Learning a key focus for youngster Ethan Boyd with Western Waves

The Gators bowler, who will line up against Wesley Yambuk on Saturday, is one of six Warrnambool and District Cricket Association prospects in the Western Waves' under 18 squad to battle Barwon on December 5.

Boyd, 17, told The Standard he was excited to test himself at a high level.

Teammate Sam Artz, Merrivale's Flynn Wilkinson and Hugh Fleming, West Warrnambool's Fletcher Cozens and Brierly-Christ Church's Daniel Hawkins are the other Warrnambool cricketers to feature.

"You always want to push for the best quality cricket you can play and it's a good standard there," he said.

"Playing against better players can help you further your cricket.

"You get to see a variety of bowlers and the coaching is always really strong. Every coach has something that can help you improve your game and to put into your own experience."

Boyd, who finished his year 11 exams on Friday, said he could be used in a number of roles at club level in 2021-22.

"Helping the team to win is always the main focus but I reckon I could be thrown around a little bit," he said.

"It might be taking the new ball or bowling at the death, there's always something to learn.

"The depth is definitely there for us (as a team). There's a really good energy around the place at the moment."

Western Waves president Lloyd Ilett said the under 18 tournament was a vital pathway for the region's talented youngsters.

THE SQUAD:

Oliver Wortley

Flynn Wilkinson

Fletcher Cozens

Vincent Huf

Bailey Young

Sam Artz

Jett Hopper

Hugh Fleming

Ethan Boyd

Daniel Hawkins

Mitchell Arnold

Josh Gordon

Zac Burgess

Brandon Weatherson (Coach)

Robbie Cook (Manager)

David Cranwell (Scorer)

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