JUNIOR cricketer Lauren Marino is counting down the days until the national under 17 girls championships.
Marino, 17, has been selected in Victoria’s 13-girl team for the carnival, which will be played in Brisbane from January 6 to 12.
The youngster, who will look to bat in the Vics’ top order, was ecstatic following her selection after a whirlwind three months in which she has taken her game to new levels.
She credits her mentor, Geelong Cricket Club captain-coach Damian Shanahan, for her rapid development.
Marino met Shanahan through the Barwon Sports Academy and has spent the past 10 weeks working on every aspect of her game.
‘‘He’s the best coach. He has taught me so much and I’ve improved a lot,’’ she said.
‘‘I tried out for the Victorian team last year and didn’t get in but this year I was much more confident.’’
Aside from one-on-one coaching sessions, Marino also made the move into Women’s Premier Cricket after accepting an offer to play with Essendon-Maribyrnong Park.
Before this season, she had plied her trade with Grovedale’s junior boys teams and Newcomb Bulls’ girls team. She also played with the Bulls’ Dgrade side.
Shanahan was almost as pleased as Marino when she was selected in the state team and believed his pupil had huge potential.
‘‘We’ve been working on all aspects of her game and it’s fantastic to see her gain selection in the state under-17s.
It’s great reward for all the hard work she’s done,’’ he said.
A lot of the pair’s time has been spent working on Marino’s technique, with Shanahan taking the youngster through a series of match scenarios.
‘‘She’s really improved. She used to play for survival and played back and across a lot but she’s much more confident now and gets on the front foot,’’ Shanahan said.
‘‘She’s always hit the ball pretty well. It was just a matter of rounding off her technique a little and talking her through how to build an innings.
‘‘She’s really come on in leaps and bounds and she’s a great girl to work with. She’s definitely got the potential to go a long way.’’
