By Marc McGowan
ENDEAVOUR Hills fast-bowling sensation James Pattinson has made a smooth transition to the premier division of Victorian Premier Cricket after two rounds of play.
He made his debut for Dandenong against Geelong at Kardinia Park and captured his first premier division wicket in just his second over.
“It was relief more than anything; it was good to get it out of the way and not have to wait three weeks or anything,” Pattinson, 16, said.
“I got hit for eight runs off my first over, so once I got the wicket it calmed me down a bit.”
The Geelong batsmen only managed another 16 runs off his final six overs, as his debut figures finished at 1/24 from seven tidy overs.
On top of his impressive bowling figures, Dandenong also managed to outlast Geelong by eight runs.
Pattinson described it as more challenging because the batsmen were more aggressive.
“I have to make sure I’m bowling six good balls an over, because the good players put every bad one away,” he said.
After his dream debut, he ran into a hot Carlton batting line-up in round two and was hit for 26 off five wicketless overs.
“It was a different situation – better pitch and opposition. I’ve been happy with my performances, but the first week was a bit better,” he said.
Pattinson received a Victorian Institute of Sport scholarship late last year and has dazzled his VIS coaches with his athleticism and pace.
“There are no set training times at the VIS, but they like us to try and get in there twice a week. I train at Dandenong on Tuesdays and Thursdays,” he said.
