KOROIT’S reputation as a junior powerhouse is growing.
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Driven by star all-rounder Fletcher Cozens, Koroit chased down West Warrnambool’s 105-run total to clinch the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association under 15 crown on Sunday.
It was the Saints’ second under 15 flag in the last decade and followed the club’s under 13 triumph last season.
Koroit mentor James Sinnott said he placed an emphasis on “whole team involvement” despite coaching a side boasting several stars.
“We’ve had that all year long. We had a squad of 14 or 15 all year, and while we can only have 11 on the ground, we know you can rotate,” he said.
“You can try to get everyone involved. We bowled well too – we kept it pretty tight. It was a bit of a grind batting, but we did the job.
“In a grand final – you don’t get the opportunity to hit as many loose balls because the bowlers just step up massively. It was pretty typical of that here.”
Sinnott said Koroit had an abundance of young talent and expected it to become more powerful in years to come.
“Koroit has some very talented young players,” he said.
“We’ve just got to guide them into senior cricket and of course keep them – and that’ll be the goal for Koroit in the next few years.
“I think over the next two or three years, these lads will play 17s and some of them are already playing senior cricket.”
Sinnott paid tribute to Cozens – who snared four wickets and made 35 runs in the rout.
Cozens was presented with a suite of awards post-match – including under 15 cricketer of the year and player of the match.
“There’s no doubt about his future. His all-round cricket is great, particularly his batting temperament,” he said.
“A lot of young lads can bat, but the way he approaches his batting is sensational
“We hope to keep him as a senior player in the future, if we can, but it might be a bit tough because he’s at (Hawkesdale). “But while he’s here playing juniors, we’ll make the most of him being here and he’s good mates with the guys here.”
Panthers coach Anton Lucas praised his young side – which included under 13 talent – for its efforts.