Fitness focus secret to rise of Wests seamer

A RENEWED fitness focus through the winter is the secret behind the exciting rise of Wests seamer Jaymie Dunlop.

The club’s leading wicket taker two years ago, Dunlop has returned to his some of his best form to start the 2019/20 Townsville Cricket season.

Dunlop has taken seven wickets in four games, and was a crucial part of the North Queensland Monsoons attack on their charge through the Bulls Masters T20 Tournament last weekend. And according to his teammates it all starts with his work off the field.

“He has been bowling really well through the start of the season,” injured seamer Dan Kearney said. “He has bowled with some serious zip through the first three rounds, and took that into (Bulls Masters) on the weekend as well and bowled really well.

“(His pace) is definitely up a couple of clicks. He has been putting in some serious work in the gym. His legs are looking pretty big and he is getting through the crease really well. It is pretty impressive getting to stand at slip and really see the ball sizzle through.

“We are fielding well and truly down the hill when he is charging in. We are a good 20 yards back. It is really good to see in Townsville cricket.”

Dunlop said it was the injury to Kearney that spurred his extra work in the off-season with the fast bowler keen to take on more responsibility at the top of the innings.

“I wanted to be strong for this year, I wanted to lead from the front,” he said. “Especially knowing that Dan was going to be out. He did a lot of the work last season, so I wanted to take that on. I do feel the pressure but I like a bit of pressure, it helps me out a bit.”

Dunlop has also worked overtime in the nets and on the field with veteran Wests cricketer Scott Connor. It is a partnership that has reaped the rewards, with Connor helping the quick make the right tweaks to his action and crease mentality.

Never satisfied, Dunlop says he is still looking for improvements on the field, with his next goal ensuring he takes early wickets for the side.

It is something Wests will be relying on when they face a fresh Wanderers outfit at Cutheringa Park today.

Wanderers are coming off a devastating last round win over Norths when top-order batsman Grant Dilger teed off with 45 off 24 balls.

“They have got some dangerous handy attacking players so they will come out and play some pretty positive cricket which always bodes for a good game,” Kearney said.

“We will definitely try and take wickets with the new ball to get into their middle order. If we can get into their middle order nice and quick, then we can utilise our steady bowlers to dry the runs up.”

In other A Grade action, Brothers will return to their home ground at John Mcculloch Oval as they attempt to keep up the momentum from their shock win over competition heavyweights Sub Parks.

But they will not have it easy as opponents Norths aim to bounce back.