Diamonds in the Bush
The ‘Diamonds in the Bush' Program, as it is known today, commenced in July 2003. The Program was instigated by current State coach Greg Shipperd, Neale Price (former Game Development Manager at Cricket Victoria) and Chris Harris Game Development Manager - Country.
The program commenced as the ‘Diamonds in the Rough' where the hope was the to find a ‘rough diamond' - ala current Bushranger speedster, Shane Harwood from country Victoria - who may have 'slipped through the net' in the talent identification process of the Cricket Victoria Pathway. It also had a component of advancing the skills of current Pathway players and later, coaches, with the introduction of the coaching seminar concept. The program was conducted in all sixteen country and metro regions throughout the State. Notable players that participated in 2003 were:
- Aaron Finch (Bushrangers State Full Contracted Player)
- Steve Gilmour (Bushrangers State Rookie Contracted Player)
- Clint McKay (Bushrangers Full Contract and Australia A Representative)
- Robert Quiney (Bushrangers Full Contract and Rajasthan Royals IPL / ACA All Stars T20 Representative)
- Tim Ludeman (South Australia State Rookie Contract)
The Program Today:
Today, Diamonds in the Bush focuses only on Country Victoria, operating annually (June/July) out of regional centres all around the State.
Regional Cricket Managers invite the most talented players in their regions to attend practical cricket sessions at local venues, addressing all aspects of the game.
As part of the current program, Bushranger players assist Cricket Victoria High Performance coaches and Regional Cricket Managers at the practical coaching sessions. Most regions also have at least one evening coaching seminar in which presenters address topics relevant to the audience (both practical and theory). In addition, Bushranger players are on hand to participate in open discussion with local and Pathway coaches.
The Program culminates in a September Country Camp for chosen players from the Program, who get to experience life and cricket in Melbourne in a High Performance setting with other talented players. The MCG Bill Lawry Indoor Centre and the full compliment of Cricket Victoria's High Performance coaching panel are key aspects of the three-day camp.
The program is a shared initiative driven by both the Game Development and High Performance Departments of Cricket Victoria.
Objectives of the Program:
1. Skill Development of Pathway players
2. To provide players to be exposed to professional cricketers and high quality coaches
3. To provide opportunity for local coaches to tap into the latest coaching information on cricket topics of interest
4. To provide a specific training environment at the best possible venues in country regions whereby players have the maximum opportunity to develop their game
5. Talent identification of individual players
6. Further develop Bushranger players, High Performance coaches and Regional Cricket Managers by exposing them to the interaction of cricket coaching ideas that the program generates, as the game of cricket develops
2009 Program:
- Visited ten venues including: Mildura, Albury, Benalla, Bairnsdale, Traralgon, Shepparton, Bendigo, Ballarat, Horsham & Warrnambool
- Involvement of nine Bushranger players including: Shane Harwood, John Hastings, Aiden Blizzard, Damien Wright, Matthew Wade, Lloyd Mash, Will Sheridan, Nick Jewell and James Pattinson
- This year's program attracted over 140 players to coaching sessions and 300 coaches to seminars across the State
Keep an eye out on www.cricketvictoria.com.au for information on our 2010 Diamonds in the Bush Program.
