New Gisborne’s Roby Lane made Cricket Victoria selectors sit up and take notice after they cut him from the Victoria Country under-19 squad in August.
Lane, who was part of the original squad, was dropped in August when the group was cut in half and the 17-year-old thought his chances of being part of the Victoria Country team again this year were over.
But a number of strong performances for Northcote’s Premier Cricket second XI side, forced selectors to recall him for the final team announced earlier this month.
As a bottom-age player, Lane didn’t think he had a chance.
“I thought it was unlikely with the number of good players across the state,” he said.
“They selected a squad from the performances at the state championships earlier this year. We had a couple of training sessions before they narrowed it down.
“I’ve been playing in the same grade as some of the other boys who were in front of me in the selection process.
“I managed to get a few good games. It’s a massive honour and I’m pretty chuffed.”
Selection caps off a big 12 months for Lane, who has gone from playing for Gisborne in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association C-grade division, to playing for his state.
Lane said he could never have imagined the rise through the ranks, which included being part of a McIntyre Cup premiership.
“I thought at the start of last season I’d be playing seconds with my mates and maybe get a couple of games in the ones,” the off-spinner said.
“They put a lot of trust in me [playing in the ones] and it was a really good season. It was especially great as it was such a good group and I bonded with a lot of blokes I normally wouldn’t hang around with.”
Lane’s performances caught the attention of Northcote coach David Reid, who invited him to come down to the premier cricket club.
Making the move to the higher level was something he had been thinking about.
“A lot of boys my age are looking for the next level of coaching and cricket,” he said.
“I started the season in the twos and maybe I’ll work into the firsts if I’m lucky. I want to have a really solid season and cement my spot.”
Lane said he would like to continue with his cricket and try to play at state level.
He has a busy couple of months ahead, having also been selected in the Central Highlands team for the state championships next year.
Lane won’t be the only former Gisborne cricketer in the Victoria Country side, with Tom Rogers also selected.
Rogers, who plays for Melbourne University, was part of the team last year.
