Dandenong dynamo James Nanopoulos was named one of the best second XI Victorian Premier Cricket players. DANDENONG cricketer James Nanopoulos won the Victorian Premier Cricket best second XI player in a three-way tie with Prahran’s Steven De Bolfo and Ringwood’s Matthew King on Monday night.
In a remarkable rise through the ranks, Nanopoulos, a left-handed batsman, started the season in thirds and finished in the firsts.
Nanopoulos said he was out shopping on Friday when he received a very surprising phone call.
“It was to let me know I had won the award. I was blown away,” the 18-year-old said.
The Panthers prodigy scored 583 runs at an average of 70.37 in the seconds, with a 195 not out against Casey-South Melbourne and 109 not out against Geelong his two best scores.
Nanopoulos said he had all intentions of riding through the ranks this season, just not as quickly as he did.
“It’s something you always hope to do (play in the first XI),” he said. “I just started the season well, got a few runs under my belt and it all happened from there.”
Nanopoulos said opening the batting with team-mate Kumar Sarna was a dream come true.
“We’re both 18 and we face some pretty experience bowling attacks,” he said.
“The bowlers certainly let us know about it.”
When it comes to opening the battle against St Kilda in the first XI grand final this weekend, Nanopoulos said it would be a nerve-racking experience.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.
“The key to winning is probably getting their top four batsmen out early and getting stuck into the tail, which hasn’t faced too many balls this season.”
Fellow Dandenong young gun Sarna also won an award on Monday night – the Commonwealth Bank Future Star award.
Sarna scored his debut first XI century this season, and gained selection in the Victorian under 17 and under 19 sides.
Panther David Newman polled 23 votes in the Ryder Medal count, the league’s first XI award, finishing ninth behind eventual winner Graeme Rummans from St Kilda, who polled 34.
Dandenong coach Warren Ayres polled 17 votes.
