Ready to roar at National Championships

Victoria’s 13-player squad will begin their quest for glory at the Under-15 National Championships in Western Sydney tomorrow, eager to reach the Final on December 3.

Having finished runner-up last season, Victoria will be hoping to take one further step this summer.

At training, Hayes’ main focus has been on skill development and helping the girls understand their own game.

“Skill development has been a huge part of it,” Hayes declared.

“It’s about maximizing their efficiencies while also working on any deficiencies they may have in order to give them the best opportunity to do well while we’re up here.”

Understanding the importance of a good attitude, Hayes has encouraged the girls to develop a positive mindset to put them in good stead for an enjoyable season.

“Positive attitude is a big thing. From a batting perspective always looking to score, bowlers bowling in the right areas and setting up fields appropriately,” he said.

During the first round of the tournament, Victoria will have a tough battle on their hands and a chance at redemption, playing their arch rivals, New South Wales, at Rosedale Oval from 10am.

Hayes believes that the key to winning this game will be doing the basics well.

“It’s a big game straight up for both states,” Hayes said.

“We have talent and if we do the basics well, then the talent should shine and we give ourselves a great opportunity to win the game.”

Hayes believes that his assistant coach and former Commonwealth Bank VicSpirit player Nat Schilov has played a crucial role in the under-15 team’s development and proved an important role model for the girls.

“She can put a woman’s cricket perspective on it especially from her own experience coming through the pathway programs herself,” Hayes said.

“The girls can relate to her.”

You can keep track of all the action from the Under-15 National Championships by following @CVPathway on Twitter or ‘liking’ the CV Pathway Facebook page.

Under-15 Victorian squad

Melina Ayres – South East Bayside Breakers
Hayleigh Brennan – Gippsland Pride
Bella Gietzmann – Inner South East Scorpions
Zoe Griffiths – Inner East Emu’s
Amy Yates – South East Sharks
Jessica Karamoshou – North West Wizards
Annabel Martin – Mallee Murray Bulls
Sophie Van De Heuvel – Central Highlands
Tayla Vlaeminck – Northern Rivers
Georgia Wareham – Western Waves
Holly Whitford – Gippsland Pride
Claire Wilson – North East Knights
Madeleine Wright – Outer East Eagles