Riley Vernon

Riley Vernon is a run-scoring machine making waves in rural Victorian cricket.

A schoolboy prodigy, Vernon enjoyed tremendous success throughout the age-groups, representing a string of sides, most notably the Victorian State U17s.

Following Premier Cricket stints with Essendon, and Richmond, the hard-hitting opener returned to his local club, some 35-miles Northwest of Melbourne, in recent years.

He has been, without doubt, the stand-out performer in the Gisborne District Cricket Association, shattering numerous batting records, including the highest individual score (210), and most runs in a single season.

In 2022/23, Vernon made waves by striking a record-breaking run-a-ball 210 for Gisborne before being rushed to hospital following an attempted ramp gone wrong. This innings followed a stunning 178 earlier that summer.

Roll on the 2023/24 season, and Vernon would continue to plunder opposition bowling attacks to all parts en-route to 1,058 runs at 70.58, with the highest score of 146. He also proved his all-round skills bagging 18 wickets at 20.33 with his off spin.

Vernon has now set his sights on higher honours and hopes to earn a Big Bash contract in future. For now, though, the talented batting all-rounder is keen to return abroad, following stints in India (whacking 175 in a match), and England (712 runs at 30.96 and 20 wickets at 26.25 for Tong Park Esholt in the Airedale and Wharfedale Senior League in 2023).

Not only a fine cricketer, but a keen, and level 2 accredited coach, who is also a leader for Gisborne having skippered the club this summer. Holder of a UK Ancestry Visa, Vernon is keen to return to England for his ongoing development.