Tara Murray
Spotswood president John Wheeler expects the side’s Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 1 side to be stronger than last season.
The side which played finals in division 1 west last season, has kept the core group of players together, led by playing coach Dan Schuppan and captain Mac Short.
Wheeler said with the younger players in the side having had an extra 12 months under their belts and they would likely see them step up again and would form the basis of their improvement.
Just one player from last season’s team, Cory Jacobs isn’t returning.
Coming into the side is Gisborne premiership winning captain Jarryd Vernon, who has joined the club.
Vernon has been one of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s best players in recent years as a top order bat and spin bowler.
Wheeler said that Vernon’s leadership would also be important for the side.
“He was the Gisborne captain and he’s a really good bat,” he said. “Plus he bowls a little.
“Dan has coached him before and was rapt that we spoke to him. He’s also played with Jakson Knight at Gisborne.
“Jarryd brings that experience and we’ve got some young kids in the side and Mac is only 21 so that helps with the leadership as well.”
Vernon has already got a couple of games under his belt, having played with his former team the past few weeks, with Gisborne being allowed to play as it is in a regional area.
The VTCA is scheduled to kick off on November 21
Spotswood will face Craigieburn in the opening round. The competition this season will be all one-dayers with a best of three game grand final series.
The division 1 competition sees the best teams of division 1 west and north from last season join together in one division.
Wheeler said they were looking forward to the challenge.
“It should be good,” he said.
“You always want to play the best cricket you can.”
Wheeler said they were hoping to hit the training track this week after restrictions had eased last week.
He said they had to get a few things in place before they could start training.
“We still have to get permits for it to work,” he said.
“From tomorrow [last Wednesday] we’ll be getting groups to get the practice nets up and going.
“Because we are doing work at the ground there’s no club rooms at the moment either and there’s no synthetic nets either.
“Our ground is in fantastic condition and as good as in the competition. When the facilities are done they will be up there with the best of them.”
