By RUSSELL BENNETT
KOOWEERUP may be the reigning Premier champion, but it’s not hedging all its bets on current success – far from it.
The Demons are in the envious position of developing their young talent, while still being able to win.
And with the announcement of the South East Country Sharks sides recently came further proof that whatever the club is doing at Denhams Road is working.
Mitch Davey, Jason Cox and Mitch Cammarano joined Emerald’s Mitch Thomas in the under-14 representative side; Luke McMaster and Cody Miller made the under-16 team; and Adam McMaster joined Pakenham’s Zac Chaplin, Clyde’s Kiefer Peries and Cameron Brown from Cardinia in the under-18 team to play in the Cricket Victoria State Championships from 11 to 15 January.
Matt Davey – Demons’ club secretary and a long-time star of the Premier team – has been able to witness son Mitch’s development from within, as has Mitch’s mum Kellie in her role as junior coordinator.
“It’s great to see the kids at Koowee going further and playing good cricket,” Matt Davey said.
“They just love the sport and to go and play it at a higher level is really good for the club.
“Kids here love their cricket and their footy and they all just stick together.”
Davey is a big wrap for the McMaster boys, with 18-year-old Adam playing for Dandenong in Victorian Premier Cricket and younger brother Luke at Haileybury.
Mitch Cammarano and Jason Cox are both showing plenty, while Cody Miller is currently opening the batting alongside Michael Giles in the Premier side and all-rounder Nathan Voss was a member of the victorious grand-final team last season.
Mitch Davey is in a rich vein of form opening the batting for the Cardinia under-15 Premier side and he’s had the unique opportunity of learning off the likes of Simon Parrott and Neil Barfuss – Matt’s rivals in the top flight.
But Davey Sr wouldn’t have it any other way; anything to help Mitch in his development. It’s no wonder the Demons are enjoying so much success.
