Finn Gordon 206* in Victoria first grade
Hampshire Academy cricketer Finn Gordon has already made an indelible mark in the demanding arena of Australian grade cricket despite only having arrived in Melbourne little more than three weekends ago.
The 18-year old left-hand opening batsman and right-arm off-spin bowler is spending the winter with Casey South Melbourne, one of the country’s top grade clubs, who have former Australia Test pace bowler Damien Fleming among their coaching mentors.
It didn’t take Gordon long to make his mark !
Bowling in South Melbourne’s opening Cricket Victoria match against Frankston Peninsular, Gordon took 4-39 in ten overs, his four victims were top seven batsmen.
South Melbourne went on to win by six wickets, Gordon making 22.
In the second round of first grade matches, Gordon really turned on the style, hitting a magnificent and unbeaten double century for Casey South Melbourne against Melbourne University.
He hit 206 not out, including two sixes and 17 fours as SM posted a formidable 393-2. When play resumed, Gordon took 3-59, including the university's two top scorers, as the students fell to 149 all out.
Gordon explained: “Last Saturday was pretty special for me to be honest, some of the best red ball cricket I’ve played for a long time. The standard is great, a good challenge against some proper players and different conditions.
“I’ve just tried to keep a clear head since being out here and almost trying to be a sponge with the information that I’ve been given from our coaches and players.
Encouraging
“I am learning a lot from just opening the batting with Ash Chandrasinghe, as I really want to develop over the next six months. I want to try and understand myself as a cricketer the best I can.”
Gordon, who enjoyed Dorset’s success in the National Counties this past summer, heaped praise on Will Carr, South Melbourne’s head coach.
“He’s been great and has been really encouraging. Will’s backed me the whole way which is nice when you feel trusted,” he added.
Gordon, who left Clayesmore School as a 16-year old to concentrate making cricket his career, admitted that batting the whole CSM innings of 393-2 wore him out.
“There was way too much running and I’ve never been so tired in my life. A day later and I literally wasn’t able to move.
“But overall the experience so far has been great and CSM are a proper side and I’m just only looking to improve as much as I can.”
Gordon’s maiden double century - a remarkable feat for an English teenager playing Australian first grade cricket - certainly impressed Will Carr, who described his innings as a “privilege to watch and something quite special.”
He reflected: “In the short time Finn has been with us, I’ve been extremely impressed with his maturity, clarity, and awareness of his own game — particularly for someone so young.
“His innings had all the hallmarks of a seasoned professional. He showed a real ability to work through the gears — batting with terrific intent throughout, but also demonstrating excellent patience and composure.
“Finn has wonderful hands and a full range of shots, all of which were on display — from delicate late cuts to textbook cover drives and commanding pull shots. It was a complete innings, played with poise, control, and class.
“And as spectacular a feat his 206 not was against Melbourne University, he also looks to be a very talented off spinner. And he seems to be a real natural in the field.
“If he continues to apply himself the way he has, there’s no question Finn will go a long way in the game.”
The 18-year old left-hand opening batsman and right-arm off-spin bowler is spending the winter with Casey South Melbourne, one of the country’s top grade clubs, who have former Australia Test pace bowler Damien Fleming among their coaching mentors.
It didn’t take Gordon long to make his mark !
Bowling in South Melbourne’s opening Cricket Victoria match against Frankston Peninsular, Gordon took 4-39 in ten overs, his four victims were top seven batsmen.
South Melbourne went on to win by six wickets, Gordon making 22.
In the second round of first grade matches, Gordon really turned on the style, hitting a magnificent and unbeaten double century for Casey South Melbourne against Melbourne University.
He hit 206 not out, including two sixes and 17 fours as SM posted a formidable 393-2. When play resumed, Gordon took 3-59, including the university's two top scorers, as the students fell to 149 all out.
Gordon explained: “Last Saturday was pretty special for me to be honest, some of the best red ball cricket I’ve played for a long time. The standard is great, a good challenge against some proper players and different conditions.
“I’ve just tried to keep a clear head since being out here and almost trying to be a sponge with the information that I’ve been given from our coaches and players.
Encouraging
“I am learning a lot from just opening the batting with Ash Chandrasinghe, as I really want to develop over the next six months. I want to try and understand myself as a cricketer the best I can.”
Gordon, who enjoyed Dorset’s success in the National Counties this past summer, heaped praise on Will Carr, South Melbourne’s head coach.
“He’s been great and has been really encouraging. Will’s backed me the whole way which is nice when you feel trusted,” he added.
Gordon, who left Clayesmore School as a 16-year old to concentrate making cricket his career, admitted that batting the whole CSM innings of 393-2 wore him out.
“There was way too much running and I’ve never been so tired in my life. A day later and I literally wasn’t able to move.
“But overall the experience so far has been great and CSM are a proper side and I’m just only looking to improve as much as I can.”
Gordon’s maiden double century - a remarkable feat for an English teenager playing Australian first grade cricket - certainly impressed Will Carr, who described his innings as a “privilege to watch and something quite special.”
He reflected: “In the short time Finn has been with us, I’ve been extremely impressed with his maturity, clarity, and awareness of his own game — particularly for someone so young.
“His innings had all the hallmarks of a seasoned professional. He showed a real ability to work through the gears — batting with terrific intent throughout, but also demonstrating excellent patience and composure.
“Finn has wonderful hands and a full range of shots, all of which were on display — from delicate late cuts to textbook cover drives and commanding pull shots. It was a complete innings, played with poise, control, and class.
“And as spectacular a feat his 206 not was against Melbourne University, he also looks to be a very talented off spinner. And he seems to be a real natural in the field.
“If he continues to apply himself the way he has, there’s no question Finn will go a long way in the game.”
