The turnaround at West Newport continues with the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield club in the best position it’s been in years.
After struggling putting a call out not that long ago for numbers to ensure they had enough players for one side, the Lions aren’t that far away from having enough numbers for four sides this season.
Assistant coach Brock Davey-Smith said the club was in a really good position.
“We don’t have a big budget but we pride ourselves on our culture and that people want to come down and don’t want to leave,” he said.
“We’re a few players short of having fourths this year. We’ve had some guys come down from Maribyrnong Park and it looks like it should be an exciting year.
“Anyone who wants to play is welcome to get in touch, it’s an exciting time for West Newport.
“We’ve done the rebuild and now want to take the next step.”
Jarryd Daries has been appointed the Lions new coach.
The South African is currently in England and will arrive in England.
Davey-Smith said Daries was keen to make more of an impact on the club this season.
“He has a bit of experience behind,” he said. “He came to us at the end of last year from St Andrews-Footscray.
“He fitted in really well with the group and was doing coaching on the field. He nearly played with us a few years ago and the stars didn’t align then.”
Davey-Smith and captain Trent Jones, who is also part of the coaching panel, are heading up training in the meantime.
The Lions have started announcing some recruits, with more to come.
The first two fell in their lap.
“We’ve got two English boys,” he said. “They got in touch with us to play cricket while they are out here for the Ashes and speaking to them they’re chomping at the bit.
“Luke Friend does everything and tears it up.
“Oliver Speake is making his way back from injury and played a lot of two. He’s a spinning all-rounder.”
Raghav Sabharwal joins the club having previously played at Laverton and Endeavour Hills.
He is currently playing in the UK.
After just missing out of finals last season, Davey-Smith said they were keen to take at least one step further this season,
“Every year we want to make finals in both the top grades,” he said. “Our twos had a difficult year but our ones just missed out.
“It wasn’t a failure but it was a less successful season than we were hoping for. It would be disappointing not to make finals this year.”
Any interested players can contact, 0411 594 630 or through the club’s social media pages.
