Young quick among Dolphins’ attack striving for premiership breakthrough

PLAYING in just his first season of cricket, 12-year-old Zavier Hollmer will line-up for Lorne Cricket Club in their Colac District Cricket Association division 3 grand final tomorrow (Saturday, March 8).

Lorne will take on Carlisle River in a 40-over match at 12pm at Colac’s Western Reserve, seeking to go one better after falling to Tomahawk Creek in last year’s decider.

“He’s a Lorne local, his family have been in Lorne forever and he wandered into training in the pre-season and wanted to have a go,” teammate Matt Cash said of the Hollmer who is by far the youngest member of the side.

“He has opened the bowling almost every game for us this year.

“He bowls beautiful in-swingers, has a great action and has been pivotal to our season. I think he is the leading wicket-taker for us.”

The Dolphins have made a splash since returning in 2022 following eight years in recess due to lack of numbers.

“It’s our third season back as a club. Making the grand final two years in a row is a massive achievement and we’ve got heaps of support from the community,” Cash said.

The wicket-keeper/batsman said the group had taken lessons from last season.

“I think we were a bit overexcited last year and I don’t know if it cost us the grand final but it might have had an impact on how we went,” he said.

“It’s a bit more low-key this season and more about trying to get the job done.”

The Dolphins defeated Forrest in the qualifying final after posting 204 and restricting the Lions to 70.

Harvey Atwell whacked 67 from 95 balls after opener Eddie Erftemeyer knocked 50 from 65.

Opening bowler Brett Carey tore through the Lions’ top order with 4-24 from eight overs.

Lorne has won a couple of close encounters against Carlisle River this season.