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Stepien backs GVBBL competition's growth

By Max Stainkamph

Feb 1, 2021

He gave viewers plenty of highlights, but SRP Mud Dogs marquee Brayden Stepien reckons the Goulburn Valley Bush Bash League has plenty more highlights to come.

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Stepien hit a 29-ball 42, with four boundaries and two maximums in the Mud Dogs’ third-round win to advance to the final.

“It's always good coming back to local cricket and giving what I can back and pass on my knowledge to young guys and guys who aren't really as experienced,” Stepien said.

“The standard here is quite strong."

He said there was plenty of potential for regional Victoria's first franchised Twenty20 competition.

“You've got four or five leagues which have formed to make this little franchise they've got going and if it gets a bit bigger and pushes a bit stronger I think this has potential to be a really big thing,” Stepien said.

“It's always nice for the franchise stuff if they can push it a bit further. They can get a really strong competition."

He praised Joel Brett, who he batted with in the middle for several overs, as well as Jarvis Delahey Crushers’ opening bowler Corey Hickford.

“(Joel) batted well. he listened, played his own game,” Stepien said.

“We had a plan to play straight and he did that, and Corey Hickford was really consistent and shows he's got what it takes to be a really good bowler.

“There's some really good talent here."

Stepien said he was planning to come back to play for the Mud Dogs in the final against Hurley's Hotel Hounds on Sunday, having enjoyed his time in the middle.

“I'd love to come back and play with the boys, they're a good bunch of boys,” he said.

“Always nice to make a few runs. It's always a bit nerve-racking coming to do this stuff, there's a lot of expectation, but it's good to get a couple out of the way."