Brett’s hard work pays off with 8-56 (From Worcester News)

Brett’s hard work pays off with 8-56

7:07pm Wednesday 8th August 2007 in Search

HOURS of hard work in the nets between father and son was the key to Brett D'Oliveira's match-winning haul of 8-56 for Ombersley Seconds against Studley in Birmingham League Division Three.

Brett and his father, Worcestershire's academy director and former County all-rounder Damian, have been honing the young leg-spinner's action and Saturday's fine return was a perfect reward for the practice.

The 15-year-old is a member of Worcestershire's academy and aims to play for the County in the future. He is going about it the right way with a string of impressive Ombersley performances.

D'Oliveira's latest bowling feat, which earned his side a 24-point league victory, has been selected for our cricketer of the week award as well as bagging a £30 voucher for the Fearnley Factory Shop.

The Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College pupil said: "It was my best return for Ombersley, but this is only my first season with the club. I played for Worcester Dominies for about three or four seasons before.

"My dad was happy for me, because we have been working very hard on my action. It is great fun being part of the Worcestershire academy and we even get to train with some of the first-team players.

"I hope to go on to play for Worcestershire in the future, but I know there is a lot of hard work to do.

"My bowling has been really good for Ombersley this season. My batting has not been as good, but that is another area I am working hard to improve."

An Ombersley victory looked unlikely when they slumped to 141 all out with their total built around Dan Hagger's 40 and 37 from D'Oliveira.

However, despite second top-scoring, D'Oliveira was much more influential with the ball.

He added: "We batted first and only put 141 on the board. The pitch was quite difficult for batting on and we knew we would have to bowl them out cheaply to win.

"We were a bit disappointed with our total and thought we needed more runs.

"At one stage, they only needed 11 runs from the last seven overs to win with three wickets in hand.

"But I took three wickets in one over to wrap up the victory.

"I came on to bowl after about 11 overs and bowled right through to the end. I finished with 8-56 from 20 overs.

"We are mid-table at the moment, but hopefully we can push on to near the top by the end of the season."