HORSHAM Cricket Association has selected its squad of 13 players that will compete at the under-15 country week in Horsham.
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More than 20 juniors took part in trials for carnival which will run from January 2 to 5.
Coach Brett Thompson said more players had tried out this year than in 2016.
“That’s certainly a positive sign,” he said.
“The general standard across the board was much more even than it was last year as well. It was very difficult to cut the squad down to 13.”
The squad will look to have at least two more training sessions before country week.
Thompson is hopeful that at least one of those sessions will involve spending some time on turf.
“Some of the boys don’t get to play a lot of turf cricket whereas country week will be predominantly on turf,” he said.
“Country week is great for the kids to play at a bit of a higher standard in a bit more of a competitive environment.
“Playing 40 over cricket is good for them as well because it means the bowlers get longer spells and the batsmen get to apply themselves.”
The country week carnival will only go for four days this season because of New Year’s Day falling on the Monday.
Association secretary Darren Chesterfield said the carnival is always a good opportunity for the region.
“It is always good to see all the good young cricketers playing,” he said.
“The standard is always a lot higher than what we normally see at that age.
“It’s good for the town as well in that quiet time of January because we have potentially 100 cricketers in town along with their parents and coaches.”