Cricket
9 January, 2025
'Really excited and keen to go': HCA under-13s ready for country week
The HCA's under-13s will play in Portland from January 13-15.
With the Horsham Cricket Association's under-15 and 17 teams in the middle of their country week campaigns, the regions youngest cricketers will soon get their chance.
The Justtin Combe coached squad will play in Portland from January 13 to 15.
"They're all really excited and keen to go," Combe said.
""We had a practice game against Wimmera-Mallee just before Christmas and all the boys did really well."
The will have some players returning to the squad after featuring in 2024, whilst some will take their first steps into representative cricket, something that excites Combe.
"I suppose it's a stepping stone isn't it," he said.
"You're creating mates at the very start there that potentially you got to play with through under-15s, 17s, and flow on into senior rep cricket as well.
"So it's an exciting time for those juniors."
Combe highlighted Jazz Hopper, Joel Plazzer and Lenny Carter as players to watch, whilst Judd Oakley looks to have another strong carnival.
"He [Oakley] starred last year down there. He should be in for a cracking week down in Portland with his bowling," Combe said.
HCA under-13 country week squad: Jack Arnel, Jazz Hopper, Joel Plazzer, Lenny Carter, Will McCurdy, Thomas Combe, Oscar Combe, Zac Pickering, Judd Oakley, Lenny Shurdington, Edward Schorback, Judd Thompson, Jack Dodds.
The team will play two 25-over matches on Monday and Tuesday.
Depending on its result in their match on the morning of January 15, the HCA could play in the final.