Young Geelong cricketers Oliver Peake and Callum Stow selected in elite Cricket Victoria program
Two of the region’s most promising cricketers have been selected for a high level development program which could fast track their journey towards the state second XI and beyond.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Two emerging Geelong cricketers could be in line for a state second XI debut this summer after being named in an eight-member high performance program run by Cricket Victoria.
Teenage batting sensation Oliver Peake and promising left arm spinner Callum Stow have been picked for the Targeted Rookie Program, which aims to bolster connections between Premier Cricket and the peak body, providing emerging players and rookies with “individualised programming”.
Peake and Stow will receive tailored individual plans, targeted skill development, analysis and leadership sessions, training and education opportunities with the Victorian senior squad while working closely with Melbourne Stars and Renegades teams and performance managers.
The pair will also work closely with CV’s specialised sports science sports medical teams, preparing them for professional cricket, while playing in a series of “meaningful” T20, under-19 and rookie matches.
They could represent the state’s second XI if their performances are at a certain level.
Peake had a stunning 2023-24 summer, which included a debut first grade ton with Geelong, strong performances for Country Victoria at the under-17 and 19 national championships and important runs for Australia in the under-19 World Cup in South Africa.
Meanwhile, Stow, who has been selected as the program’s second spinner, had a breakout season with the Cats, taking 32 wickets at 21.
Geelong’s director of cricket Travis Agg said it was just reward for two of the region’s most promising young cricketers.
“I’m really pleased for them both, it’s great that Cricket Victoria are recognising strong performances at Premier level,” Agg said.
“Both had breakout seasons and deserve the recognition.
“(We) can’t wait to see them continue to develop in their cricket journey.”
Cricket Victoria Head of Male Cricket David Hussey said the new program would provide outstanding opportunities for “some of Victoria’s most exciting young talent”.
“The age profile of our current Victorian playing list has a significant number of players in the mid-20s meaning we have a great core of players who will hopefully be key figures for Victorian cricket for years to come,” Hussey said.
“This initiative is important so that we can keep topping up that core group with young talent, so that our Victorian, Renegades and Stars teams can have sustained success for years to come.”
However he said the program would not discount more established players who continue to perform at Premier level and will be rewarded with opportunities at the second XI level.
Originally published as Young Geelong cricketers Oliver Peake and Callum Stow selected in elite Cricket Victoria program
Thieves targeting Northcote businesses as retail theft soars
Traders in Melbourne’s north are being targeted by aggressive thieves — some who are highly organised — with one store owner revealing he was battling severe stress after a $25,000 robbery.
Oh behave! Australia’s top town for a fling revealed
Keen for a fling, a bit on the side or looking for a situationship? We reveal the top town in Australia where having an affair can set your winter on fire. See where else made the luscious list.