LOCHLAN Elks could be the fittest cricketer to face up in the Central North this season after a huge year of firsts for the Year 11 O’Connor student.
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Last summer, Elks burst on to both the Armidale grade and representative cricket scenes after leaving the junior ranks behind.
Elks went straight into the Hillgrove first grade side and improved with every game.
It then didn’t take long for him to be selected into his first opens Armidale rep side to play in the War Veterans Cup, as well as the Northern Inland and Central North U16s.
“I am a batsman but I started taking a few wickets and ended up taking some five-fors and six-fors last year with the ball,” Elks said.
“Everything just started clicking for me and I went to opening bowler.
“I got quicker and my length and accuracy also got better as the season went.”
Elks was so impressive he was chosen to train in a Central North Cricket NSW development squad in the off-season.
Deciding to give rugby league a go for the first time and being mates with the Press boys, he was soon pulling on the boots for the Uralla Tigers after cricket ended.
“I had played a few games at school but never played for a club,” he said.
It didn’t take long for him to get noticed there either, going straight into the run-on team for the premiership-winning U18s.
With the club battling for numbers in its first year back in the top grade, it didn’t take long for him to be playing reserve grade, and shortly after first grade, all on the same day.
“I was busted by the end of firsts but it was fully worth it afterwards,” Elks said.
Some Sundays he would also play hockey for Armidale City before going to the Central North cricket sessions in the nets at Farrer.
“The fitness is good, that’s for sure,” Elks said.
Straight back into Hillgrove firsts this season, he took 3-15 in its first game against City before hitting 36 not out with the bat.
Last weekend he almost did it again, hitting 27 not out at the end of the first War Veterans Cup innings against North Tamworth before coming into the attack late for another three wickets.
On Saturday afternoon, Elks had played two games for two three-wicket hauls and two not outs.
“Not a bad way to start the season,” Elks said.
“I just hope I can keep it up.”
On Sunday, Elks captained Northern Inland 17s in a trial against Hunter for the Central North side in Scone but missed selection.
Coming in with a side strain and copping a duck didn’t help his chances but he is certain to turn heads through the Armidale District season and Country Cup.
He has been named in the Armidale side to play Tamworth in the Country Shield match at Armidale Sportsground on Sunday.
