Up and coming Faulconbridge cricketer Ryan Hackney has been selected for NSW Metro’s under 19s team competing at the national championships in Adelaide from December 5.
At 17, the left-handed opening batsman is one of the youngest members of the team.
Being among older players is nothing new for Hackney. This is his fourth season playing grade cricket for Penrith Cricket Club, and last season he was the youngest player to debut in first grade.
“It’s a tough jump from second to first grade,” Hackney said. “I want to learn as much as I can.”
He’s looking forward to the competition in Adelaide, expecting Queensland and ACT/NSW Country teams to put in a strong showing in the one-day, 50 over competition.
Having played cricket in Adelaide before, Hackney hopes his knowledge of Adelaide’s weather conditions and the pitch, will be an advantage.
“Hopefully that makes me perform a little better knowing what it’s like,” he said.
Hackney played last season in the NSW U17s team at the national championships where he stood out, scoring three centuries, totalling 495 runs, at an average just over 80 and earning him player of the tournament.
Most weekends he’s playing cricket for Penrith and he trains daily. He played junior cricket with Springwood and attends St Columba’s High School.
