North West Wizards’ under-18 representative squad has some of the best young cricketers in Melbourne’s north west, including three from Westmeadows Cricket Club.
Clayton Campbell, Ryan Blair and Aaron Evans are the only members of the squad not yet aligned with a Premier Cricket club.
But there’s still hope, as Premier clubs contacted all three in the off-season.
“We spoke to our coach at the end of last season and he recommended we stay with Westmeadows [for another season],” Evans said.
“It’s a good opportunity to get a full season in the senior side under our belts.”
All three were part of the Wizards squad as bottom-age players last year and they’re hoping the experience will help them this year.
The squad will take on other teams from across the state in the Victorian Bushrangers under-18 state championships to be held from January 11-15.
“It was pretty exciting for me last year and as senior members this year we have to be more serious and be leaders,” Blair said.
Campbell agreed: “It was a good experience last year and, hopefully, we can make finals this time.
“It’s normally held in hot conditions, which separates the good cricketers from the average.”
The trio are hoping that playing well in January will lead to a higher level next season.
“We’re looking to play Premier Cricket next year and people from the clubs will be watching,” Evans said.
Blair added: “This is a pathway to the under-19 Victorian squad, and there will be a lot of scouts watching.
“One of the lads from the Wizards got selected for the Vic squad last year. We’re all working hard to try to do that.”
Others in the squad include former Craigieburn player Sam Laffan, Greenvale’s Tom Winchester and a former Westmeadows player now with Greenvale, Michael Gatt.
For the boys it’s not just about trying to perform their best but also about showing Westmeadows as a club which develops good young players.
Westmeadows got its first win of the season against Sunshine Druids in Victorian Turf north division on Saturday.
After making 242 on day one, Westmeadows bowled out the Druids for 85 and had them 5-72 in the second innings.
