Tara Murray
Barkly Street Uniting has locked in a new coach as it aims to progress up the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5 ladder.
The Dragons had a tough 2022-23 with not many wins on the board and were impacted by the flooding on both their ground and rooms.
The club on Thursday announced that Lou Raffaele had been appointed coach for next season.
“Lou has coached in the VTCA for over 20 years with successful stints at East Coburg, Moonee Valley and Willy Congs, winning premierships or achieving promotion at each club,” the club said.
“Lou is super excited to join the club and is already planning for pre-season.
“A huge Dragon welcome to the club to Lou and his family. We look forward to the coming season.”
The Dragons have also been busy locking in some new signings
Isira Silva is an opening batsmen who has crossed from Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association club Melton.
He is described as a patient batsman and excellent fielder and will add a lot to the top order
Julian Powell has been appointed captain for next season.
He is a hard-hitting top order batsman who joins the club from Aberfeldie St Johns Cricket Club in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association.
“The club has been impressed by Julian’s leadership and we look forward to what he brings to the club both on and off the field,” the club said on social media.
Puneesh Sharma, who had been captaining the side in recent seasons will continue to play for the club.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Shehan Hirudika also joins the club from Melton.
