Heeps and fiance Lisa moved to Warrnambool in June, pursuing a sea-change, before Panthers stalwart Colin Hurford pounced.

The 34-year-old was set to commute back to Hamilton to play with his beloved St Andrews. But Hurford's pitch was too strong.

Six wickets and two victories later, and the rest is history.

"(Hurford) picked me up and took me to a few training sessions and I thought 'why not, sure'," Heeps said.

"I wasn't sure if they had a spot for a spinner but it's worked out well. There aren't too many spinners around anymore.

"We're only two games in so we're not getting ahead of ourselves. I'd like to be bowling well at the end of the season."

Heeps, who clinched 21 wickets for Hamilton and District Cricket Association premier St Andrews last season, said playing in Warrnambool was a step up.

It's Heeps' second stint at Davidson Oval. He arrived in 2003 while studying at Deakin University and played under then coach Ray Drew.

Playing personnel at since changed, but the people around the club are the same.

"There are a lot of guys you still see around. People like Luke Gannon, who was wicketkeeping then, Steve Poyner, Leigh Johnson is still around a bit," Heeps said.

The spinner praised coach Alastair Templeton's off-field work rate and preparation.

"Every club here seems to have a proper coach, whereas in Hamilton, it's really the senior players driving things," Heeps told The Standard.

"It's pretty relaxed, cricket in Hamilton. It's still a very decent standard and there are a lot of great cricketers but the depth here is a step up.

"Here, we obviously have Al running training and background on players and preparation with training to our game plan.

"He puts in a lot of work but I think he's happy to do it."

Heeps is West Warrnambool's second-oldest division one prospect.

He hopes to translate that experience to leadership as the Panthers nurture a host of young talent.

"I think once I get to know the younger guys a bit more I'll hopefully be able to pass on a bit of knowledge," Heeps said.

"They're almost young leaders themselves. They lead me in a way, it's really good.

"I think they're going to be cracking players. Fletcher Cozens in 15, Charlie Blacker is 17, they're young and confident kids.

"They'll only get better."

Undefeated West Warrnambool faces Wesley-CBC next Saturday.

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