Cricket: Andrew Holder leads Subiaco Floreat’s premiership charge

NEW bowler Andrew Holder has defied the odds this season.

His transition from bat to ball is the one of the most remarkable stories of 2017 and with a bit of luck, he could be the unlikely hero in a Subiaco Floreat premiership in just over a week’s time.

In 12 months, Holder has gone from a hardened opening batsman to the competition’s leading wicket taker, with 47 wickets at an average of just 18.

With the bowling line up struggling with injury, Holder was thrown the new ball, which he now has for life.

“I just basically did whatever the team needed to be honest, I’ve always been a team first kind of guy,” Holder said.

“With some injuries and luck I was given the new ball at the start of the year and it all just started going from there.”

Holder credits his newfound relaxed approach as a key component behind the sudden rise to form, with his past as a batsman unusually becoming a weapon to his fast bowling armoury.

“Coming from a batting background, you’re obviously facing the new ball and you know what you’re up against,” he said.

“Being on the other side and having a batting mentality whilst bowling has helped me a lot.”

The quick’s ability with bat in hand became invaluable over the weekend, guiding Subiaco Floreat to a finals win over Fremantle to keep their season alive.

His partnership with good mate Chris Hansberry was ultimately the match winner.

“When I came out to bat we were 7-70,” he remembers.

“We just wanted to stay positive, as Chris and I have always batted higher in the order previously.

The three-wicket win ranks as one of Holder’s best; with the constant shift in momentum a challenge for players on both sides.

Subiaco Floreat now turns its focus to a clash with the premiership favourites Claremont-Nedlands.

“I think it will be a close match to be honest, we have a strong batting line up and a good core of players,” he said.

“We have won against really good opposition all year and anything can happen in finals.

“To make a grand final and win a premiership you have to beat the best.”

Holder will finish as this year’s most outstanding bowler, with the goal of consistent form and team success pushing the fast-bowler to be even better in 2018.

-Elliot Raiter