VTCA: The best players under 21 across the competition
The wealth of young talent in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association is set to go to another level this season. Here’s the players 21 and under to watch.
North West
Don't miss out on the headlines from North West. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The talent coming through the ranks at Victorian Turf Cricket Association clubs is continuing to grow.
Players under the age of 21 are starting to make their mark as the next wave of superstars come through.
Here are the young guns to keep an eye on this season.
Matt Allsop, Williamstown CYMS
Allsop, 20, came through the club’s juniors system and averaged 20 with the bat in limited opportunities down the order in the First XI last year. He is set to open the batting for CYMS this season after playing two match winning innings in the Second XI’s premiership success last season. He scored 123 not out in game one before following it up with a 75 in game two.
Kallum Athanasiadis, East Coburg
The 19-year-old all-rounder bats at the top of the order before rolling the arm over with his leg spin. Remarkably, he took a wicket with his first ball in the First XI (shades of Shane Warne in England). A young leader on the rise who has captained several of the club’s junior teams.
Riyan Bhasin, Sunshine Heights
Bhasin is a 14-year-old all-rounder who took a wicket with his first ball in the First XI last season. His leg spin will be a great asset to Height this season with a number of variations in his trick bag. He is also an important member of the middle order.
Wian Bouwer, Sanctuary Lakes
A 16-year-old right-handed opening batsman who has shown enormous potential in the past few seasons. Bouwer made his first First XI half-century last season after dominating the lower grades. He is an excellent fielder with a great set of hands.
Jacob Carter, Wyndhamvale
Yet to make his First XI debut but the developing bowler has been a standout during pre-season. Carter took 12 wickets in the Second XI last season and will be hoping to make the step up in class.
Joey Conlin, East Coburg
A top order batsman who sends the ball down with excellent pace. Joined the club from Northcote this season with East Coburg excited by what he’s set to bring to the table.
Peter Cook, East Coburg
Almost broke into the First XI as a junior before trying his hand at Subbies cricket and returning to East Coburg for this season. He scores runs with ease and is a must watch player.
Bailey Dale, Sunshine YCW
A new face in the competition after arriving from Rovers United Bruck Cricket Club in the state’s northeast. Dale averaged 29.58 runs with the bat last season and has also proven he can roll the arm over if required.
Hamad Diab, Sunshine YCW
After debuting in the First XI two seasons ago, the leg-spinner earned more senior opportunities last season taking nine wickets in 11 matches. Importantly, he was economical conceding under four runs an over.
Clarke Doughney, West Newport
The 19-year-old joins West Newport from Yorkshire as a frontline spinner this season. He’s been prolific in the Yorkshire County development program and had prolific local seasons taking 44 wickets for Yorkshire’s under 18s in 2021 and 2022 and making his debut in the county side’s Second XI over the past Australian winter. He was also included in the ECB’s Super 4’s, which pitted him against the best under 18’s in England, finishing the carnival with the most wickets.
Lachlan Eilers, St Francis De Sales
A left-handed middle order batsman who debuted in the club’s First XI last season against eventual Division 1 premiers Deer Park and top scored with a 37 not out. Described as an elite fielder he is hoping to feature more regularly this season.
Michael Fry, Wyndhamvale
An all-rounder who is quickly developing into an important player for his side. Finished last season with 13 wickets and a best knock of 33 not out proved his talent with the bat.
James Garnham, Sanctuary Lakes
Garnham joined the club last season and will be looking to another level in the coming campaign. A wicketkeeper-batsman, he played most of last year in the Second XI before earning his debut in the top grade.
Jhett Gaskett, Keilor
An all-rounder who made First XI debut last season after being a key player for the seconds. A great athlete who finds a way to impact games.
Matt Gaskett, Keilor
A left-arm orthodox spinner who has great control and has developed his craft over the past two seasons since his First XI debut. Gaskett provides hard hitting late in the order and is active in the field.
James Gregory, East Coburg
Has been part of the First XI for a few seasons after taking seven wickets on debut. The club loves him for his willingness to always be available for selection. His younger brother Anthony is a player for the future too.
Nathan Griffiths, Wyndhamvale
A developing batsman who looks set to take the next step this season. He has also proven he can roll the arm over if required.
Hady Hegazy, St Andrews Pascoe Vale
Hegazy played every First XI game for his side last year while also playing a key role in an under 16 premiership. Has shown he has a strong ability with the ball but can also take the gloves behind the stumps. Has trained with the First XI throughout the pre-season with only Melbourne’s poor weather stopping him from taking the competition by storm.
Brodie Holden, Grand United
A homegrown Grand United junior who will be pushing for a regular place in the First XI this season. Holden won the club’s Second XI bowling average award last season which shows he is more than capable of making the step up into a higher grade.
Kane Holden, Sunshine YCW
The fast bowler is already assuming plenty of responsibility as one of the leading bowlers in the Sunshine YCW attack. In 12 First XI games last season, Holden took 12 wickets at an average of 18.83 and again looks set to play a key role for his side. He was playing in the top side two seasons ago when he was still eligible for under 15 cricket.
Kyle Holden, Grand United
Returns to the Gorillas this season after a stint in Senior Division and will add immediate depth. Holden is expected to play a key role with the bat either at the top of the order or through the middle. He is a flexible option for Benjamin Doll’s side.
Sam Kosmak, Haig Fawkner
Kosmak has already proven his worth in the reigning Senior Division premiers First XI. He’s expected to earn more opportunities this season.
Jacob Marazita, Footscray United
As Footscray United prepares to step up to Division 2, the club’s young guns look set to play an exciting role with former under 17s vice-captain Marazita among those. He is a mature and level-headed cricketer with the ability to score quickly while he bowl key yorkers or bouncers when the pressure is on. Spent time in the First and Second XIs last season. His athleticism in the field is a key factor in his ability.
Jackson Martin, Yarraville Club
The teenage leg spinner has been “absolutely flying” in pre-season according to his coach and will be right in the mix for selection every week. Made his First XI debut last season and could provide a point of difference to the Clubbers.
Jarrett McKinnon, St Francis De Sales
A wicketkeeper and top order batsman who debuted in the First XI at 14, before taking a break from keeping for a few years. McKinnon took up keeping again last season, solidifying his spot, and is expected to play a crucial role in the top order and behind the stumps with three spinners in the side this year.
Daniel Melican, Footscray United
A former under 17s captain, Melican is a senior leader in waiting. He scored for fun in the junior grades and is showing no signs of slowing down as he continues to rise up the ranks. Played an important role in last year’s premiership success with innings you’d expect from a much more experienced player. Not just a gun player, Melican also holds the curator and vice-president positions at the club.
Ryan Metz, Keilor
A developing all-rounder who has played the last two seasons in the First XI. He is coming off a strong pre season which should push his game to another level.
Alfie Miles, Keilor
A wicketkeeper-batsman fresh off a stint in England where he scored in excess of 1200 runs. A dynamic ball striker when in full flight.
Luca Perrone, East Coburg
The young bowler played a handful of games in the First XI and has handled himself extremely well. This season Perrone is looking to establish himself and play more consistently.
Alex Pritchard, Sanctuary Lakes
A big pre-season has the 21-year-old primed for an excellent season. A tall spinner, Pritchard looks set to make more of an impact with the bat and in the field this season.
Jhett Ramsey, Sunshine Heights
The 15-year-old keeper debuted in the First XI last season. A born and bred Sunshine Heights player, Ramsey’s father, Shane, captained the club to its last First XI premiership. His development has seen him rise through the ranks to become the club’s first choice keeper. Will bat through the middle to lower order.
Michael Rechichi, East Coburg
Already the First XI vice-captain at the age of 21 with a bright future ahead of him. Has played senior cricket for several years. Extremely talented and brings enormous enthusiasm to the club. Michael’s father was one of the club’s founders and is still playing with a total of 384 games.
Aaron Robson, Yarraville Club
Made his First XI debut last season and looks set to earn more opportunities this campaign. The tall left-handed batsman is a former Caroline Springs junior. Showed good signs in the Second XI last season.
Harry Ryan, St Andrews Pascoe Vale
Other sporting commitments limited Ryan’s First XI opportunities last season but he did show strong signs in five lower grade games scoring three centuries. Also played an important role in the club’s under 16 premiership and is expected to earn plenty of opportunities in the top grade this season.
Luke Trimboli, East Coburg
Batsman, wicketkeeper and part-time bowler, Trimboli is able to do a bit of everything. The 21-year-old has spent a couple of seasons in the First XI following in the footsteps of his father (202 games) and uncle (348 games).
Victoria’s top 50 local cricketers of the weekend
Runs were scored for fun across Victoria while bowlers were in menacing form. See who the best in the state were.
Club cricketer’s calamitous chores floods his home
We all know it’s wet early in the cricket season, but it was more so for one cricketer who, while washing his gear hours before play, flooded his house. That and more in the launch of Quick Singles.