James is half-ton hero (From Free Press Series)

James is half-ton hero

YOUNG Abergavenny batter James Hrastelj could play an integral part in the Avenue Road side's fight for Premiership glory this season if he can keep racking up runs like he did in Saturday's nine-wicket win at Panteg.

The 17-year-old batted a majestic 57 not out alongside player-coach Keith Newell, who was the first to praise the young star after one of his most consistent displays in the first team.

Newell, who hit 96 not out, said: "I was very impressed with him. I explained what I wanted and he did exactly that. It was an encouraging performance and I'm very pleased for him."

The Abergavenny chief now urged the bright talent to start showing more self-belief and become one of the Premiership's more feared batters.

"He's come to a stage where he's been in and out of the side and probably doesn't know where he his. He should not be fazed by this level of cricket nor at batting in the top order. He's a good batter and should be proving that to the other teams, like on Saturday. He has to be known and feared by other sides," said Newell.

Hrastelj's first half century this season helped guide Abergavenny to their third win in five games and second in a row following last week's demolition of Chepstow.

After losing the toss for the fifth game in a row, Abergavenny played a patient game on a good, flat wicket with bowlers Gavin Heritage (2 for 46), Andrew Coles (3-55) and Kyle Holmes helping to fell Panteg for 210-8.

Batter Lee James then made a useful 33 at the crease, before Hrastelj and Newell steered the side home for 211-1.

"I had no doubts we would pass there score," beamed Newell. "We learned from the last time we played them away last season, when we threw away the game. This time we remained in control.

"Our fielding was particularly pleasing, and I was very encouraged by the result. It was a positive display."

Newell's only concern was with bowler Gavin Heritage, despite the player taking three wickets.

"He can be a bit expensive bowling sometimes. He's letting in about five an over. I think he's struggling with the new ball and getting it under control. He is bowling better with every game, though, and of course still taking wickets which is great," said Newell.

This weekend the Premiership newcomers face a much stiffer challenge against unbeaten Newport and their merciless batter ,Glamorgan's Ian Thomas.

"He's going to be very dangerous. He's been doing a lot of damage for them. We will look to try and get a handle on his free scoring, because he'll have no qualms about hitting as many runs as he can.

"Players of that standard will score runs at club level. We have to try and tie him down with our bowling.

"He will get frustrated if he's not scoring and that's when he might make a mistake," opined Newell.

The match bats off at Avenue Road at 1pm.