TWO of Goulburn Murray Cricket's finest juniors will have the opportunity to test themselves against the best after they were selected in the Victoria Country under-15 team.
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Bamawm Lockington United's Cody Thompson and Echuca's Kobyn James will travel to Ballarat next month as they aim to help the team win the national championships.
During a trial game as part of the selection process, James basically wrote his name on the team sheet with a dominant century.
James, who plays as a wicketkeeper-batsman, said he was looking forward to the opportunity.
“It's always nice to get picked in teams but I just love playing cricket,” he said.
“I'm looking forward to testing myself against some really good players and do as well as I possibly can.
“Playing with my friend Cody is a really exciting opportunity. I'm glad we get to share the experience together.”
And Echuca Cricket Club secretary Jeff Shannon said James’ achievement was a significant one for a young player.
“Kobyn has taken a lot of steps forward in his first year with the club and this is arguably the biggest yet,” he said.
“It takes a lot of commitment to reach this level and everyone at the club is extremely proud of him.
“We can't wait to see him perform at a high level.”
BLU president Eric Bish said Thompson had always shown signs of being a promising cricketer from the moment he joined the club.
“Cody always does an excellent job, whether he is playing in the juniors or seniors,” Bish said.
“It's a massive achievement for someone from our small club to make it to the next level.
“We're really excited by what the future holds for Cody, the potential he has is incredible.”
The pair have not only been regular features in the GMC's under-16 competition, having also made regular appearances for their respective A-grade sides.
James’ best performance of the season came in the under-16s against Echuca South when he scored an unbeaten 57, while Thompson scored his own half century against Echuca Green.
Both James and Thompson also played critical roles in helping Goulburn Murray Cricket's under-15 side reach the grand final at Junior Country Week held earlier this month.
There will be no rest for James and Thompson who will now travel to Melbourne to link up with Preston Cricket Club to compete in the JG Craig Shield.
The national championships will run from February 20 to 27.
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