Eltham High's Romeo Dunca drives during his innings of 112 against Campion in ISSA Grace Shield semi-final action at Campion earlier this season. - File

Eltham High School's national Under-19 pacer, Romeo Dunca, is hopeful that his rich form this season will land him a place on the Jamaica team yet again.

The 18-year-old, who has so far taken more than 50 wickets in the ISSA Grace Shield and JIIC Knockout competitions, was Jamaica's lead pace bowler at the regional championships last year in Barbados, and now he says he is at the top of his game.

"My father is a contractor and I have always wanted to become a contractor too. But I am looking to make the West Indies team in the next two years," said Dunca, who has been a member of Eltham's victorious Grace Shield teams over the past four years.

"I am also looking to the (ICC) Youth World Cup which will be played in February next year, as last year for Jamaica I had a good season with both ball and bat," he explained.

A medium built player who gets the ball to move appreciably, Dunca is also a useful batsman with more than 380 runs so far this season, including a century in the semi-final.

Lead role

A student with five CXCs, he played a lead role in Eltham gaining a record fourth straight hold of the ISSA Jamaica International Insurance Company (JIIC) Knockout competition (formerly the Tappin Cup) two weeks ago, and with the ISSA Grace Shield final on in earnest, he is hopeful they can cop the double for the fourth straight year.

"This season is a great season for me. It is the best Under-19 I have ever had. The previous season I was out on injury most of the time. I just want to say thanks to God, who has been keeping me away from injuries," he explained.

But what keeps him ticking? What's the secret to his success?

Dunca says its a combination of his discipline, knowledge of the game, a supportive coach and teammates to die for.

"I am a very disciplined cricketer and this is one of the things that have brought me through through the years. Also, I think my greatest strength is my knowledge of the game. I tend to work out batsmen very easily and quickly and I swing the ball a lot.

"In addition, the players around me are great motivation. We camp together, gel together and go a lot of places together, even on weekends. We are like brothers and we fight for each other. It's one of things that have made us successful over the years," he said.