DUNKELD native, Vincent Huf, has helped Victoria Country to a third-placed finish at the Cricket Australia Under-19 National Championships in Adelaide this week, showcasing his skills with both bat and ball.

Having learnt his craft at Grampians Cricket Club in the Hamilton and District Cricket Association, the youngster now plies his trade at Geelong in the premier cricket competition, where he is making his mark in first grade.

This was the fifth national carnival that Huf has represented Victoria at, and he has travelled up the Cricket Australia pathway to reach this level.

The Under-19 level is the last steppingstone to playing for the State at First Class and Second XI level, something the fast bowler is striving to achieve.

“Second XI cricket would be definitely something I'm striving for, but my main goal is to keep pushing my case back at Geelong and being a weekly selection in the firsts would be the main goal for me right now,” Huf said.

“Any time you are at this level it is tough, but probably this year was the toughest, as playing continuous days of cricket against the best junior cricketers in the country was a real challenge.”

Huf is quickly learning that to achieve his goals he must be at peak physical condition day in-day out.

“Making sure that your body was right for the next day and that you are mentally switched on” he said.

When selected in the squad, he was given his role to play within the team, that of opening/first change bowler and hard-hitting lower order batsman, while also being called upon at times to deliver the all-important ‘death overs’.

“I opened the bowling as well as first change (bowler) throughout the carnival, using my pace to get through the opposition batsmen, while batting at number nine in the order I was given opportunities to try and win games”, Huf said.

When asked what he sees his role within all teams, Huf said, “I'd like to say I'm an all-rounder, but the last couple years with the lack of opportunities with one-day cricket (due to COVID) I have developed more as a bowler.”

“This tournament had opportunities to bat overs which was great, as I was able to showcase my skills with the stick.”

Every player learns much about the game and their opposition at such events, but it is what each learns of themselves and what they must do better that is the biggest take away for each player.

The local continues to grow his confidence and with a successful week in South Australia, the all-rounder got plenty out of the games.

“Definitely knowing that I am at this level and able to compete well against some of the best in Australia.” Huf said.

“Probably just batting, but I'll continue to work on the bowling craft and some technical stuff.

 “I made two scores in the 30s this carnival and one of them I probably threw away a 50, but I think being able to convert those scores into bigger ones, especially with two-day cricket coming up, is something that’ll I’ll definitely be working towards.

“Also being able to hit more areas of the ground and some decision making.”

Asked what was in store for him in the immediate future, he said it would be very much business as usual.

“Right now, (I will) enjoy the break and (then) back to premier cricket where I will strive to continue to put in consistent performances,” he said.

“Obviously Second XI cricket is on my radar and other potential opportunities that may arise.”

Huf made 31 twice with the bat in hand from his four innings and took six wickets with a best return of 4-38 against Western Australia, which included new Sheffield Shield batting sensation, Teague Wyllie, who scored his maiden shield century before the championships.