By RUSSELL BENNETT
STAR Emerald all-rounder A.J. Walker has been named in a 14-man squad to represent the West Gippsland Cricket Association (WGCA) at the ‘Country Week’ carnival next month.
Walker, the Bombers’ captain-coach, was rewarded for his strong performances with both bat and ball so far this season – sitting in the top 20 of the WGCA Premier division’s lists of leading run-scorers and wicket-takers.
Walker had a particularly strong start to the season before an arm injury interrupted his run of form. He currently has 215 runs to his name with a top score of 98, and 12 wickets at an average of 19.42.
Now that he has secured his place in the Country Week squad, Walker will be looking to cement a spot in the starting 11 with strong performances for his club between now and the WGCA’s first match of the carnival on 17 February against Warragul at Casey Fields in Cranbourne.
Emerald’s Premier grade side desperately needs that production as it looks to stave off relegation back to the District competition, after winning premier grade status last season.
The Bombers are currently locked in a three-way relegation battle which also includes Pakenham Upper-Toomuc and Upper Beaconsfield. The last-placed side will drop back to District level.
If the WGCA Warriors Country Week side is to progress to the grand final, it must win all of its preliminary matches – against Warragul, Sunraysia (on 18 February in Werribee), Wangaratta (on 19 February at Elsternwick Park), and Goulburn Murray (on 20 February in Northcote).
