Sport
5 October, 2022
Lawson ready to make his mark
LAWSON Attwood may just be the latest secret weapon for Mortlake Cricket Club in its debut season in the Warrnambool District league.
LAWSON Attwood may just be the latest secret weapon for Mortlake Cricket Club in its debut season in the Warrnambool District league.
The 18-year-old flew in from Birmingham last week and within days was taking to the nets at Wilsons DC Farran Oval with his new team-mates.
Keen to improve his cricket, learn a new culture and make lifelong friends, Attwood is here for the 2022-23 season.
“I’ve done a fair bit of travel back home, mainly around Europe, but have never been as far as Australia,” he said.
“From what I’ve seen so far, Mortlake is a nice little town and everyone has been very welcoming. I’m staying with the Lehmann family and hope to get some work while I’m here.”
No stranger to a turf wicket, this teenage right arm off-spinner is eager to make his mark.
“I’m a right-hand, probably middle order batsman but I think my strengths are more with the ball than the bat,” Attwood said.
“I’m looking forward to the first game just to see where I’m at in terms of my skills; I hope I can be of benefit to the team.
“Back home I played in division two for Warwickshire in the Birmingham League – which is the highest league before professional cricket.”
As to how Lawson wound up in this small country town, the journey began with a conversation between Mortlake cricketer Jimmy Tarbolton and a close friend of Jimmy’s in the UK.
“I’ve done a fair bit of travelling and have a friend in the UK who also plays cricket; I asked him if he knew of anyone who’d like to come over here for six months and be a part of our (Mortlake) club,” Jimmy said.
“Lawson’s name was at the forefront – and I’m so glad it was. Already he’s fitting in really well; he’s an amazing young man, it’s a pretty big thing to do (travel half-way across the globe on your own not knowing anyone at your destination).
“I think he under-estimates his ability with the bat; I saw him in the nets last Thursday night and he hits well. He plays in a very high league back home and also played several games with international cricketer Carlos Braithwaite from the West Indies.”
Mortlake Cricket Club president Simon Ritchie said Lawson had already made a great impression.
“We’ve very happy to have Lawson with us this season and no doubt he’ll slot well into our division one side,” Ritchie said.
“He’s a confident, friendly young man who I’m sure will add depth to our team.”