Victoria names final Under-17 Metro and Country squads for National Championships

Cricket Victoria has announced the final Under-17 Country and Metro squads for the National Championships in Queensland this year.

Following the winter training program, which incorporated a mix of skill and game sense sessions, the initial squads of 40 were reduced to 18 ahead of phase two. 

From here, the squads were put to the test in match scenarios, fielding and finally a trial match to determine the 13 who would make each of the final squads.

Featuring the state’s best young talent, the squads of 13 will compete at the carnival together for just the second year after last year’s success.

The Country and Metro squads differ in age but not in ability, according to Cricket Victoria’s State Talent Manager Andrew Lynch.

“They’re two very different sides – the Metro squad have a powerful top-age group of players compared to the Country side who are much younger,” said Lynch.

“This is exciting though as many of them are moving up from Under-15s, so still possess all the skills necessary to perform at the national carnival.

“It’s shaping up to be an exciting year at the National Championships and both teams should perform well.”

High Performance and Victoria Metro Head Coach Jarrad Loughman was impressed by all the boys during the training process, and looks forward to seeing the squads compete at the national carnival.

“The attitude, the effort, and the skills shown from all the boys was excellent,” said Loughman.

“They showed outstanding commitment to the program throughout and have been rewarded for all their hard work with selections in the final squads for the National Championships.

“What surprised me most was their size and athleticism. They’re not only in really good shape but also highly skilled, with improved game sense.

“In terms of the Metro squad, they are a very strong group on paper with a good mix of skill sets which gives us nice flexibility across all match situations 

“Last year we bowled well but fell a bit short with the bat, so this year we’ll be looking for some big partnerships and strong individual performances.” 

Victoria Country Head Coach Matthew Elliott will be looking for improvement in every area after a lean campaign last year amongst strong competition.

“Last year was a real challenge and a bit of an eye opener, there are plenty of talented players at the National Championships,” said Elliott.

“We’ll be looking to improve across the board, and with a younger squad than last year we’ll also focus on the experience and learnings that come out of the carnival.

“The training sessions have been terrific, and I’m really pleased with the way everyone trained, listened and applied themselves to every session.

“The boys will be up to the challenge; we’re really looking forward to it.”

In addition to the Victorian squads, Victoria have two players in the Cricket Australia Under-16 XI in Mackenzie Harvey and Zane Kieghran who will also compete at the National Championships.

The National Championships will run from September 26 to October 6 in Queensland, and will be only the second time both a Victorian Metro and Victorian Country side have competed following last year’s success.

Victoria Country Under-17 National Championships squad

(Name – Current Club, Pathway Region, Skill)

Max Cairns – Rye CC, South East Country Sharks, RAFM & RHB

Brody Couch – Nirranda CC, Western Waves, LHB & RAFM

Kim Drew – Hallora CC, Gippsland Pride, RHB & RAM

Fraser Ellis – City Colts CC, North East Country Knights, RAFM & RHB

Lachie Field – Grampians CC, Western Waves, RAOS & RHB

Jayden Hunt – Mildura East CC, Mallee Murray Bulls, RAFM & RHB

Tom Jackson – Woodford CC, Western Waves, RHB & WK

Sam McCaskill – Gisborne Dragons CC, Central Highlanders, LHB & RAM

Todd Murphy – Moama CC, Northern Rivers, LHB

Andrew Poppa – Karramomus CC, Northern Rivers, RHB

Patrick Rowe – Melbourne CC, South East Country Sharks, RHB & WK

James Ryan – Bendigo CC, Northern Rivers, RALS & LHB

Jonah Serong – Longwarry CC, Gippsland Pride, RAOS & RHB

 

Victoria Metropolitan Under-17 National Championships squad

(Name – Current Club, Pathway Region, Skills)

Shubham Bhargave – Camberwell Magpies CC, South East Bayside Breakers, RHB & RAOS

James Boyce – Prahran CC, Inner East Emus, LAOS & LHB

Elliott Brandon-Jones – Northcote CC, Inner East Emus, RHB

Triyan De Silva – Monash Tigers CC, Southern Pioneers, LAFM & LHB

Zak Evans – Ringwood CC, Inner East Emus, RAF & RHB

Hugo Ferdinand – Monash Tigers CC, South East Bayside Breakers, RHB & RAFM

Josh Hartill – Ringwood CC, Outer East Eagles, RHB & WK

Daniel Ingleton – Glen Iris CC, Inner South East Scorpions, RHB

Nathan Murphy – Melbourne CC, South East Bayside Breakers, RHB & WK

Mitch Perry – Monash Tigers CC, Outer East Eagles, RAFM & LHB

Connor Rutland – Essendon CC, Northern Falcons, RHB & RAFM

Daniel Scholz – Monash Tigers CC, Outer East Eagles, RALS & RHB

Will Sutherland – Prahran CC, Inner South East Scorpions, RHB & RAFM