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Four-ton Pucovski close to runs record

It might be well worth remembering the name Will Pucovski, if his efforts at the Under 19 Championships are anything to go by

Talented Victorian teenager Will Pucovski has stamped his authority at the 2016-17 Under 19 National Championships, smashing four consecutive centuries for Victoria Metro in the opening week of the tournament.

That’s back-to-back-to-back-to-back.

Pucovski, who made it four-from-four when he struck an unbeaten 120 against the Northern Territory on Sunday, now within reach of shattering the runs record at the Under 19 National Championships.

After getting a feel for the competition in 21 against Tasmania in Round 1, Pucovski’s efforts as skipper of the VIC Metro side in the four rounds since have been colossal.

The 18-year-old opener carried his bat for 139 against Queensland, then went even better in his next hit, finishing not out on 160 against South Australia.

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He finished with an even 100 against the Cricket Australia XI in Round 4, while Sunday's knock completed a quartet of tons and secured a fourth successive win for his side.

Pucovski had high hopes for the tournament - but not even he saw this coming.

"Probably in my wildest dreams," Pucovski said.

"It’s nice to get out there and get a few, but more importantly it’s (wins) for the Vic Metro boys.

"It puts us in a good position (heading towards the finals)."

Queenslander Jerry Cassell set the runs record at an Under 19 National Championships in 1993-94, with 568 runs. 

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Pucovski has 540  - at an average of 270 - with three games to play.

But for the talented teenager, it’s been as much about just getting out on the park and enjoying his cricket as it has been about performing.

"I had a pretty big preseason and started early, I missed a bit of cricket last year with a head injury," he said.

"I got a couple of concussions (last year), so I missed a month with the first one, and got hit again… I missed the last two months of the season.

"In Round 2 I got hit in the head again… (after coming back from that) I’ve just been playing at my club, Melbourne."

After starting his career with Hampton United as a seven-year-old, Pucovski switched to Victorian Sub-District club Caufield, and now calls Premier outfit Melbourne home.