The gloom Kookaburras captain Shane Riordan felt about his inexperienced side’s chances this season has lifted somewhat after they almost rolled Court House last round – and rookie quick James McGowan’s form is a big part of that.
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McGowan joined the club this season after finishing Year 12 at Farrer and returning to work on his family’s grain farm.
The right-arm medium-pacer was Kookaburras’ main weapon against Court House, snaring 4-36 off 13 overs as the favourites were bundled out for 130.
Ahead of the start of Kookaburras’ two-day clash against Albion at Wolseley Park on Saturday, Riordan said McGowan was “starting to find his line and length” as an attack spearhead.
“I didn’t know anything about him beforehand,” he veteran skipper said. “I knew is father and mother but I didn’t know him.
“He finished school and his father said he wanted a game over here and I said, ‘He can play with us easy enough’. He’s a good guy. He’s very handy this year, since we lost a few [players]. It’s good to have a good kid come back.”
Riordan also praised the contribution of fellow opening bowler Trent Winsor.
Riordan said Albion – whose attempt at a hat-trick of premierships last season was ended by Court House – was a stronger side this year with paceman Brad Jenkinson leading the attack.
Jenkinson played for Kookaburras last season. He had match figures of 8-20 off 10 overs against Mornington last round.
When asked if Jenkinson was the competition’s best bowler, Riordan said he was the “most consistent”. “He doesn’t give you any room to do much,” Riordan said.