Upper Beaconsfield’s Shawn Flegler has made an impressive start to his WGCA career. A seven wicket haul in round five was backed up by a century in the Maroons’ victory over Pakenham in Sunday’s T20 contest. 73897 Picture: Jarrod Potter
By David Nagel
AFTER a faltering start to his West Gippsland Cricket Association (WGCA) career, Upper Beaconsfield recruit and former first class player Shawn Flegler has well and truly found his feet.
He joins Kooweerup’s Chris O’Hara in a very select duo of players to sit inside the top ten for both bowling and batting performances after five rounds in the WGCA Premier Division.
Flegler, 39, (40 in March), was one of three high profile recruits to hit the WGCA landscape this season and his recent all-round efforts indicate a pretty picture lays ahead for both himself and the Maroons.
In round four against Pakenham Upper-Toomuc, Flegler clicked into gear firstly with his left hand batting, making 89 and then backing that up with his frugal left arm off-spin, taking 5/63.
In round five against perennial finalist Kooweerup, he took 7/78 before making 57 in his teams failed run chase. Twelve wickets and 146 runs in his last two matches, impressive stats which ever way you look at it.
Flegler, who lives in Upper Beaconsfield, played two first class matches for Victoria and one for Queensland and says he was twelfth man on probably fifteen occasions. He also played 16 one-day games for the Vics.
Flegler said he is relishing his time with the Maroons.
“It’s been great, they’re a really good bunch of blokes at the club, and the country aspect where you get to socialise a bit more is really important, I’m enjoying that side of it,” Flegler said.
“My wife grew up in the area so it’s been great to meet some locals.”
On field, Flegler has high hopes for his new club, and after a back injury kept him out for the whole of last season he is enjoying being back on the park. Wasted opportunities being his only disappointment so far this season.
“Yeah, I’ve had a few good starts with the bat but I haven’t kicked on and we might of won those games if I had have,” he said
Flegler hopes to combine his current work with Cricket Victoria where he works as an Academy coach with the under 19s, with a few more seasons at the Maroons. He will also be working with the Melbourne Stars as a fielding and spin bowling coach, but doesn’t expect all of his pupils to be attentive.
“I’ll give Warney some tips,” he said laughing.
“But I don’t think he’ll listen.”
