AS the Barber Shield cricket season fast approaches, East Gambier is one club pinning its hopes on the recent development of its young players coming through the ranks.
Last season was tough for the Bulldogs, with only one win – a one-day fixture later in the season against West Gambier – plus a draw due to Mother Nature.
That victory was highlighted by captain and wicket keeper Dion Stratford, who scored 78 runs to set the game up.
From there Stratford’s bowlers backed up the 145 runs, with Emerson Marks claiming five wickets off his seven overs.
He was well supported by Alex Hentshcke and Tom O’Connor, with two wickets each.
With little changed from last year’s lineup, Stratford will look for the younger players who have now had a season in the A Grade ranks to step up to the plate and take on more responsibility this season, which he is confident will happen.
Adding to the roster will be East footballer Alex Pfieffer, who came to the football club in 2018.
He will add leg spin to the attack.
Stratford said he hopes it will all come together to produce a better season.
“There are few changes this year,” he said.
“Alex Pfieffer’s leg spin should be good.
“Alex Hentschke has been over in England to play this winter and he should be back by the third round.
“But mainly the young players with another year under their belts should improve.”
Stratford said the likes of Luke Allen, Conor Little, Marks and Harrison Karston would all rise to the occasion this season.
“I’m sure they will contribute a lot more this season,” he said.
“I think we are in a much better spot with the extra confidence of the young fellows going up.
“Our ability as a side will not be left to a few players, whether runs or wickets.
“It should make us a better side, just in the fact we have 11 contributors week in, week out.”
But there will be no time to hone those skills when the season kicks off this weekend, with the reigning champions Penola first up.
“We have Penola in Round 1, then we back up against North in Round 2,” Stratford said.
“They are good measuring sticks to come up against to see where we are at.
“Both sides are still strong right through their lists.
“It will be a tough couple of opening games, but I like coming up against the stronger teams early to see what level we need to aim to achieve.”
Apart from that Stratford said the ground looked a picture, with everyone keen to kick off the new season.
“Coming off a couple of years not going as well as you would like to, the majority of the side will be motivated to improve,” he said.
“The numbers at training have been good and everyone seems keen, which is a good sign.”
