Former Paragon paceman Guy Hammond has been rewarded for an excellent start to his career at Western Suburbs by being promoted from fourth to third grade.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The step up is hot on the heels of selection in the Western Combined High Schools (CHS) team that was selected a fortnight ago.
The young Mudgee paceman was understandably pleased to be promoted so early on in his Sydney Grade Cricket career.
“It was pretty exciting. I got the late call up last Friday morning,” he said.
“The third grade captain gave me a ring and said that I’d been selected in the third grade side and to not be too nervous about it.
“I thanked him for it and he said there was no need to thank him – I’d earned it myself and I’ve worked hard for it and they are happy with my attitude at the club and the progress I’d made.
“They said they were happy that I’ve been working hard on my game even though I’m not living down there (Sydney) and training with them.”
At such an early stage it is unclear whether Hammond’s promotion will be a permanent one, although his new captain indicated that if he takes wickets there is no reason why he can’t stay in third grade for the remainder of the season.
Although Hammond is over the moon having gained promotion, he now has a whole new team to get to know after settling so well in fourth grade.
“I only really know one fella in the whole side,” he said.
“I was settling in to fourth grade and bowling well in tandem with some of the other bowlers.
“Now I’m bowling with new team mates and a new captain with new plans for what my role is in the side.”
Previously Hammond was used as a strike bowler, but that may change playing third grade as he continues to add strings to his bow that will make him a more all-round bowler.
“I’ve got to hold up one end and not relieve any pressure, but they’re expecting wickets as well,” he said.
“It takes a little bit of pressure off me bowling first change as well because I don’t feel the pressure to get that early wicket.”
Recently Hammond had a nice change of pace, trialling for the Western CHS side at Riverbank Oval in Dubbo, and for the first time in a while, competing against players his own age.
Although his bowling did most of the talking during the trials, his Magpies gear was what caught the eye of selectors early on.
“It was strange trialling for Western and being around people my own age and bowling against people that are the same size as I am – rather than grown men that have been playing for years and years and have all that experience in the game.
“It feels like you’re on even terms again when you play someone your own age.”
Hammond said he’s looking forward to heading down to Sydney with the Western team and competing against the best NSW has to offer.
He will be the only representative from the Mid-Western Region in the squad, but isn’t planning on settling for a spot in just the Western CHS side.
“We’re going down to Sutherland to play in the NSW CHS competition,” he said.
“Hopefully I can have a good crack at it and have a good tournament and throw my name around for the NSW side.”
Hammond will be looking to make the most of is chance in third grade for Western Suburbs during day two against UNSW at his adopted home ground, Blick Oval, on Saturday.