WALKER Owen says Wesley-CBC's no pressure environment is helping its youngsters develop.
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Owen, 17, made his division one debut under then captain Mitch Bowman this past season.
The Emmanuel College student - alongside fellow youngsters Nick Blacker and Blake Rouse - added an injection of youth to the Beavers' ranks.
Owen said while greater opportunities were given to youth, the club's senior players shouldered pressure and had let the trio grow as cricketers.
"I reckon it's good (young guys have been in the team)," he said.
"You've got people at the same point as you doing the same thing.
"There's a good mix of young and experienced players in our team. The older blokes are good. They don't expect too much from us, we just have to do our role."
Owen said he and new recruit Matthew Sinnott, who has crossed from Koroit, had spent time honing their craft in the nets prior to Beavers' pre-season starting.
The duo is making the most of a sidearm to improve their batting.
"I feel like I'm wanting to improve a bit of both with my batting and bowling," Owen said.
"I feel like I bowled a bit short at times last year and I'm just trying to find that right length.
"With my batting, it's about focusing a bit more and not chasing that loose shot on a wide ball."
The keen South Warrnambool footballer said he was "pumped' for cricket's return after a winter without team sport.
"I really didn't think we'd get a season in but I'm pumped," he said.
"It's just good being around people." The Warrnambool and District Cricket Association resumes on October 31.
Nick Ansell
Nick Ansell is a sports journalist at the Warrnambool Standard.
Nick Ansell is a sports journalist at the Warrnambool Standard.
