IT IS not often a bowler will bat his side out of trouble, but on Saturday that is exactly what this week’s Player of the Year selection managed to do.
Known for his prowess with the ball in hand, Woorinen medium-pacer Jack Schmidt hit a career high 72 runs, finding the boundary seven times and hitting one six.
The impressive total came about after a subtle comment in the sheds meant the number 10 was sent out to the middle with opener Tim Free at number two.
Without the weight of expectation, the bowler fired up as fielding mishaps from Swan Hill kept Schmidt in the middle, scoring just under half of his side’s 162 run total.
The side eventually lost to Swan Hill and Schmidt admitted he simply ‘got lucky’ on the day of his career high score.
“This was just out of the blue, I opened the batting, I don’t usually get up that high but I got the call and got a bit lucky,” he said.
“I am not really sure what went right, a few edges didn’t carry and I got lucky with that, there were also a few dropped catches.
“I was just trying my hardest to stay out there, leave some of the good balls and just dig in.
“I walked into the change rooms after the toss and tried to joke, asking if I could put the pads on, and they said ‘go for it’.”
With the side pleasantly surprised by Schmidt’s efforts, it is unclear if he will continue to bat higher up the order in the coming weeks.
With the ball in hand, Schmidt tore apart Swan Hill’s batsmen with 3/19 off eight overs.
The spell — including one maiden — was tough as Schmidt said he was almost out on his feet after his effort with the bat.
“I had to suck in the big ones [breathe] between balls and got a few lucky catches for our side as well,” he said.
“I was gasping for air, I was pretty stuffed … my previous high was only something like 36 runs, so it was tough.
“We are still behind the eight ball at the moment but once we bring back a few players, and play to our ability, we can beat anyone.
“I would like to thank captain Glenn for my batting skill.”
The ten-year club veteran said he was excited to see what his side had to offer after the Christmas break with a host of Woorinen players to make their returns.
