West Newport has turned to a self confessed ‘cricket tragic’ to lead it into the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 2 season.
The Lions announced that Amit Padwal would coach the side for the 2024-25 season.
Padwal, who has been at the club the past two seasons, said he’s looking forward to the new challenge.
“I’m excited to take on the role,” he said. “I was helping coach the team last year as an assistant coach.
“I’ve been playing cricket for 30 odd years and I’m at the stage with my career that I have to give up playing myself and look to take on a coaching role.
The Indian played in overseas tours in the United Kingdom and Kenya, as well as representing Bombay as an opening bat and keeper.
After moving to Melbourne, he represented Essendon in Victorian Premier Cricket seconds and thirds before playing Victorian Sub-District Cricket.
Padwal said he wants to share his knowledge and passion for the game. He said he wants to bring the best of his players and aspire them to get better.
“It’ll be a pleasure to hand down some of my knowledge and pass it on to some of the youngsters,” he said.
“I’m very excited. Everyone is different and I see each person’s differences as positives. I want to play to their positives and try and do something with them.”
Padwal said the club was in a good position with a strong club culture set up by its leaders.
The club is hoping to recruit some players, with Padwal saying they were looking at some players from the sub-district competition.
He said they were hoping to build on what they did this season, after initially looking like they may not field a side.
“I’m not only looking to make the top four,” he said. “After the last two seasons where we’ve made the semi finals and couldn’t go further, my role the next one of two years is to take the club to next levels.
“We want to eventually get to senior division o the VTCA.”
The Lions said in their announcement that Fadwal has shown his experience in all facets of the game.
“Most notably, the display of both his patience and explosiveness as the situation required.
“His dedication and hard work has not gone noticed and we can’t wait to see what he can do with our group on and off the field.”
Brock Davey-Smith has been appointed assistant coach.
