AN UNBEATEN century in the season’s opening round meant Kangaroo Flat teenager Nathan Newlan joined an exclusive club in Bendigo District Cricket Association history.
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The captain of the Roos under-17 team, Newlan struck 121 not out in his team’s score of 8-231 in the rain-affected clash with Bendigo at the Atkins Street ground in North Bendigo.
A talented Bendigo attack included Mitch Blackman and Nathan Fitzpatrick, who both played in the first XI match, and BDCA under-17 representative Marty Nadort.
Reaching the 100 mark was not without its share of drama.
Newlan was on 99 when the second-last wicket was taken.
Despite a knee injury and deciding earlier in the day he would not bat, Zac Turnbull strode to the crease with four overs to go.
His determined feat helped Newlan pass the century mark.
“The main goal at the start of the day was to bat out the overs and get in some valuable time in the middle,” Newlan said.
There were some boundaries in his innings, but it was his pacy running which often turned a single to two.
It was the second ton achieved by Newlan, who did so in last summer’s clash with Bendigo United.
“Running between wickets is something I have always worked really hard at,” said the son of Roos’ great Steve.
This summer the Newlans have Josh playing in the firsts, while Nathan is striving to be in the top grade.
“Pre-season with the seniors has really helped improve my batting and concentration,” said 17-year-old Nathan, a yeaar 11 student at Bendigo Senior Secondary College.
“I also gained some valuable tips at the Diamonds in the Bush program.”
The build-up to cricket season hit off in August, which was also at a time when Newlan was racking up plenty of kicks on a wing for Kangaroo Flat Football Club’s under-18 team.
After such a memorable start, the talented teeanger will be aiming to score many more runs in the under-17s and then second XI clashes with Eaglehawk on Flat’s turf.
As summer rolls on, Steve and Sharon Newlan may be watching their sons teaming up in in Flat’s first XI.