FALLING four runs shy of a maiden first division century is nothing compared to losing a match for Nichols Point’s Nick Blacker.
The in-form opener was unbeaten on 96 from 107 deliveries against Mildura West on Sunday, but the 19-year-old was more frustrated at his side’s defeat than missing three figures.
“It’s just a few runs – I’d rather be winning,” he said.
Blacker’s twin unbeaten innings of 96 and 75 last week moved him inside the top 10 for runs in the competition, his last four knocks totalling 219 runs at an average of 109.5.
While the former ladder leaders have lost three of their past four games, Blacker has made the most of his opportunities in recent outings, also earning selection to Sunraysia’s initial Country Week squad.
In his second season since relocating from Warrnambool, the left-hander has relinquished wicket-keeping duties to recruit Zeeshan Butt and moved to the top of the order alongside captain Shaun Mathews.
Blacker is loving the opportunity to partner the Innes Medal winner.
“The first half of the year was pretty frustrating personally,” he said.
“I managed to get a few starts but kept finding ways to get out.
“I’m playing as just a batsman this year too so you need to make runs, but with Zeeshan coming in and taking the gloves it’s probably freed me up a bit more and allowed me to move up the order.
“Getting to open with Shaun is awesome.
“We work well together and it’s quite a strong order to be part of.
“He usually scores at a pretty good rate which takes a bit of pressure off me.
“We back our depth in and we bat quite deep.
“Shannon Bowen is a star and just churns out runs, Riley Jobson has so much talent and what he can do at his age is unbelievable, and guys like Dean Fulco and Dale Chappell have had pretty good seasons as well.”
Blacker made the journey to Sunraysia before last season after being contacted by Nichols Point, who were on the lookout for a new custodian behind the stumps.
“Mildura has been a great place to be, and Nichols Point is a brilliant club to be part of – I can’t speak highly enough of the people involved there,” he said.
Blacker also credited his season playing in the UK last winter with helping his development.
The emerging batsman played a major role for Stratford-upon-Avon Cricket Club in their Birmingham Cricket League campaign for the first division as well as assisted the second XI’s promotion to division 3.
English teammate Archie Walker has recently joined the Pointers for the back half of the season.
Blacker said the club were hoping to go further than their maiden SCA semi-final appearance last season when they lost to Irymple.
“Last year was such a tough loss being so close so we definitely want to go that step further, but we’re also not getting ahead of ourselves,” he said.
“We haven’t made the best of starts since the break but when we’re up and going I think we’re as good as anyone.”
