Victoria to commence title defence

Having finished undefeated during last year’s tournament, Victoria will look to continue its trend in its opening match of the carnival.

The return of Sam Harper and Liam Banthorpe from last year’s side will assist in guiding the Victorians throughout the tournament.

With four bottom-age players, Sam Grimwade, Josh Hudson, Will Pucovski and Blake Thomson in the team, Harper and Banthorpe’s leadership will become influential.

“Last year was a positive experience and Liam and Sam have spoken about what the team did well,” Victorian coach Graeme Rummans said.

“They’re experience will be vital, especially for the younger guys.”

With majority of the team playing Premier Cricket, the tournament will also provide them with an opportunity to continue their development.

“It’s important that the boys return from the tournament as more experienced cricketers,” Rummans said.

“They have a lot of experience in higher grade cricket so that will hold them in good stead.”

Throughout the tournament, Victoria will face South Australia and Tasmania in one-day matches before clashing with Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia in two-day games. 

Play will commence today at 9:30am AEST.

Under-17 Victorian squad
Wes Agar – Monash Tigers CC/ South East Bayside Breakers
Liam Banthorpe – Fitzroy-Doncaster CC/ Northern Falcons
Anthony Brolic – Fitzroy-Doncaster CC/ Outer East Eagles
Kade Burns – Casey-South Melbourne CC/ Gippsland Pride
Sam Grimwade – Prahran CC/ Inner South East Scorpions
Sam Harper – Melbourne CC/ Outer East Eagles
Josh Hudson – Templeton CC/ Outer East Eagles
Adam McMaster – Dandenong CC/ South East Country Sharks
Jackson Mockett – Frankston- Peninsula CC/ South East Country Sharks
Will Pucovski – Melbourne CC/ South East Bayside Breakers
Gehan Seneviratne – Hawthorn-Monash University CC/South East Bayside Breakers
Jacob Serry – Prahran CC/ Inner South East Scorpions
Blake Thomson – Melbourne CC/ Central Highlanders

Image sourced from the Stonnington Leader.