THE overseas flavour dominating the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association is a breath of fresh air for cricket in the south-west.
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That much is clear.
Imported players, particularly those who have crossed from the United Kingdom, have for the most part enjoyed stellar seasons with clubs in the south-west.
Karl Turner was a revelation. Andrew Scott was more than a little handy. James Walsh, Wesley-CBC’s Welsh wicketkeeper-batsman, and Sam Carver, for Nestles, both look to be promising prospects.
Of course, considering players from the sub-continent, Jayaweera Bandara is one of the first that comes to mind.
As a Russells Creek player, he’s developed into a Warrnambool cricket legend. A league best-and-fairest and a classy batsman, Bandara has stamped his mark on the game in a big way. He’s added a certain character to the local game and is now well-known around the district.
The value these players can bring to clubs in our region is simply astronomical. There mightn’t be as much money in local cricket as there is in local football, but the investment of an overseas player is one that cannot be undersold.
They add flair, interest and a point of difference to a game that is begging for spectators. A greater emphasis on bringing players to the south-west – even if it is for one season – would give the game the boost it needs.
Finances may be the stumbling point for many clubs.
A community approach is needed to bring quality imports out, and as clubs are made up of community members, they need to draw on their roots to find the employment and accommodation needed to lure an import to our corner of the world.