MILDURA Settlers all-rounder Seamus Keogh says the back injury that cost him a chance at a First Division Sunraysia Cricket Association premiership is behind him as he prepares to represent Victoria Country at the National Under 17 Championships.
The 16-year-old heads to Melbourne this week to link up with teammates and prepare for the championships in Mackay,
Queensland, from September 30, feeling fit after the end to his 2018-19 season was cruelled by injury.
“My back has recovered from last year, I’m feeling better that way,” Keogh said.
“It was pretty disappointing missing out on the last couple of games and the finals, but I’m all good now and I’m ready to go.”
Having now represented Victoria Country for “three or four years”, Keogh felt comfortable stepping up into state colours.
“I don’t want to go in with a big head or anything, but I’m more confident than I was before,” Keogh said.
While most cricketers had put away the pads and bat for the winter, Keogh has been working hard over the offseason to ensure he is ready for the championships.
“We’ve been going for a few months now, I’ve missed a few weeks of footy for cricket,” he said.
Keogh said he was confident in his team’s ability to match it with the best in the nation.
“Usually New South Wales and Queensland are the main competitors, they are probably the top two,” he said.
“We’ve been up there, definitely not near the bottom.”
Cricket Victoria high performance head coach Jarrad Loughman said there was a great volume of talented young Victorians seen though this season’s trials.
“It was very pleasing to see so many young cricketers showcasing their talent over the past few months,” Loughman said.
“The squads have been working hard over winter and the breadth of talent that we have seen from both those trialing for Metro and Country has been promising. It shows us that the future of elite Victorian cricket is in a good place.”
Final squads will complete preparations this week before departing for Mackay on Saturday.
