Tara Murray
Williamstown Imperials have added some more experience in its return to the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield.
The Imperials made the move back up to division 2 after winning the Roy Picone Shield last season.
Coach Andrew Hendry said they were ready for the challenge.
“It’s good,” he said. “We’ve retained pretty much the whole side from last year, we’ve been able to keep them together,
“The lads we bought into the club last year, bought into the culture and the club environment. I think winning the flag solidified that.
“We’ve bought in a couple of players as well.”
Josh van Zyl, who played against the Imperials last season while at Point Cook, has made the move across.
He has taken on the wicketkeeper role.
Jarrod Milczak, who was captain at Pascoe Vale Hadfield, has made the switch as well. He finished third in the VTCA division 3 best and fairest last season which was won by the Imperials’ Tom Burton.
Callum Herron is the third new player, coming out for the United Kingdom.
“We have four or five players who have coached other clubs,” Hendry said. “It’s a good environment for the juniors.’
The Imperials were left on the sidelines on Saturday for the second time in three weeks as the rain was called off due to wet weather and the condition of grounds.
Hendry said had the call remained for teams to report to grounds, they would have likely got on and played.
The Imperials had made 2-270 on day one against the Greenvale Kangaroos, with Burton continuing on from last season, making 135 not out and Lee Elmore making 101 not out.
The Kangaroos were 0-15 at stumps on day one.
Hendry said they were happy with how they played on the first day of the match. Round one was washed out.
“One of the things we focused on was building some good scores and not relying on our bowling which is our strength,” he said. “It was nice to see the building throughout the innings.”
The Imperials will be hoping to be back on field on Saturday on day one of a two-dayer with Maribyrnong Park St Marys.
The Lions are a familiar foe for the Imperials.
“We beat them in the grand final last year,” Hendry said. “They came up after Royal Park left the competition.
“They are a good side and they have added a few players. I think they will be one of the stronger sides.
“It should be a good game.”
