TWO rising stars of Sunraysia cricket have impressed on the representative stage by scoring centuries for Mallee Murray Suns teams.
Mildura Settlers duo Shania McKinnon and Cameron Kiel each reached triple figures in the opening of Victorian Country Cricket League (VCCL) competition over the weekend.
McKinnon had a day out, scoring 110 not out, taking 1/12 from seven overs and being involved in three run outs as Mallee Murray claimed a five-wicket victory over Northern Rivers in the Under 21 Women’s Challenge in Swan Hill.
After spending most of his time in SCA First Division opening the batting for Mildura Settlers with Jason Morrison, Cameron Kiel made 102 for the Suns in their VCCL Under 18 match against Central Highlands in Kerang.
Batting at No.3, Kiel hit nine boundaries and three sixes on the way to triple figures and a solid 125-run win.
McKinnon said despite the heat, she felt comfortable at the crease.
“It was nice to show what I could do in a rep game and playing 50 overs. I haven’t done that since last season playing in Adelaide,” she said.
“I was pretty comfortable early on. We were going well but we lost a few quick wickets, but we were able to get across the line with eight overs to spare.
“I felt really comfortable at the crease, no nerves at all, which was nice.”
The 20-year-old, who was the joint winner of the Karen Rolton Medal last season in the South Australian Cricket Association Women’s competition, is hoping to eventually move to Adelaide to play full-time for West Torrens.
“I’ve already been across to play one Twenty20 game but with the current border situation that’s going to stop me getting across at the moment,” she said.
“My aim is to move across to Adelaide to play full-time.”
Alongside Kiel, Nyah batsman Charlie Boulton added 89 in the total of 4/283. Irymple’s Jack Baird led the charge with the ball, claiming 5/15, while Mildura East’s Zane Hunt took 2/23 as Highlands were dismissed for 158.
In the Under 16 Male Youth Premier League competition, Settlers’ Monty Moloney made 37 as the Suns fell five runs short against Waves.
Mildura West juniors Josh Driscoll (50 not out), Max Morgan (48) and Riley Cox (3/13) were important in Sunraysia’s Under 13 Junior Country Week win over Northern District.
