DISTRICTS ALSO HAVE DAY OUT

Crocodiles shock Palmerston with derby thrashing

A CROCODILE never wanders far from his home, and for Southern Districts cricketer Dean Fry, that rule still applies.

The boy who played his first game of competitive cricket at six is now an important piece of the senior side’s make-up.

Now aged 20, Fry’s spin bowling, top-order batting and outstanding ground fielding make him a quality allrounder.

A member of Districts’ breakthrough two-day and one-day premiership sides in 2019, Fry wants more this year.

“We’ve always been very strong with our juniors and have become a very tight group as a result,’’ he said after his classy 90 off 128 balls, before his team recorded a massive 177-run win over a disappointing Palmerston at Fred’s Pass yesterday.

“I played representative cricket all the way through to the under-19s, and now I’ve played in a premiership with Districts at last.’’

Fry’s knock at No.3 set up the thrashing over Districts’ close neighbours, lifting the Crocs to the top of the ladder with an unbeaten record.

“Unfortunately I was 10 runs short of the three figures, but that’s cricket,’’ he said.

“It was a good catch, but being the late overs you have to get a wriggle on and it was my highest score in the ones.’’

The catch that ended his innings – a fine running effort at short fine leg by Palmerston youngster Jake Baker – was from the top shelf.

Fry has plied his trade with SACA club Woodville in the past two seasons, as he looks to reach another cricketing ambition – a first-class ticket with the South Australian Redbacks.

“I’m always aiming high. It’s why I’d love to make the Redbacks squad,’’ he said.

“If I can keep making scores, someone might come knocking.’’