Dudley 15-year-old Joey Gillard has more cricket coming up than others will play all summer.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
He has ongoing Green Shield commitments with the University of Sydney, Bradman Cup duties representing Newcastle under 16s in Albury next month, the NSW Country Colts Championships for the district's under-18 side in Bathurst next week and the under-15 State Challenge at Blacktown from Sunday.
"There's a lot of cricket at the moment," Gillard said. "It's awesome."
It seems too much isn't enough for the year 9 student at Merewether High School and it comes as he transitions into the Newcastle District Cricket Association first grade competition.
Gillard has yet to raise his bat, but has already started to make his mark out in the middle.
Having debuted for Belmont in round three, the teenager has scored 141 runs from his six digs.
However, it's been more the manner in which the tally has been accumulated that's impressed.
Three times, twice unbeaten, Gillard has played innings of substance after finding himself in tricky situations and helped Belmont chase down totals for victory.
This was followed by 29 not out, featuring a 99-run partnership with captain Marcus Hainsworth, to get over the line losing just four wickets against visitors Wallsend (9-152) last month.
Gillard's latest assignment was a patient 184-ball knock in a two-day fixture at Pasterfield Sports Complex on the weekend, spending more than three hours at the crease to reach 45 and guide Belmont to eighth on the ladder by beating Cardiff-Boolaroo (142) by three wickets.
"It's a challenge," Gillard said about the step up the senior ranks.
"You get a lot less loose balls and you've got to be a lot more patient."
While admitting to a few "nerves", he said having "experienced guys at the other end" helps him to stay focused on the task at hand.
"Just passing on knowledge about the game and what role to play in a partnership," Gillard said.
Having only been dismissed three times, the right-hander is averaging 47 in the top XI.
Gillard started out juniors with Charlestown from under 11s and continues to line up at the Magpies in a midweek T20 series for under 16s. He crossed over to Belmont for seniors last season. "It's a really good club," he said.
Earlier this year while in England watching the Ashes with father Ian, Gillard was allowed into the Australian dressing sheds following the first Test at Edgbaston.
"That was so good. I'm pretty lucky," he said.
