TWO new faces are among a “new-look” South West Cricket team headed for Melbourne country week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Cobden wicket-keeper Jack Hutt and Bookaar batsman Henry Green were named in the association’s 14-man final squad as South West Cricket continues to rejuvenate its side for the competition.
After breaking through for a provincial grade berth in the 2012/13 season, the association struggled to contend with the heavyweights of country cricket, winning just one game over its next two tournaments, before being relegated to division two.
But team manager Keith Baker is confident South West Cricket has assembled a team that is capable of bringing a winning trend back for country week.
We have got a few young fellas coming through and there's definitely a lot of talent there.
- Keith Baker
“We have got a new-look team, but we’re just at the stage where we have got a few young fellas coming through and there’s definitely a lot of talent there,” Baker said.
“Young Henry Green has got a nice technique, but he also plays a lot of shots, so he’s got the defence and the aggression.
“Jack Hutt will be wicket-keeper, along with David Murphy.”
Baker has earmarked Mortlake opening pair Josh Barr and Tyler Schafer to open the batting for South West Cricket, with captain Todd Lamont, vice-captain Jeff Rosolin and Travis Brown set to hold down the middle order.
Teenager Lachie Wareham and Fraser Lucas will spearhead the team’s bowling attack, which also includes two spinners in Chris Dendle and Matt Bignell.
“We feel that’s pretty important to slow the pace of the ball with the (quality of batsmen at country week),” Baker said.
He was impressed by the efforts of the pair in a practice match against Grassmere earlier this month, with both picking up wickets.
South West Cricket will take on Shepparton, Hamilton, Ferntree Gully and District and Mornington Peninsula 2 in the February 1-5 tournament.
South West Cricket’s 2016 Melbourne country week final squad is: Todd Lamont (captain), Josh Barr, Tyler Schafer, Lachie Wareham (Mortlake), Jeff Rosolin (vice-captain), Simon Harkness, Travis Brown, Chris Dendle (Heytesbury Rebels), Fraser Lucas, Henry Green (Bookaar), Matt Bignell, Dave Murphy, Brad Hillman (Pomborneit) and Jack Hutt (Cobden). Emergency: James Cody-Davis (Mortlake).
