Sarah Oliver
Two cousins who play under-17s at Bacchus Marsh have returned undefeated after being selected to play representative cricket at the Bendigo Summer Series.
Archie (16) and Sam (15) were picked to play for the bottom age team at the three-day series which started on January 10 in Bendigo.
The best players from across the state were selected to play the series, making it a significant event for the cousins.
“It meant a lot [to be picked],” Sam said.
“I missed out in under-12s and I think that really drove me to work harder.”
Archie said: “It means a lot to represent Victoria in the under-17s stuff – it was a great opportunity and a real learning experience for me.”
The event was initiated by Cricket Victoria after the cancellation of this year’s under-17s National Championships due to COVID-19.
The series included three Victorian teams and was a mixture of T20 and 50 over matches.
Cricket Victoria’s high performance manager Dean Russ said the series was an important playing opportunity.
“It’s great that we’ve been able to give quality match experience opportunities against the best players in their age group and deliver COVID-safe environments in the process,” Dean said.
The cousins both took a lot from the opportunity, and enjoyed the experience of playing alongside the best of the best in their age group.
“The talent in Victoria – you have to work hard and be on top of your game competing against others,” Archie said.
“Know your game. Just know how you play and fit in with the other kids. Have a lot of fun because you’re a team,” Sam said.
The two started playing together from the age of 10 and have been playing in various sides and representative teams since then.
“We hang out so much, everyone just thinks we’re friends but we’re cousins that do everything together,” Archie said.
Both players are good all-rounders, with Sam’s biggest strength in his batting. On a personal level, Sam said his other biggest strength is his ability to have fun on the field with his teammates.
Sam plans on focusing on improving his keeping skills going forward.
“I’m in between keeping, fielding, batting – I just like to do it all at the moment,” he said.
Archie said he considers himself an allrounder.
“I’m handy with the bat, I can win a game off a stick, or even with a ball,” he said.
Despite this, he said he’s still eager to improve each facet of his game.
Summer has been filled with cricket for the two teens, but they said they don’t mind.
“Playing cricket in my holidays is probably the only thing I’d like to do so it’s been pretty packed but it’s been really good,” Archie said.
“[There’s] not many parties or going to friends’ houses or going away on holidays, but I guess sometimes holidays can get boring so it’s good fun,” Sam said.
The pair are both keen to continue advancing and have high hopes for the Victorian Premier Cricket in the future.
“This is probably my last year at Bacchus Marsh then I’ll probably head down to Northcote where my two brothers are, Jack and Daniel, where I’ll work on my game and hopefully improve,” Archie said.
