PROMISING all-rounder Sam Younghusband is looking to build on a positive start to life in Victorian Premier Cricket by locking in a berth in Carlton’s seconds outfit.
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The 17-year-old made his mark on the Melbourne-based competition with a stunning 81-run haul for Carlton’s thirds side in January this year, earning the Russell’s Creek export a spot in the club’s seconds preliminary final against Melbourne University.
Now, Younghusband is vying to cement a place in the seconds on the back of strong form which resulted in two hauls of 54 runs, and one each of 45 and 63 from just seven games in the competition.
“I’m really keen to just get a full pre-season under my belt at Carlton to give myself a good chance,” he said.
“I’ve been going to the gym fairly often and running as much as I can just as a way of hopefully getting in front of everyone (in the off-season) and doing what I can to take that extra step.
"I’ve been doing a lot of weight work to hopefully build up my strength, which will then go into endurance. For me, it’s about looking at my game and improving on what I did last year to hopefully climb higher.”
Juggling under 17s and division one duties with Russell’s Creek along with irregular hit-outs with Carlton last season, Younghusband said he would focus his attention on playing regularly for the Princes Park side.
He said the professionalism and dedication of the Melbourne club had him itching to get back to work.
“I don’t really have any goals, focuses or expectations on myself, it’s just about trying to have a consistent season like I did last year. I know what Premier Cricket is all about now and I know just playing consistent cricket in the seconds at least will give me a good go,” Younghusband said.
“All the preparation in Premier Cricket is probably the biggest difference to playing here. Everyone wants to be there and wants to achieve high things and honours.
“It’s about focusing on what you’re going to do and how the team is going to revolve around that.”
Younghusband, who averaged 48 runs from his four Premier third grade innings last year, said becoming “stronger” at the crease would be at the forefront of his development.
“White ball cricket is certainly one of my strengths and I’m confident in my front-foot game,” he said.
“But I can get frustrated when I can’t put on the runs when I need to. I just need to keep a cool head and back myself because that is what has worked for me and has me where I am now.
“There can be a bit of pressure because you never want to have a bad throw that isn’t over the stumps. The one per centers are so important and getting those right is what I want to do.”