When I went over to the club I knew they were rebuilding, so I thought I’d be able to get a game in reserve grade just to step up from the junior level,” he said.
“It’s a lot tougher but it’s good to get around that highlevel cricket and get exposed to it early.
“The intensity of the game and the environment around it is more competitive.
‘‘ I HOPE HE CAN CONTINUE ON IN CRICKET AND BECOME ANOTHER TEST PLAYER FROM TOOWOOMBA. GREG RITCHIE
“I just want to go as far as I can, whether that’s A-grade, state-level or further.”
With ball in hand he has been one of the side’s most consistent bowlers, taking five wickets throughout the season at an economy rate of three runs an over.
The youngster has held his own as a tail-end batsman, recording a top score of 33 and averaging 12.6 in a tough season for the team to date.
Paul’s father Reghan played for the Magpies as well, and said an early involvement laid the platform for this achievement.
“I played at Souths for five or six years and Paul would come to training as a nine-year-old,” he said.
“He’s been hanging around the team and the guys in the club have really looked after him and nurtured him in a social and cricket sense.”
When informed of Draheim’s feat, the 30-test veteran Ritchie was full of encouragement.
“I wish him all the best. It’s a great moment for him and I hope he can continue on in cricket and become another Test player from Toowoomba,” Ritchie said.