SWEET JANES KEY TO SLAY THE BAY
BURLEIGH spinner Nathan Janes is relishing his added responsibility with the defending premiers as they fight to extend their Kookaburra Cup ascendancy against Runaway Bay today.
A bit-part player in his first season with the Bullsharks in 2017-18, the 19-year-old has become a vital figure in their unbeaten start to the new campaign.
Janes, a left-arm offspinner, claimed a careerbest 6-15 from 18.4 overs last Saturday as Burleigh ripped through Bay for just 86, taking his season tally to 16 wickets at an average of 8.38.
With his side to resume at 1-47 when day two begins at Crowe Horwath Oval, the former Gold Coast Dolphins third-grader looms as the x-factor in their pursuit of outright victory.
“I was very happy to get six-for, it was nice to get a few wickets. They were coming out pretty well,” the Palm Beach junior said.
“We just built up pressure and they played some loose shots. I was lucky enough the fielders caught them.
“It was the first two-day game of the season, so it gave me the opportunity to chuck the ball up a little bit more.
“You can experiment with plans and lengths and how quickly you want to bowl.
“I’ve felt really good this year. With a few guys leaving, it has opened up a few more overs for me.
“Rhys (McCarthy) and TJ (Miller) have been really good to me, they have given me an opportunity and I’m just looking to take it. I’m really enjoying my cricket.”
Having been written off as a title threat in pre-season, Janes said the playing group had relished their chance to play with freedom.
“We haven’t really felt more pressure because everyone kind of wrote us off. We’re a pretty relaxed bunch of guys,” he said.
“We have been going really well, we’re pretty strong through the top grade. We just need to keep the form going and don’t get complacent.
“Teams have identified now that we’re the real deal and it wasn’t just a one-hit wonder last year.”