AFTER a tough 2016-17, South Gambier will look to improve on its seventh place finish going into this year’s Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association Barber Shield competition.
With the season to start this Saturday, South will have its eye set on playing finals in 2017-18.
Both West Gambier and Mil Lel have lost key players from their top sides and with Yahl and Kongorong without A Grade teams, the competition has been opened up for those at the bottom-end of the order last year.
This will provide an opportunity for South to make its mark this season.
South Gambier Cricket Club president Nick Seager said he hoped to see players of all ages step up to the challenge and take a more positive approach into the year.
“I expect a bit of improvement from the younger kids coming up and maybe a bit more of the older guys stepping up as well,” he said.
South has lost Richard Crute, but will welcome Sam Phelan back into a permanent A Grade position.
“We’ve got Sam Phelan back – he was away for most of last year for university,” Seager said.
“He’ll be a good edition back into the A Grade.
“He played a few games for us last year and really contributed.”
Along with the return of Phelan, South has picked up West Gambier youngster Sam Von Duve.
Seager believes he may push for an A Grade position, after having played some B Grade for West last year.
Other promising players include Dylan Clough, who will play his second season for South, while veteran Robert Drenthen will provide consistency with the ball and Matt Bowering takes on the role as captain.
“Dylan Clough – it was his first year at the club last year and he played a few good games and won our fielding,” Seager said.
“I reckon we can expect a lot more from him this year with the ball and the bat.
“Robbie Drenthen is also a key figure for our bowling.
“You always know what you are going to get from him – he’s a good consistent bowler – and hopefully he can chip in with a few runs as well.”
As it stands, 2017-18 holds some promise for South’s seniors and its juniors are in a similar position.
This season will be the first time in three years South can fill an Under 16 team and Seager said it is a promising sign for the club.
“We have great numbers in our juniors and we are really happy with the kids,” he said.
“There is a lot of depth and a lot of talent in our Under 12 and Under 14 range coming through.”
“A few of our Under 14 and Under 16 lads will get the opportunity to play C Grade, if not B Grade this year.”
Of these promising juniors, Under 16 player Adam Kuhl will be a likely addition to the A Grade side, after he played a number of games for the team last season.
Seager also expects Under 14’s James Sullivan to play some B Grade games, while Max Lockwood will be an option for C Grade.
