RUSSELLS CREEK bowler Matthew Petherick knew the timing was right to jump at an experience of a lifetime.
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The 24-year-old has signed on with Palace Shield Cricket Competition second tier club Torrisholme for the 2020 English summer.
"I've always wanted to do it and I've seen others from the region go over and do it so I felt this was the perfect opportunity for me," Petherick said of the opportunity.
"I have just finished my teaching degree and I feel I can get a job over there with it."
The medium right-hand bowler will play in the club's First XI, which plays in the division one A of the league based in the Preston and Lancashire districts.
Petherick, who also plays football with Russells Creek in the Warrnambool and District league, will swap Jetty Flat for Torrisholme's Boundary Meadow in April 2020 upon his successful visa application.
The Rebel Sport employee, who hopes to have an impact on and off the field, said the location of the club and its grounds were a major drawing cards.
"It's similar to Jetty Flat being down on ocean near Manchester and it's a good spot to be as I will be wanting to go and do stuff away from cricket too," he said.
TCC, who is seeking to return to the Palace Shield Cricket Competition's top tier after being relegated following the 2018 season, is hoping Petherick's venture will help build a link with Russells Creek.
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In 2019 the club finished in sixth position in its first time back in the second tier since 2015.
First XI skipper Bryson Little was excited to have Petherick on board.
"I really feel he can bring the missing element to help us gain promotion," he said.
"I'm also excited about his involvement in helping to develop our teenage players and also the tie-up link with Russell's Creek.
"We have some very talented players, who in the future, may want to spend a season down under and having that opportunity between the two clubs would be fantastic.
"We are the best supported junior club in the area and it's the nurturing and retainment of the youngsters that's key for us.
"Matt's involvement as an overseas amateur player will, and indeed already has, created a real buzz for next year."
Little said Petherick's skill set suited what Torrisholme is searching for as it strives to return to the top tier of its league.
"We've needed a bowler to take 40-50 wickets per season (since we lost some key senior players before the 2018 season) and this is what I believe Matt can do for us next year," he said.
"Sheer pace is not the key here in England, but bowling the ball in the right areas consistently and giving the pitch and weather conditions every chance to help you take wickets matches Matt's style perfectly.
"Many of our young cricketers play representative district and county cricket and in time they will be steered down the route of playing the highest level of club cricket available.
"We simply have to be at that level to retain them and I believe Matt's joining us next year is key to that."
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Sean Hardeman
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
