THE South Australian Country Outbacks Cricket squad has plenty of ties to the South East, with five players from the Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association selected for state representation.
The squad of 14 – led by North Sportsman’s cricketer Joshua Fidler – will embarke on a mission of claiming the Australian Country Cricket Championship title in Geraldton Western Australia
The championships begin today where the Outbacks will test their luck against Victoria, before clashing with East Asia Pacific.
South Australia won the competition back in 2016 when it was played in Mount Gambier.
The victory marked the first time the Outbacks had claimed the championship title in history.
Fidler – who was apart of that winning side – said it was a memorable moment for country South Australian cricket.
The 28-year-old left arm swing bowler said after finishing middle of the table in 2017, his side has the desire to contest the championship this week.
“We have a successful run in last year’s championship with Ben Pengelley winning player of the championships for our team,” he said.
“This year we have probably got more raw talent and less experience.
“But we could certainly push for the top again.”
Keeping in mind the competition will be tough, Fidler said New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland will be no easy feat over the days of competition.
Despite being new to the captaincy role at this level, Fidler had plenty of experience through his junior career, as well as having a stint in the leadership role with Mil Lel before he made the move to Adelaide.
With the young squad boasting plenty of talent Fidler hopes to bring experience to the table.
“I am basically there to calm everyone down and make sure we are heading in the right direction for the team because after all that is the main thing,” he said.
“There is plenty of talent in the side, so it will just be a matter of giving those younger players an insight into what the championships are like.”
Currently residing in the South East, Fidler was proud of the number of cricketers selected from the local association.
Dion Stratford has taken the role as vice captain and wicket keeper, while Matthew McInenery, brother Nick McInerney and Alex Hentschke also made the side.
“To have five players from the South East is a great achievement,” Fidler said.
“It shows we are probably the strongest association in the country area by a fair way.
“Over the last few years, four or five cricketers from the South East or players who have at least had connections to the region have made the side.
“So it has proven the area can produce pretty handy cricketers.”
Both Stratford and Matthew McInerney are not strangers to wearing the Outbacks strip and will hope to settle the nerves and put on a stellar performance.
“Both Dion and Matt have played for the team a couple of times now, so they will be well and truly ready to show what they have got,” Fidler said.
“Dion – being vice captain – will have a lot to do with the field stuff as well.
“Especially if I am bowling, he will do his bit and changing the field, which will be handy.
“Matt has two roles – whether that be opening the batting or coming in a little bit lower down the order.
“If he opens the batting, he is there to get it off to a good start, but they the other option is he bats through the middle of the order and has a bit of a bowl as well because his bowling is coming along well.”
In the local competition Nick McInerney’s damage with both the bat and the ball have been impressive.
Fidler has noticed the all-rounders significant improvement and while he will be nervous for his debut he is capable of great things.
“It will be good for Nick to play at this level,” he said.
“The wickets are pretty flat, so that will suit his batting style, as he is pretty aggressive.
“The quicker bowlers should also help him out and the fact that he can contribute with both bat and ball will be good.”
With the competition just around the corner and plenty of young and eager cricketers lining up for the challenge, Fidler said he looked forward to the national carnival.
“I cannot wait for it all to start,” he said.
“I have been thinking about the championships since our last trial, so it is pretty exciting times.
“It is a good 10 days away with great people and the competition is really good for cricket.”
South Australian Outbacks Cricket squad
Coach: Paul Pasculli.
Team manager: Ian Graham.
Team: Josh Fidler (captain – North Gambier), Dion Stratford (vice captain – East Gambier), Matt McInerney (North Gambier), Nick McInerney (North Gambier), Alex Hentschke (East Gambier), Joseph Brown (Kapunda), Ben Parish (Freeling), Jake Birchmore (Mallala), David Golder (South Gawler), Sean Nottle (South Gawler), Chris Graser (South), Brodie O’Dea (Pekina), Josh Pengelley (Roopena), Peter Wilson (Uraidla).
