Four players with local connections took to the green for Victoria last week in an under-18 test series against Tasmania.
Rochester’s Cameron Keenan joined Kyabram’s Olivia Cartwright, East Shepparton’s Bailey Leask and Benalla product Tyson Cromie in representing the state, pushing their respective cases for national championships selection later this year.
The quartet all enjoyed plenty of success during the three-day event at the Dandenong Club, with Victoria winning by a combined 13 tests to one across the boys and girls divisions.
‘‘Playing seven-a-side gives us a chance to give an extra opportunity to two players ahead of choosing the final side for nationals,’’ Victorian under-18 coach Matt Flapper said.
‘‘Bailey Leask on debut performed fantastically and all seven boys were fantastic across the three days to win 6-1.
‘‘The overall result was great and I was pleased with how the boys handled themselves.’’
The girls went one step better to complete a 7-0 clean sweep of the tests, with Cartwright starring once again.
‘‘Liv just keeps on getting the job done,’’ Flapper said.
‘‘She’s amazing for her age, her experience for a 14-year-old is incredible.
‘‘She’s skipping pretty much the whole time and has 15, 16 and 17-year-olds looking up to her.
‘‘I’m really excited for her next few years (in the team).
‘‘Reward comes from effort and I know she definitely puts in the effort and is reaping the rewards because of it.’’
The Under-18 National Championships will take place in October.