Camperdown Lakers add five recruits to side in bid to climb South West Cricket Association ladder

Brothers Jye and Troy McLaughlin, bowlers Jordan Riches and Bernie McLeod and Matthew Absolom are tipped to add resolve to Simon Richardson's side, which fielded one of the association's youngest teams this past season.

Richardson, who will captain the Lakers for the second-successive season, said the returning players would ease pressure on the club's younger talent.

"The young boys did well last year with what we had," he said.

"I think with these guys coming in it'll only improve the confidence of the younger boys and having those experienced heads around will be a big positive.

"We won't be relying on one or two to make the runs or take the wickets which definitely makes it more enjoyable."

Richardson, a farmer, said a positive start would be vital for his club's campaign and hoped it could carry on its pre-season momentum.

"You always want to be there at the end of the season," he said.

"I think it'll be important for us to start well and get on the board nice and early. I think that bit more experience will help our young blokes and will definitely be more beneficial.

"We've been training a couple of months now and we've had great numbers. They've been switched on, the boys, and they're working on what they need to do.

"From a captain's point of view, it's been really good. They've been training at a good intensity and that's always a pretty good sign."

So where can the Lakers make up the most ground? In Richardson's mind, there are two key areas.

"We'd like to be able to get a good score on the board," he said.

"I think that the bat is going to be important. Fielding is also a major part of it. We want to get better at holding our catches and making the most of our opportunities when they come our way.

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"The boys did pretty well with the ball last season but when it comes down to it, getting a score on the board and holding our catches will be important."

The South West Cricket Association has introduced white-ball cricket to its fixtures for 2021-22. Richardson said it was hard to gauge if it would be positive for his side but was excited for the opportunity.

"We haven't had any yet but we've been training for it," he said.

"It could be beneficial for us but we'll see on the day."

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