IF Merewether's chairman of selectors has any say in it, there's not much chance of Zac Stanbridge getting a big head after his successful first-grade debut last week.
Stanbridge, who turns 18 later this month, helped the Lions to a season-opening win against Waratah-Mayfield by taking 3-27 with his left-arm seamers.
Zac is the son of Merewether club legend Phil Stanbridge, who also doubles up as the man who oversees the club's selection meetings.
While he was naturally chuffed with Zac's efforts on debut, Phil is renowned as a straight shooter who is likely to ensure his progeny's feet remain firmly anchored on terra firma.
According to Merewether captain Josh Geary, Phil is about as far removed as you can possibly get from the archetypal pushy parent.
"Anyone who knows Phil, that's not in his nature," Geary said.
"If he thinks someone else was better for that job, he'd be the first to tell you.
"He's not someone who'll push his young fella's wheelbarrow."
As Geary explained, Zac's selection was barely even a discussion point. The youngster performed well in last season's Summer Bash competition and and was a logical inclusion after a couple of off-season departures.
"Zac played some T20s for us last year and did a good job, so the decision was pretty straightforward," Geary said.
"I think he played a bit of second grade at the back end of last year, but not a lot.
"He's on a bit of rapid rise.
"He's a good kid and he'll get a lot more opportunities in the future."
Phil, who debuted in Merewether's top-grade team as a 15-year-old before proceeding to represent Newcastle and NSW Country, popped in and out of Townson Oval on Saturday to monitor Zac's progress.
"He probably bowled a bit within himself," Phil said. "So hopefully the more games he plays, he'll keep on improving each week."
And it might not be long before there is another Stanbridge on Merewether's team sheet, after Zac's twin sibling, Nixon, scored 35 not out and took a wicket in second grade last week.
Phil described Nixon, a left-hand bat who bowls right arm, as Zac's "polar opposite" in terms of playing style.
"It's just a matter of Nixon having enough confidence in himself to realise how much potential he's got," Phil said. "Zac's never really struggled for confidence, but once Nixon realises the ability he's got, I think he could be playing first grade in the next year or two without too many problems."
Both boys are already taller than Phil, as is his youngest son, Sam.
"My dad asked me the other day what it was like to be the shortest one in the family," Phil said with a laugh.
**CHARLESTOWN and Wests will meet in a rematch of last season's memorable decider in Sunday's SG Moore (under-16) semi-finals at Pasterfield Sports Complex.
Charlestown won the title last year in a super over, after scores were tied at the end of the alotted 20 overs apiece.
They will clash with the Rosellas at noon, after the opening semi between Cardiff-Boolaroo and Newcastle City at 9am.
The final is scheduled to start at 3pm.
Charlestown sealed their semi berth with a ruthless win against Toronto last week. After dismissing the Kookaburras for 50, the Magpies passed their total in just 3.4 overs.
All three finals will be livestreamed.
* NEWCASTLE District Cricket Umpires Association is seeking former players and fans who are interested in becoming qualified umpires.
A fully accredited level-two training course has been organised for the weekend of December 4-5.
Interested parties can register via the http://www.ndcua.com.au/ website or by emailing the association at secretary@ndcua.com.au.
* THEY may have lost their season-opener against Newcastle City last weekend, but University had cause to celebrate anyway after opening bowler Josh Bennett claimed a hat-trick. Bennett removed tailenders Bryce Garrett, Callan Fowler and Wilson McTaggart in consecutive balls, finishing with 5-20 from eight overs.
* WESTS kicked off their title defence with an ominous win against Wallsend last weekend, but it's perhaps fair to say they will be even more formidable once representative paceman Brad Aldous is back on deck.
