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October 18-24, 2018 Dubbo Photo News
SPORT
New town, familiar colours By GEOFF MANN
2018 has been a breakout year for the supremely talented Ben Patterson. Firstly he conspired with Australian Country batsman Jordan Moran and nine determined teammates to guide Rugby to the Whitney Cup/T20 double at the beginning of the year, then he jetted off to England with CYMS all-rounder Brock Larance for the 150 Year Anniversary of the first Australian cricket team to tour the Old Dart, and then he swanned
his way around Sweden with expat Mitchell O’Connor. On Saturday, Patto pulled on the black and gold of the Newtown Tigers in a return to his junior club. Ben’s early promise saw him selected in NSW CHS teams for national championships where he earned a place in the Schools’ Development Squad tour of the British Isles. He then headed to Sydney for stints with Hawkesbury and St George before returning to England and the soft wickets to play
some counties games. The lure of the bush and home cooking proved too much for the self-confessed “country bumpkin” and Patto was back home in Dubbo for last season. Ever keen to expand his horizons, the former tearaway fast bowler who has become the most feared striker of the ball with his bat, Patto accepted the challenge of guiding Newtown’s fortunes and began training with the club on his return. “I have simple goals. Work hard, practice well and results will
PHOTO: Ben Patterson was back in the black and gold last weekend, continuing a decade of cricketing success.
come,” Ben says with a confidence that has been forged from a decade of success. “I know that Newtown has good leadership in the club, a team of fighters and strong club men in the Skinner boys, Dan Holland, Dan French. They also have the toughest batsman in town in Wayne Dunlop, so I am really keen to help them add another Whitney Cup to their fairly barren list of first grade titles,” he said with sincerity and a wry smile. Ben is not one to sit still. He has been applying himself in the gym,
PHOTO: MEL POCKNALL.
tuning his mind and body through martial arts, and is committed to helping other young people to focus their lives. He has been working with Mission Australia and last week spent time learning how to be a mentor for young offenders. Patto started the season with a bang on Saturday – an unbeaten half-century made in super-quick time bringing much needed points to the Tigers. His three wickets and a five-for-17 by off-spinner Steve Skinner are positive signs for a strong season “back in black and gold”!