GRASSMERE Cricket Association will launch its Bendigo Country Week preparation next week.
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The association plans to send two sides, most likely in divisions two and three, to the January tournament.
Extended squads have been picked to its first training run at Wangoom on Wednesday from 6pm.
Purnim’s Tom Smith will captain the association’s top side at the annual competition, which will run from January 16 to 20.
Brendan Chatfield and Braden Hotker will share division two vice-captaincy duties.
Association chairman of selectors Glenn Mansbridge said he was happy with the quality of both sides.
“The beauty of it is at the moment the majority of guys are performing well and will all take good form into country week,” he said.
“Young guys will get their first opportunities in the higher competition based on their form, like Tim Huglin and guys like Tyson Umbers, who was our leading wicket taker in the lower (country week) grade last year.
“Everyone is enthusiastic and the (top division) side is very capable.”
Division two squad: Tom Smith, Tim Bryce, Braden Hotker, Brendan Chatfield, David West, Jack Ansell, Tyson Umbers, Ken Jones, Tom Mahony, Brian Wilson, Justin Coates, Tim Huglin, Richard McKellar.
Division three squad: Jason Hutchins, Jason Elliott, Greg Bull, Brad Smith, Phil Edwards, Craig Spikin, Daniel Ryan, Jimmy Tarbolton, Ben Jennings, Brett Fedley, Sam Melican and Stephen Edwards.