Waters in spate as runs are flowing (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Waters in spate as runs are flowing

12:27am Friday 14th May 2010 in

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Australian teenager Luke Waters is taking the Aire-Wharfe League by storm this season.

The 19-year-old from Down Under has reeled off centuries in each of his first three games for Tong Park/Esholt, Waters opened with 124 against Calverley, followed it with 135 not out against Silsden, and then made 113 versus Steeton on Saturday.

Waters, who plays first-grade cricket in Brisbane for Wynnum-Manly, admits he has never enjoyed such a purple patch of form before.

“This is the first time I have ever got three centuries on the trot,” he said.

“I guess I know more about the English conditions than when I first arrived last season.

“I made a slow start then and had some low scores before finding my form in the later stages of the season.

“I finished with 700 runs but importantly I learned a lot about playing over here.

“The wickets are slower, the temperature is definitely cooler and the ball is different.

“This time I was fully prepared. I knew exactly what to expect and, importantly, I know my team-mates.

“Last year I was learning who they were. It has been far easier slotting in this time and concentrating solely on my game.”

Waters also had words of encouragement for two of his Wynnum-Manly team-mates who are getting their first taste of English conditions.

Tom Manvell is an off-spinning all-rounder who is with JCT600 Bradford League Division Two side Hartshead Moor, while fast bowler Chris Lloyd is playing with Moorlands in the Solly Sports Central Yorkshire League.

“They have both had tough starts to the season but I have told them that things will become a lot easier once they have settled in.

“Getting used to your team mates is as important as getting used to the condition,” he said.

Waters, also admitted that he had some readjustment to do when he returned to Australia last winter.

“The wickets were obviously a lot bouncier and had more pace in them. Thankfully I made a pretty good start, but it did feel a bit strange after playing on the lower and slower English wickets.”

Although there is inevitable speculation that Waters could reach the magic 1,000 run mark this season, he isn’t looking that far ahead.

He added: “I want to keep my good run going and help the team to get some wins. Obviously I would like to better the 700 runs I made last season, but I know I still have to work hard and make the most of the good run I have been enjoying.”