Jordan’s dream MCG run

By Justin Robertson
PLAYING on the hallowed turf at the MCG is every cricketer’s wish but to win a state title on the world-class ground is a dream.
For Drouin cricketer Jordan Wyatt, not only was he part of Gippsland Pride’s win over Central Highlanders during last month’s under-18 Victorian Commonwealth Bank Cup, he played a pivotal role in the win with his run-a-ball 66 at a time where his team needed it.
On the ropes at 5/53 chasing 163, Gippsland needed 86 off its final 90 deliveries with four men left in the shed.
Wyatt proved the difference and swung momentum back for his team for the stirring victory – a performance Wyatt won’t forget in a hurry.
“It was probably one of the best days of my life,” the 18-year-old said. “To play on the MCG and make 66 there and win the cup was just unbelievable.”
Wyatt was also awarded Gippsland’s man of the tournament, making 111 runs from three hits including his match-winning 66 in the grand final.
The Caulfield Grammar student said playing on the biggest stage during the final took time to sink in.
“It’s such massive ground, it was unreal,” he said. “You look around and see stands everywhere but fielding first made it a lot easier to focus on the batting – I soaked up the entire atmosphere before then.”
Wyatt has been etching a path in premier district cricket over the past few years, notching up 14 matches with Brad Hodge’s Melbourne, before transferring to Casey-South Melbourne this season.
With three games under his belt in the second XI, Wyatt will now focus on playing APS cricket for his school for the rest of the season.
“Casey has been really good to me and very welcoming. I definitely like out there,” he said. “Hopefully, I can get some more experience over the next few years and see where cricket takes me.”