Hoekstra stars in first Sheffield Shield match for Victoria

KOONWARRA-Leongatha RSL cricketer, Harry Hoekstra, could hardly have had a more impressive start to his Sheffield Shield career than he did against South Australia at the Junction Oval on Wednesday this week.

After being handed his baggy blue cap to make his debut for the Bushrangers, Hoekstra came in to bat at a very tricky time for the Vics and came up trumps.

In a rematch of last year’s final, South Australia won the toss and sent Victoria in at the Junction Oval with the home side in a precarious position, after the last of their recognised batsmen, Liam Blackford, was gone with the score at 7/162.

However, mainly with Doug Warren 20, Hoekstra put a premium on his wicket, with his well-regarded defensive techniques and held out the Redbacks’ bowlers for 122 deliveries on his way to an important knock of 45, being the last man out with a useful 244 on the board.

Opening the bowling with Fergus O’Neill, and having only a handful of overs at the opposition before stumps, Hoekstra surprised former Australian test player Jake Weatherald with one of his best left arm medium deliveries and he was gone for a duck, out caught by fellow first gamer Liam Blackford.

The Vics were cock-a-hoop as they went to stumps, full of promise for another good day in improving conditions at St Kilda.

One of his former coaches Rob Wood watched it all.

“His wicket ball was fullish and moved away slightly,” said Wood.

“He moves it both ways in the air and off the wicket,” he said.

Hoekstra’s batting was also impressive, according to Wood, and necessary.

“Defensive? He had to be in the situation they were in. Did a top job.

“But he’s always been a good bat.

“He made 100 for Koonwarra in C Grade when he was 13

“He also had the distinction of making century partnerships with Jess Bohn in the Under 14s, both retired twice on 25 in two 50 partnerships.”

Although Casey South Melbourne will take a lot of the credit for Hoekstra’s development as a player, and rightly so after taking him on in his teens, Rob Wood who coached him from eight years old, and Koonwarra-Leongatha RSL had an important part to play in his opportunity to grow in the game he was determined to excel at.

Victorian Head Coach Chris Rogers said the opening match presented an opportunity to build on the standards established last season.

“Last season showed what this group is capable of across a long Shield campaign, but this is a new season, and we’re excited to be back in action,” Rogers said.

“We’re really pleased to welcome back the experience of Peter Handscomb, Marcus Harris and Fergus O’Neill. They’ve played a lot of cricket at this level and know what it takes to perform consistently in Shield cricket.

“We’ve also got a really exciting group of young players pushing for opportunities. Austin, Liam and Harry have all earned their place in the squad through their performances and development, and it’s exciting to see them putting pressure on for selection.

“South Australia are obviously a quality side and there’s plenty of familiarity between the two teams after last season’s Final. It’s a great challenge to start our Shield season and we’re looking forward to playing at home at the Junction.”

Victorian Squad vs South Australia

Peter Handscomb – St Kilda CC (c)

Austin Anlezark – Richmond CC

Liam Blackford – Geelong CC

Sam Elliott – Fitzroy Doncaster CC

Marcus Harris – St Kilda CC

Harry Hoekstra – Casey South Melbourne CC

Campbell Kellaway – Melbourne CC

David Moody – Melbourne CC

Fergus O’Neill – Melbourne CC

Oliver Peake – Geelong CC

Matt Short – Northcote CC

Doug Warren – Melbourne University CC

Victoria face South Australia in the opening match of the Sheffield Shield on Wednesday, October 7 – 10, with play beginning at 10:30 AM AEDT. The match can be seen live on Kayo Sports and cricket.com.au