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Elite Junior Cricket Squad Selected in Palmerston North

Friday 3 December 2010, 6:28PM

By New Zealand Cricket

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PALMERSTON NORTH

Twelve outstanding performers from the finals of the MILO National Primary School Cricket Championships have been selected as part of an elite junior cricket squad.

This tournament team comprises the best players from the MILO Cup and MILO Shield competitions. 

National Development Manager, Mark Lane says, “Through this initiative we aim to encourage their development and passion for cricket as it’s a fantastic opportunity for our junior cricketers to experience the same High Performance facilities that our BLACKCAPS and White Ferns use for training”.

The MILO Cup (boys) and MILO Shield (girls) involve over 3000 children in the national cricket tournament, so for the chosen 12 individuals it is an incredible achievement.

The team was Joseph Bowden, Calvin Harrison, Lawrence and Charles Darling, Chris Swanson, Bailen Thatcher, and Claudia Green, Issy Coombes, Jess Kerr, Lauran Gemmell, Emma Stewart and Ruby Beresford.

Calvin Harrison, captain of the MILO Cup winning Raroa Normal Intermediate School says, “It has been one of my goals to make the team and I’m really looking forward to being with the other players too”.

Bowden and Harrison from Raroa excelled throughout the tournament with Bowden scoring the third century in the MILO Cup in 11 years. Harrison’s took five wickets on the first day.

MILO Shield reigning champions, Tawa, retained their title as Kerr, a talented batsman, and Gemmell, a pace bowler, put together a winning combination.

“It’s really cool to be in the tournament team.  It’ll be a good experience for us,” explains Kerr.

Leg spin bowler, Darling and Cousin Lawrence from Waihi were selected for their support in creating tough opposition, finishing in second for their team’s first time at the MILO Cup.

Squad members from Heaton, Stewart and Beresford, were chosen for their strong bowling skills throughout the tournament.

Christchurch’s Bailen Thatcher scored five wickets on the final day and provided solid support during the competition.

Representing Waimea, Claudia Green, took three wickets in the semi-final.

Berkley chose Chris Swanson for his strong performance over the two days in the Cup and Issy Coombes’ all round skill in the Shield.

In January 2011 the squad will travel to Christchurch where they will benefit from an afternoon session at the New Zealand Cricket High Performance Centre.

Nestlé New Zealand’s MILO brand has been supporting junior cricket in New Zealand since 1986.