Victoria names Vikings

Known as the Victorian Vikings, the state’s All Abilities representative team was selected after performances at the state carnival, club level and a trial session at the MCG.

“This was possibly the best standard of cricketers that we have seen come out of the All Abilities state carnival,” Victorian Vikings selector Paul Montgomery said.

“At trials, we were looking for batters with a solid technique that would stand up under pressure, bowlers with good control and a bit of x-factor and a group that contained fit and strong bodied athletes.”

Australian representative Gavan Hicks will captain the squad with Croydon Ranges’ Daynah Hopkins being named as vice-captain.

The Vikings boast a mixture of veterans and fresh faces, with Croydon Ranges’ young paceman Lachlan McRae and Barwon all-rounder Harley Bushell both named for the first time.

“There were probably three or four members that had not been on our radar previously,” Montgomery said.

“They have been good finds for the program and are going to play a significant role going forward.”

As the only state All Abilities team in Australia, the squad will face the Harmony in Cricket XI, the state’s second string team, in a 40-over match next month to further the development process.

The Vikings will be given the chance to learn about the game in a professional environment in a bid to vie for an Australian position.

“Being a Viking gives players the opportunity to test their skills at a higher level of cricket and gives them the chance to receive more developmental opportunities as both an individual and a team,” Montgomery said.

“Hopefully this will allow us to be able to push more Victorian names up for Australian selection.”

The Victorian Vikings will face the Harmony in Cricket XI on Sunday, March 9 at Schramms Reserve with play commencing at 10am.

The 2014 Victorian Vikings squad:
Gavan Hicks (c) (Grampians)
Daynah Hopkins (vc) (Croydon Ranges Cricket Club)
Brayden Oogjes( Axe Creek Cricket Club)
Harley Bushell (Barwon)
Craig Whitehand (Bawon)
Lachlan MacRae (Croydon Ranges Cricket Club)
Dave Alford (Kananook Sports Club)
Shaun Dwyer (Kananook Sports Club)
Matt Jackson (Kananook Sports Club)
Steve Ingram (Moorabbin Cricket Club)
Rod Pettitt (Moorabbin Cricket Club)
Jamie Liddy (Wyndham All Abilities Football and Cricket Club)