Trevor Jackson
THE cricket season is almost upon and Penola is gearing up to defend it Hoggies Wines Barber Shield A Grade premiership.
The season was pushed back a week to allow the turf wickets in the region time to be prepared, but all is in order at Penola, with no major changes from last season’s premiership side.
Matt Honner has been returned as president for his sixth year and said he looks forward to another season at the helm.
For the A Grade side, Mark Smith has stepped down as captain, with Drew Clyfield taking on the role.
The likes of Jack Mullan and Michael Waters return, while some doubt surrounds George Kidman, who generally retires most years, but finds himself back in the whites.
Penola will field both an A Grade and B Grade side at the Senior level, along with Under 14 and Under 12 Juniors.
The Under 14 side will be a combination of Penola and Naracoorte players, with a few Under 12s thrown in to make up the numbers.
Honner said he was pleased to have the juniors up and running, with the club struggling to field young sides in the past.
“We won’t have an Under 17 team this year – we had a merged team last year with Millicent,” he said.
“A few of our other Under 17s will play with other clubs and can still play for us in the Seniors.
“I think if we the 14s going we should be right in the future.
“Once they are 15 they can play B Grade, have some fun and keep going.”
Honner said any juniors who were keen to play should contact the club.
“We are always on the lookout for young players,” he said.
“We also have the Junior Blasters and Master Blasters coming up in term four and will run Under 10s next year in term one.”
As for the turf, Honner said the club was preparing it well, with it now in the hands of Mother Nature.
“George and Kurt have been out rolling it and top dressing it,” he said.
“It is still a bit soggy and needs a few days of sunshine but it should come up alright.”
Seniors will train at McCorquindale Park on Wednesday nights, with the Juniors at the Penola primary school.
Any Juniors interested in playing cricket this season can contact the club for further details.
