General News
19 February, 2021
Sam Whytcross embracing rink swap
EMERGING Camperdown bowler Sam Whytcross is embracing the challenge of playing as a third in the hopes of one day being a skipper for his club.
EMERGING Camperdown bowler Sam Whytcross is embracing the challenge of playing as a third in the hopes of one day being a skipper for his club.
The 17 year-old has played the first six games of the Corangamite Bowls Division as a third under Matthew Brewer having spent the 2019/20 season as a second.
Under Brewer’s guidance, Whytcross is mastering the art of reading the head in a bid to one day be a skipper at the club.
While the youngster realises he is still years away from playing as a skip regularly, he is eager to learn and improve as much as possible in a bid to be a more-rounded bowler.
The transition to the third position is expected to expedite the process, while upcoming pairs tournaments with a friend are also hoped to help Whytcross’ development.
Whytcross said he was enjoying the change of scenery the position offers despite admitting it was taking him some time to come toterms with.
“From my point of view the move has been good because you’re playing better shots and you’re more involved in reading the head so the game is in your hands a bit,” he said.
“You’re just more involved and in the game more in terms of the head as a third than as a second. It’s been quite difficult to adjust to but I’m definitely enjoying the challenge.
Obviously the goal is to become a skipper but another would be to win a premiership at Camperdown. I’ve got a bit to go to get to that stage but it’s something I’m working towards.
“I’ll probably be a third for the next three to four years and get more knowledge of the game and read the head better then hopefully it will come with time.”
Whytcross is expected to play a key role in third-placed Camperdown’s crunch match with second-placed reigning premier Colac (1), who will venture to the Thornton Street green tomorrow (Saturday).
Colac (1) has been one of the season’s standouts thus far, winning five out of six games with its only defeat being a narrow loss to Simpson on the Tigers’ tricky green.
Whytcross conceded favouritism will go the way of Colac (1), but he noted the closeness of the season thus far indicated Camperdown would have a good chance of victory.
“It will be a big battle but it will be a good win if we can pull it off,” he said.
“Looking into it we’re probably the underdog but this year anyone can beat anyone.
“Everyone is just so competitive and with the season being so short it’s anyone’s game.”
Whytcross said it was imperative the club stuck together throughout the contest, wanting his team-mates to use the spirit within the club to counter Colac’s expected tactics.
“We need to play as a group and as a team but we’ll also be relying on that community spirit,”
“The last few weeks that community spirit within the club has really helped, particularly in our wins.
“We’ll go into the game looking to use our home green advantage but we know Colac (1) will probably want to play short ends because they’re used to playing on carpet but we’ll see how we go.”
Meanwhile, Camperdown Golf can move closer to ensuring it remains in division one next season when it hosts bottom side Apollo Bay.
Golf currently sits 10 points clear of Apollo Bay, with a win to give them additional breathing space over the last fortnight of the season.
In the remaining games, Colac Central (1) hosts Cobden, Colac City welcomes Colac (2) and Lorne takes on Simpson.