CRICKET Victoria has cranked up the pace in its bid to unearth the Northern Rivers region's batch of future stars.
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It might be winter, but that didn't stop about two dozen talented youngsters going through their paces in Bendigo yesterday, under the watchful eye of former Test fast bowling great Merv Hughes and Victorian Bushrangers and Melbourne Renegades coach David Saker.
Hughes, who took 212 wickets at an average of 28.38, and Saker, who claimed 247 first class scalps for Victoria and Tasmania, were in town as part of the popular Diamonds in the Bush program.
Established 14 years ago, the program is considered a key part in the talent identification system by Cricket Victoria.
Participants did not need to look far for a reminder of where their participation in the high-performance coaching sessions could one day lead.
There alongside Hughes and Saker was Bendigo export Xavier Crone, a former Diamonds in the Bush program participant, who was earlier this year awarded a rookie contract with the Bushrangers.
Crone is one of a growing group of Bushrangers and VicSpirit players to have come from regionalk areas, including Cameron White (Bairnsdale), Aaron Finch (Colac), Peter Siddle (Morwell), Jake Reed (Irymple), Emma Kearney (Cavendish) and Hayleigh Brennan (Maffra).
The former Strathfieldsaye cricketer said he was impressed with the calibre of talent on show at the Bendigo session.
"There's definitely some kids here who are very impressive," Crone said.
"It's really promising for the Northern Rivers region and Victorian cricket coming forward."
Crone said he saw no reason why some of those involved on Tuesday could not one day force their way into Sheffield Shield or Women's National Cricket League calculations.
"It's good to see kids in the country getting exposure to coaches like the David Saker and a Test great like Merv Hughes," he said.
Saker said the program was a fantastic way to show young players the pathway that was available to them.
“There is some really outstanding players involved. They all have natural talent, some a bit more defined than others,” he said.
“Bendigo is probably one of the stronger (regions), but most of the country regions have guys who are naturally good.
“They are not quite as technically brilliant, but they are very natural players and at the top level it’s the natural players who generally come through the system a lot better.”
