Jarryd Williamson is preparing to repay the faith others have placed in his cricketing abilities when he represents the Victorian under-15 side in Canberra this weekend. Picture: Stewart Chambers.By Marc McGowan
BERWICK junior cricket marvel Jarryd Williamson will represent his state for the first time this weekend when he steps out for the Victorian under-15 side at the national championships in Canberra.
His father, Craig, introduced him to the sport as a seven-year-old through his association with Dandenong District Cricket Association team Parkfield.
Williamson, 15, has taken off since and now pads up for Haileybury College in the Associated Public Schools competition, as well as Victorian Premier Cricket squad Melbourne.
The right-handed batsman was stoked with his state selection, but was eager to share the limelight with those who have aided him on his way.
“I was pretty happy, but I was also happy for those that have helped me,” Williamson said.
His cricketing talents also earned him a spot for the second year running in the Southern Rangers side that competed against the best juniors in the state in January.
Williamson made the team as a bottom age player in the under 16s this year after being selected in the under 14s in 2006.
It was not a case of just adding it to his resume – the Year 10 student was intent on making an impact at the Dowling Shield tournament.
Williamson did just that in clobbering 110 runs, at an average of 55, on his way to being named the player of his region after the four-game series.
While it is his shot-making abilities that have scouts salivating, the teenager believes enhancing his defence will be the key in him reaching the elite level.
“I know I have all the shots, but it’s my concentration and decision making that needs improving,” Williamson said.
“I’d like to go to England and play professional cricket over there and play first-class (standard) here.”
Many youngsters idolise glamour players Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne, but it says much about him that he chooses working-class battler Justin Langer as his role model.
“I just love the way he went about his cricket. He did not have a lot of talent, but he worked hard and by the end of his career, he was one of the best opening bats around,” Williamson said.
In following his policy of improving his concentration at the wicket, he chooses an interesting mantra for inspiration.
“The eyes are the TV; the only form of information must be the number one priority,” Williamson said.
“Basically, it means the eyes are the most important thing in cricket. If the eyes are blurry, you won’t see the ball as well.”
With two Victorian Premier Cricket sides in the area in Casey-South Melbourne and Dandenong, one wonders why he chose to commute to the city.
But as with all his responses, Williamson offered a thoughtful answer.
“Where I wanted to end up was at one of the city clubs because you see a lot of the state players move from Dandenong, such as Ian Harvey and Cameron White,” he said.
Williamson trained at both local teams’ junior squads, but they failed to leave a lasting impression on him.
“I wasn’t too pleased with Dandenong. I went to Melbourne and they had a great mix of blokes,” he said.
“At Dandenong, everyone seemed to keep to themselves a bit.”
As with most aspiring sportsmen, Williamson has dreams of wearing the green and gold, but said if he is to reach that goal, again, it will be a result of more than just his own efforts.
“It would repay all the people who have helped me before I came good for putting their faith in me,” he said.
