PROMISING Wingham batsman Hayden Essery had the perfect preparation for the Bradman Cup under 16 country cricket championships played this week in Newcastle.
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Hayden cracked his maiden century when he made 113 for Mid North Coast in a representative under 15 carnival played at Maitland.
Opening the batting, Hayden remained not out and was on the field for the entire game after the opposition, Northern Inland batted first.
Hayden is the Manning River Times-Iguana Sportstar of the Week, earning a $50 open order at Iguana.
His previous best score was 92 scored in a junior match against Taree West. Hayden was determined to bring up the three figures at Maitland when informed by the umpire when he was on 76.
He admit he was ‘pretty nervous’ when he made it to the 90s.
“I didn’t want to get out that close again,’’ he said.
“When I made it 95 I really concentrated.’’
Hayden said he was ‘really excited’ when he reached the century. His mum and dad travelled down from Wingham that night to help him mark the occasion.
He’s now in Newcastle for the Bradman Cup, having gained a place in the North Coast side following trials earlier in the season. The cup is the premier under 16 competition in the NSW Country. He missed out in the opening two games, but is hoping for a strong finish to the carnival.
Hayden’s captains Wingham’s competition-leading side in the Manning under 16s. His returns with the bat so far have been moderate at club level, although he has been batting down the order. Hayden intends to move to his regular role of opener for the end-of-season matches. He also made his first grade debut with Wingham this year and is enjoying the challenge. Hayden’s dad, Matt, is the captain.
“He gets a bit bossy on the field sometimes,’’ he said with a grin.
Hayden was batting with his dad at the conclusion of last Saturday’s game against Taree West when Matt made an unbeaten 136 to ensure Wingham drew the encounter.
In theory Hayden has another season left in juniors although this could depend on whether the proposed Mid North Coast Premier League starts in first grade.
“We’ll be playing against teams from Kempsey and Port so I won’t have time to play on Saturday mornings in juniors,’’ he explained.
However, he will still be eligible for representative under 16 cricket.
In winter Hayden plays halfback for Taree Panthers in the Group Three Junior Rugby League (Wingham doesn’t have a team in his age division).
He’ll play representative trials for Group Three next month.
