Belvoir opening bowler David Perkins admits he wasn't a first grade player two seasons ago.
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Perkins debuted in second grade in 2013-14, but had to wait until last summer to play provincial.
"I probably wasn't worthy of a spot, I hadn't developed my skills well enough," he said honestly.
"I was pretty lucky to get a spot in the team last year, the older boys were good enough to give me a spot for the whole season and let me develop in the team."
The paceman improved throughout the season, snaring 16 wickets at 30.
The 23-year-old was asked if he was a naturally accurate bowler.
"No, definitely not, I'm the opposite of a natural line and length bowler," he offered.
"I just have to work on my consistency, hitting the same spot ball after ball."
He was then quizzed if he had been trying to bowl too quickly, like so many young pacemen, or whether it was a technique issue.
"Probably a mixture of that and my build, I'm a bit lanky, so it's hard to control everything," he admitted.
After winning the competition in 2015-16, Belvoir has undergone a rebuilding stage after gun quick Matt Jaensch and boom batsman Josh Warren left the club.
Perkins and fellow seamer Casey George are part of the new brigade and prior to the season, Eagles' co-coach Drew Cameron spoke about their growing belief.
"With the extra season into our kids (Casey George, David Perkins etc) and they can believe they're A grade cricketers, they don't feel intimidated," Cameron said.
After a first round washout, Belvoir opened its campaign with a six-wicket win on the road against New City last week.
Perkins snared his best figures at first grade level, claiming 3-21 as the Phoenix was skittled for only 89.
It topped his 3-36 against Wodonga last season.
The right-armer is enjoying bowling in partnership with George, while club stalwart Brad Freake provides experience.
"We have a mixture of young and experienced players, so if Casey and I have a question in trying to learn more about the game, we have a lot of people we can talk to, we're never alone out there," he said.
For the third successive week to open the season, players have been watching the weather.
Rain is predicted for Saturday, but if plays goes ahead, Belvoir will be away to Wodonga Raiders.
Raiders, Wodonga and Tallangatta are yet to start their season due to washed out games.
Tallangatta is away to North Albury, while East Albury hosts Wodonga.
ALSO IN SPORT:
Wodonga is hoping gun batsman Theo Valeri will debut.
Elsewhere, Lavington hosts New City and Corowa is home to St Patrick's.