Few players in Drakes League history can have made a bigger first impression than Graeme Tryon at Marsden.
The 19-year-old Zimbabwe-born Kiwi age-group cap hit 178 not out against Clayton West on opening day to make the rest of the divisions sit up and take notice.
He also has a ton against Cawthorne and, after just missing out on a half century against Linthwaite last weekend, he is already past 500 runs for the campaign.
“It’s not been a bad start for me and I’m really enjoying myself,” said Tryon, who plays for Havelock North CC, Hawkes Bay and age-level cricket for Central Districts in New Zealand.
“I thought the pitches would be a lot wetter and slower, but it’s turned out all right and if I can help the club to get straight back up, then that will be great – that’s what we are aiming for.”
Tryon’s determination to make it in the game is illustrated that he stayed behind in Hastings – the nearest Test-playing ground is Napier, on the east coast of the North Island – when his family uprooted to Perth in Australia because his father got a job there two and a half years ago.
One sister lives there too, while the other is in London, working at the Shard. Tryon has cousins here, too, with one living just outside Leeds.
“It’s a lot different playing back home, with sunny weather and really hard decks, so playing here is a different challenge,” he explained.
“I went with the New Zealand Under 19s on tour to Darwin and another tournament, but unfortunately I didn’t make the World Cup squad. I was grateful to play, but it was disappointing to miss out on the World Cup (in Dubai).
“At the moment I’m just looking to improve my cricket and, hopefully in future, make the Central Districts squad.
“I have played for CD in the Under 19s and a breakthrough there at first class level in the next few years would be ideal. That’s the goal.”
Tryon has a simple approach to batting with the aim of putting away the bad ball, whether that comes first up, after five overs or half way through an innings.
He also feels he can extract plenty of turn from the wickets here – something confirmed by his skipper – and added:” The conditions may be different to back home but it’s not a different mindset.
“With the bat I just try and establish myself early and if a bad ball comes along, I try and hit it. With the bowling I just try and make the most of the chances I get, and I feel the wickets will turn more.
“It’s a matter of sticking to my plans, because they are working so far.”
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