Luke Ryan made up for lost time on Saturday as Albion wrapped up the minor premiership. They are uncatchable with one round remaining. A change in work circumstances has limited Ryan's availability this season. The former Gunnedah Golf Club pro has swapped the clubs for the tools, moving out to the Orica mine as a bench hand on the blast crew and subsequently works on a seven-on, seven-off roster. "It's been good with the kids, spending seven on, seven off," he said. Previously working virtually six days, with one off, it has freed him up to spend more time with Bella (2) and Buddy (4). "They're at a stage where they're doing a lot of the little things that you want to be around for," Ryan said. Wife Ellie has also been able to go back to a full-time role with Tennis NSW. She is the Community Tennis Officer for the North West region. RELATED: Kookaburras like Lamb's to the slaughter "Seven days on and seven days off has opened our eyes to the reality of a bit more of a life," he said. It has however meant he is only available every second weekend. That combined with golfing commitments earlier in the season and wash-outs, meant Saturday's clash with Mornington was only his fourth game for Albion. But he has made his time in the middle count with his 77 his second half-century for the season. "The opportunity came up this weekend," he said. "It was nice to score a few runs and take a couple of wickets." Customarily batting down the order, he was given an opportunity to open earlier in the season as a sub for the second day for Will Maggs and went on to make 62. "[On Saturday] Brad (Cady) gave me the opportunity," Ryan said. "It was nice to spend some time out there, although you probably couldn't have picked a worse day with the thick grass and all the running." It was hard to get value for your shots. After losing Cady early, Ryan put on 85 for the second wicket with Andy Mack (31). He and James Mack (29) then added 56 for the third before Damien Baldwin came in and hit an unbeaten 18 to take them to 5-198 from their 40 overs. READ ALSO: Mornington could only muster 60 in reply, opener Henry Johns (15) the only batsmen to reach double figures. Ryan backed up his efforts with the bat with 2-10 while James Mack claimed 3-13 and Ash White 2-18. "Mornington to their credit are great to play against," Ryan said. "You see them give these kids an opportunity." He used Cooper Blinman as an example. He was barely taller than the stumps, as Ryan put it, but was the last man standing for Mornington after facing 11 balls and being one of their best with the ball taking 2-13. Damian Blinman was the other multiple wicket-taker grabbing 2-23. Support the local news that keeps you informed subscribe today
Luke Ryan made up for lost time on Saturday as Albion wrapped up the minor premiership.
They are uncatchable with one round remaining.
A change in work circumstances has limited Ryan's availability this season.
The former Gunnedah Golf Club pro has swapped the clubs for the tools, moving out to the Orica mine as a bench hand on the blast crew and subsequently works on a seven-on, seven-off roster.
"It's been good with the kids, spending seven on, seven off," he said.
Previously working virtually six days, with one off, it has freed him up to spend more time with Bella (2) and Buddy (4).
"They're at a stage where they're doing a lot of the little things that you want to be around for," Ryan said.
Wife Ellie has also been able to go back to a full-time role with Tennis NSW. She is the Community Tennis Officer for the North West region.
"Seven days on and seven days off has opened our eyes to the reality of a bit more of a life," he said.
It has however meant he is only available every second weekend.
That combined with golfing commitments earlier in the season and wash-outs, meant Saturday's clash with Mornington was only his fourth game for Albion.
But he has made his time in the middle count with his 77 his second half-century for the season.
"The opportunity came up this weekend," he said.
"It was nice to score a few runs and take a couple of wickets."
Henry Johns took 1-22 before swapping the ball for the bat and top-scoring for Mornington in their unsuccessful run chase.
Customarily batting down the order, he was given an opportunity to open earlier in the season as a sub for the second day for Will Maggs and went on to make 62.
"[On Saturday] Brad (Cady) gave me the opportunity," Ryan said.
"It was nice to spend some time out there, although you probably couldn't have picked a worse day with the thick grass and all the running."
It was hard to get value for your shots.
After losing Cady early, Ryan put on 85 for the second wicket with Andy Mack (31). He and James Mack (29) then added 56 for the third before Damien Baldwin came in and hit an unbeaten 18 to take them to 5-198 from their 40 overs.
Mornington could only muster 60 in reply, opener Henry Johns (15) the only batsmen to reach double figures.
Ryan backed up his efforts with the bat with 2-10 while James Mack claimed 3-13 and Ash White 2-18.
"Mornington to their credit are great to play against," Ryan said.
"You see them give these kids an opportunity."
He used Cooper Blinman as an example. He was barely taller than the stumps, as Ryan put it, but was the last man standing for Mornington after facing 11 balls and being one of their best with the ball taking 2-13.
Damian Blinman was the other multiple wicket-taker grabbing 2-23.
