Connor Buttigieg
Liam McLaughlin has become just the sixth player in Wyndham Vale Cricket Club’s history to reach 100 first XI games.
McLaughlin has been playing for the Vales since 2004, whereby he has progressed through the ranks to become a reliable run scorer and leader in their top team.
“It’s pretty big,” he said. “Whenever I think about it I realise that it’s taken around 11-12 years to reach it.
McLaughlin managed to put together an impressive 98 not out on Saturday against the Melton South Royals in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5, falling just short of what would have been a fairy tale way to celebrate his milestone.
Unfortunately, on a day where the Vales struggled to get going with the bat – excluding McLaughlin, he ran out of batting partners. The Royals made 197, before bowling the Vales out for 133 in the 35th over.
“It did feel pretty good to get a decent score, especially in front of my family and friends,” McLaughlin said.
“Unfortunately we couldn’t get the job done, but my goal was just to take the game as far as possible and keep fighting.”
McLaughlin’s rise to the firsts came at just the age of 15, which he remembers quite fondly.
“I was actually supposed to play in the 3rds that day, until I received a phone call with the news I’d be playing,” he said.
“I didn’t bat or get a chance to bowl, but it was surreal to play alongside guys who are now legends of the club.”
Just two years after his debut, Mclaughlin was a part of a first XI premiership at 17, which is probably his favourite cricket memory having only played 13 or 14 first XI games at the time.
McLaughlin speaks very highly of a couple of people who have guided him through his journey.
“Gerry Funnell was huge when I was a junior and coming through the seniors,” he said.
“I’ve also played almost every game in the firsts with Jay Dolliver who has definitely helped me get to this point, he’s like a big brother to lean on in a time of need,” he said.
Dolliver, the captain-coach of the Vales has high praise for McLaughlin’s milestone said he’s an exceptional fielder and a handy bat who has really come of age in the last couple of seasons.
The Vales haven’t had an ideal start to the season results wise winning two from their seven matches, however McLaughlin hinted that there may be some success around the corner.
“Everyone has been able to remain really positive so far,” he said.
“We’ve put ourselves in some pretty good positions to win games and have even won a couple on the back of a few of our young bowlers. “Michael Fry, Jacob Carter, Nathan Griffiths and Jake Rippon have been amazing so far this year with the ball and are starting to see the rewards.”
