Geelong cricketers Henry Melville, Oliver Peake, Aanliya Cheeran and Bronte Leishman named in state country under-19 teams

There must be something in the water down in Colac with two local exports selected in country Victorian under-19 teams for the national championships.

There must be something in the water down at Colac.

While the town might have produced the likes of AFL legend Luke Hodge, it’s in the realm of cricket where Colac might boast its next generation of sports stars.

Local products Henry Melville and Anliya Cheeran will pull on the Victorian country cap at the under-19 national championships in December, albeit in different parts of the country.

Melville and Cheeran, who recently made her state debut in the Women’s National Cricket League against Queensland Fire, have been picked for the second year in a row.

Geelong rising star Bronte Leishman has also been selected alongside Cheeran.

Henry Melville has been a star for Geelong Grammar this season. Picture: Peter Dickson/Geelong Grammar

Melville, however, will be joined by a familiar face in the squad in Albury: friend, schoolmate and Geelong Cricket Club contemporary Oliver Peake, 17.

It’s an enduring friendship that’s been fused by the game, having come through representative cricket together after first meeting in an under-14 Barwon Rockets team.

They have followed similar paths from then on, whether it be at Geelong Grammar, Dowling Shield and the under-17 and 19 country state teams.

Melville, in his third summer at the Cats after a stint at South Barwon, said the pair had managed to juggle a friendship while ultimately being batting rivals on occasion.

“It’s pretty special, I’ve played a lot of cricket with him ... we’re pretty close, me and ‘Peakey’,” Melville said.

Aanliya Cheeran receives her first state cap. Picture: Cricket Victoria.

The 18-year-old will be looking to impose himself on the competition after producing just 52 runs at an average of 13 at the carnival last year.

“Just the experience of last year (will help), knowing what to expect with facing pretty much adults,” he said.

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for the wicketkeeper/batter, however.

Melville, who struck what is believed to be Dowling record innings – a 149-ball 205 in January last year – was a chance of making his first grade debut with Geelong in Victorian Premier in Round 1.

However, progress was stalled somewhat by a knee injury sustained playing school football with Geelong Grammar, including a dislocated patella and a MCL issue.

“I’ve been injured a couple of times this year,” he said.

“The knee’s feeling great actually ... I’ve been back to running the past couple of weeks.”

After stroking 59 in Round 2 in second division last weekend for the Cats, that top flight debut may not be too far away.

Being a Grammar captain has also improved Melville’s cricketing IQ.

“Just being able to recognise other people’s games and working with them,” he said.

“It helps with your game, I reckon.

Oliver Peake is one of Geelong’s brightest cricketing prospects. Picture: Mark Wilson

“You’re got to know the game back to front.”

With many of his contemporaries plotting their university career right now, Melville is happy to have cricket at the top of the priority list, and will enjoy a gap year in 2024.

“I’ll just stick to playing cricket I reckon,” he said.

“I’ve just got to focus on one step at a time, just keep making runs.”

Geelong Grammar head of cricket Jye Hearps said Melville’s inclusion was just reward after overcoming injury.

“He’s made a couple of centuries for us and captained us amazingly well as a wicketkeeper batsman,” Hearps said.

“We are really proud as a school to have two kids being represented in that and to see first-hand the work they put in, it’s not just through their name or through reputation.

“They are always asking for keys for bowling machines and getting extra throwdowns before and after training sessions, really dedicated.

“To be perfectly frank those two helped change the culture of our cricket program over the last three years and showing the boys what that the next level looks like.”

Geelong and Victorian country under-19 coach Nick Speak said it was no surprise both Peake and Melville had been selected again in the state team.

“For both of them it’s a great opportunity… our two boys are going to be heavy contributors I hope,” Speak said.

Originally published as Geelong cricketers Henry Melville, Oliver Peake, Aanliya Cheeran and Bronte Leishman named in state country under-19 teams