CHECKING in with your doctor is always healthy, even from a cricketing perspective.
Ouyen Rams player Ethan Munro had never passed 50 in his career until the final round of the Red Cliffs Cricket Association for 2022.
The then 17-year-old, wielding a brand new, custom-made two-pound-eight stick from Sunraysia Bat Doctor Glenn Thompson, made an unbeaten 120 to help his side to a 76-run victory against Mallee rivals Tempy.
Munro, whose previous top score was 44, became just the second Red Cliffs A Grade centurion of the season following teammate Conor Schultz’s ton back in October.
While he’s been working hard on the family wheat, barley and lentil farm during harvest, the teenager admitted he’d also managed some extra time in the nets prior to his impressive innings.
“I was never big on bats as such, I’d always just bought them from sports stores or my previous one was an online buy from India so I’d never thought about bats like that before,” the now 18-year-old said.
“At the time one of my mates had recently made 100 with one of his bats and he suggested I give it a go.
“It was the first 50 I’d ever made, let alone 100. I was pretty happy with it. I managed to make a few 40s last year but wasn’t able to go any further with it.
“If I make another 100, maybe it might be the secret sauce.”
His willow will be put to the test on Saturday as Red Cliffs cricket resumes, the Rams facing Fire Brigade at Quandong Park.
“I hope so (bat well against Fire Brigade),” he said, “I think they’re a fairly handy side too, so it should be a good game.”
Despite officially reaching adulthood, Munro has had little time to celebrate, mostly working on the farm aside from time off to play cricket and enjoy Christmas.
The reigning premiers have been the standout side of the competition so far, having won all five of their completed matches.
While Munro, who played in the grand final win, said going back-to-back had come up in conversation, it hasn’t been a focus for the Rams.
“It’s still a while away so it hasn’t been a focus at this stage,” he said.
“I think our bowling attack is really good. We’ve got a number of guys who could open the bowling so we go pretty deep there.
“Then with our batting you have Conor at the top, and ‘Scoop’ (Alex Morrish) and Dom (Leach) who contribute as well.”
In other games, Robinvale Euston are at home to Tempy at Len Arnott Oval, while Millewa host Cardross at Mildura Sporting Precinct.
