SA Premier Cricket gears up for most competitive season in 2022/23, read the full preview
With a divisional shake-up set in stone for next year, the stakes are higher than ever this Premier Cricket season. See how every club sits ahead of the weekend’s opening round.
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The SACA Premier Cricket season is finally here and promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
With a new two-divisional format being introduced from 2023-24, wins and losses will be as meaningful as they ever have been as clubs aim to make the top div.
There have been a host of player movements in and out of clubs around the competition, resulting in strong lineups across the board as two-day games get underway this Saturday.
Following on from our list of the top 25 cricketers to watch, here is The Messenger’s analysis of how each club sits heading into the season.
ADELAIDE
Captain: Josh Pengelley
Coach: Steven Crook
Last season: 12th
Major ins: Lakshmn Shivakumar (Fitzroy Doncaster, Vic), Ben Manenti (NSW), Thomas Draca (NSW)
Major outs: Nil
New Adelaide coach Steve Crook said his team was ready to bounce back after an underwhelming 2021-22 campaign.
The Buffalos have added opening batter Lakshmn Shivakumar from Victoria as well as spin and pace bowlers Ben Manenti and Tom Draca from NSW.
“We’re in good shape, we’ve recruited very well and we’ve got a very promising bunch of young guys,” Crook said.
“It’s been a really good preseason despite not being able to play much turf – the group has put in a real good shift.”
Despite bigger stakes this season, Crook believed his players were not feeling any pressure.
He said the season would be about developing a strong brand of cricket.
“Every game is important anyway and I don’t think the added pressure this year is really with us it’s with the teams who think they’re a big shot at the top division.
“For us right now we just want to play a brand of cricket that we’re proud of and continue to develop what is a reasonably young group.”
The Buffalos will play Southern District this weekend.
ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY
Captain: Will Bosisto
Coach: Ben Hilliard
Last season: 6th
Major ins: Bailey Whightman (UK), Sam Elder (Darwin), Joel Logan (Darwin), Esan Rahman (Canberra), Ben Cooper (Netherlands)
Major outs: Nick Winter (SA Redbacks), Kyle Brazell (Tea Tree Gully), Wes Agar (Northern District), Cooper Luke (East Torrens)
Star Adelaide Uni captain Will Bosisto said the Blacks were anxious to get underway this season after a strong preseason and recruitment period.
The club was proactive with signings after losing Nick Winter, youngster Kyle Brazell, Wes Agar and Cooper Luke, bringing in two overseas recruits and three from interstate.
“Preseason has been pretty wet and cold but we’re certainly excited having fit in two practice games including against the Netherlands,” Bosisto said.
“It’s as good a preparation as any club would have had and we’re raring to go.”
It was a disappointing campaign for Uni last season, who finished outside of the finals and without any silverware over Twenty20, one-day and two-day formats.
While the club still boasts a strong batting order – headed by Bosisto – and bowling attack, its captain said some adjustments to play style were still needed in order to attack the season and grab a win against two-day grand finalist Tea Tree Gully.
“We’re absolutely capable of making finals.
“We identified fielding as an area for improvement and we’ve done a lot of work around that.
“We’re confident we can bounce back after what was a disappointing season by our standards and a win against Tea Tree Gully would be the perfect start for that.”
EAST TORRENS
Captain: Ryan King
Coach: Andrew Duffield
Last season: 10th
Major ins: Cooper Luke (Adelaide Uni), Ali Orr (UK)
Major outs: Nil
The return of Cooper Luke to East Torrens as well as the arrival of English batter Ali Orr has East Torrens ready to surprise according to coach Andrew Duffield.
New Reds captain Ryan King should again star with the bat this year, while the continued development of fast bowler Campbell Thompson will benefit the side’s attack.
“We lacked a bit of consistency last season but I think we’ve now got a squad which can do some proper damage if we remain focused and execute what we have to,” Duffield said.
“We proved we have what it takes to be competitive in white ball cricket so now it’s about improving week by week in all formats and having a real crack at every game we play.”
Duffield’s Reds will face Glenelg in the first of the two-day rounds this weekend.
He remained confident his side could cause an upset.
“We always seem to matchup really well with the Seahorses.
“It’ll be cold and there’ll be a bit of unknown heading into the first game so I think we might be able to surprise a few.”
GLENELG
Captain: Jake Winter
Coach: Sam McNally
Last season: 5th
Major ins: Harry Conway (NSW) (SA Redbacks contracted)
Major outs: Nil
Glenelg coach Sam McNally said the Seahorses had put in the hard yards over the preseason after falling just short of silverware last campaign.
The club was in the box seat of last season’s one-day cup final before falling away late against West Torrens, and just missed two-day finals after a thrilling final week of regular season play.
“When you look at it we only lost four games of cricket last season so we’re really not far off winning some titles at all,” McNally said.
“Our batting was pretty strong with guys like Winter and Higgins stepping up but we probably struggled to bowl teams out a bit in the back end of the year and made some questionable decisions in tight moments.
“We’ve got Harry Conway in, who we won’t have much because of his shield commitments but he’s going to have a very positive influence on the group so we’re looking good at the moment.”
McNally also said that while Glenelg’s aim was to win a two-day premiership, the season could be one of the most competitive in Premier Cricket history.
“Our goal is to win a premiership but I think everyone is looking over their shoulder a bit with the new structure coming in from 2023.
“We’re going to see a lot of competitive cricket this year, it’s probably going to be the most competitive season I can remember for the last 10 years – every team will have improved so we’ll need to be at our best each week.”
KENSINGTON
Captain: Josh Doyle
Coach: Russell Thompson
Last season: 3rd
Major ins: Tom Lawes (Surrey, UK), Henry Thornton (NSW)
Major outs: Daniel Worrall (Surrey, UK), John Dalton
Kensington was agonisingly close to more silverware in season 2021-22 but fell short against Tea Tree Gully in the two-day semi-finals after finishing third on the ladder.
Rising superstar Josh Doyle will take the captaincy from Elliot Opie this year and he looks set for yet another big season after dominating with the bat and chipping in consistently with the ball in his previous campaign.
Key player Daniel Worrall leaves to pursue a career back home in England, while John Dalton has departed the Browns to pursue work/life opportunities.
The club has worked to replace both players however, adding exciting all rounder Tom Lawes from the UK and Redbacks recruit Henry Thornton out of NSW.
The side will face a reinvigorated Port Adelaide this weekend in a clash which should be one of the best of the opening round.
NORTHERN DISTRICT
Captain: Gareth Cox
Coach: Cam Williams
Last season: 9th
Major ins: Josh Kann (Hobart Hurricanes), Aidan Cahill (Newcastle City, NSW), Wes Agar (Adelaide Uni, SA Redbacks contracted), Mitch Thomas
Major outs: Nil
Anything is possible for the Jets this season after a host of signings to add to a developing squad.
Josh Kann has arrived at Northern District after completing his debut Big Bash season with Hobart, the tall all-rounder adding to the side’s order and bowling attack, while young gun Aidan Cahill will also provide blistering pace after an impressive showing at the U19 World Cup.
“We’re really, really excited and we can’t wait to get out there and start playing games after what’s been a very promising preseason,” coach Cam Williams said.
“We’ve made some great additions to the side and Kann is a serious player so we’re keen to see what we can do.”
The Jets will take on Sturt first up this year, the Blues coming off a strong campaign and ready to go with both Tom and Corey Kelly back on deck.
“The Kelly boys have really turned it on against us over recent years but we’re a slightly different team this year so the challenge really excites us,” Williams said.
“I think we can take it to Sturt and it will be good to see how we go against them and gauge where we’re at.”
PORT ADELAIDE
Captain: Austin Umpherston
Coach: Matthew Weeks
Last season: 8th, Twenty20 champions
Major ins: Parwiz Malikzai (Afghanistan), Jack Wood (Brisbane Heat, QLD), Seamus Keogh (Vic), Matt Calder (NSW), Harry Massey (Vic), Cam Valente (Tasmania)
Major outs: Joe Medew-Ewen (Vic)
Port Adelaide is ready to contend in all three formats this season after a busy offseason of recruiting according to captain Austin Umpherston.
The club finished eighth on the first grade ladder last year but enjoyed a successful Twenty20 campaign with star paceman Nick Benton also in good form.
While spinner Joe Medew-Ewen leaves for Victoria, the inclusion of multiple gun batters and bowlers could now have the side ready to make some serious noise over the next few months.
“It’s the most confident I’ve been in a while and with the pieces we’ve added and the way things have been going I think we should have a really good year,” Umpherston said.
“Cam Valente is one of the best going around and to add him on top of the other guys we’ve brought in I think is very big and it gives us consistency through our batting order.
“Our bowling attack was already strong so to work the batting side of things out has been important.”
The side will meet Kensington this weekend, a good test at the start of the year.
“They’re generally the team to beat each year and they’ll have a strong team so it’s going to be a big one,” Umpherston said.
“If we can get a win it’d be massive.”
PROSPECT
Captain: Kyle Scrimegour
Coach: Steven Broberg
Last season: 11th
Major ins: Nil
Major outs: Peter Hatzoglou, Max Hatzoglou
Prospect coach Steve Broberg said the club would be sticking with a five-year plan of development and improvement this season despite a two-divisional set up being implemented after the 2022-23 campaign.
He said the development of SA talent and all-round skilful players was more important than wins and losses at this stage in the club’s progression.
“We know full well what we’re doing as a club and nothing has changed – we want to invest in SA cricketers and in young juniors coming through the programs,” Broberg said.
Star captain and batter Kyle Scrimegour and developing star Paul Wasiewicz should be among the Pirates’ best this year again as they aim to progress up the ladder.
A test against reigning premier West Torrens will be presented to the side this weekend, an opportunity which excited Broberg.
“We’re thrilled we get the chance to play the best straight away.
“If we’re serious about becoming a good strong, vibrant cricket club then we need to be able to benchmark ourselves against teams like West Torrens.”
SOUTHERN DISTRICT
Captain: Josh Barrett
Coach: Andrew Zesers
Last season: 13th
Major ins: Nil
Major outs: Brendan McCormack
Continuity will be key for the Stingrays this season according to coach Andrew Zesers, confirming an almost completely unchanged lineup for the 2022-23 campaign after Brendan McCormack’s departure to pursue marathon running.
While the club finished bottom of the first grade standings last season, the continued top drawer form of captain wicket keeper Josh Barrett and the development of youth could have the club in a position to upset bigger sides.
“I definitely think we’re going to rattle some cages of the best teams this year,” Zesers said.
“We’re going to get some good continuity with a lot of these guys, they’ve all spent a lot of time with the club and have developed well – we’ve got a lot of experience and some good youth coming through too.”
Zesers also said Barrett would open the batting for the full season as the Stingrays gear up for two beatable opponents in Adelaide and Prospect over the first two rounds.
“Josh will open the batting all year, that’s the first change I made when I arrived in the offseason – it’s where I believe he is most damaging in the order.
“I think we have a really good opportunity this weekend against Adelaide to gain some momentum for the season.
“We’ve done a lot of work so now it’s time to see if we can execute.”
STURT
Captain: Brad Davis
Coach: Peter Muggleton
Last season: 1st, semi-final loss
Major ins: Brad Fallins (Port Adelaide), Mackenzie Best (Port Adelaide)
Major outs: Max Parker (retired), Daniel Clarke (retired), Jacob Dick (Alice Springs), Seb Young (West Torrens)
An improvement in fielding through the preseason has Sturt ready to go one step further in 2022-23 after losing in the two-day semis last season according to captain Brad Davis.
The side finished top of the ladder last year but could not capitalise as both West Torrens and Tea Tree Gully made the big dance.
“We missed a couple opportunities in the field in those semi-finals early on and we’ve been working on our catching and fielding as a result,” Davis said.
“Our bowling and batting is right up there with the best, with the Kelly brothers and Matty Spoors continuing to perform so I think if we can fix up a few little areas in the field we’ll be ready to go.”
The Blues lose some experience in Max Parker and Daniel Clarke to retirement while Jacob Dick and Seb Young both depart the club for other opportunities.
Despite the departures, Davis believed the signings of Fallins and Best as well as the star power of Spoors and the Kelly brothers held the club in good stead as it prepares for Northern District this weekend.
“We’ve got a really balanced attack and one of the best batting orders there is so we’re not too concerned,” Davis said.
“Northern Districts will be competitive again this year and they’ll be a bit stronger so we’re looking forward to the clash and hopefully we can start the season off right.”
TEA TREE GULLY
Captain: Joe Gatting
Coach: Joe Gatting
Last season: 2nd, grand final runner-up
Major ins: Kyle Brazell (Adelaide Uni)
Major outs: Nil
Tea Tree Gully remains relatively unchanged after a strong showing in season 2021-22.
The Bulls charged home to end the campaign, a late push behind star bowler Tim Oakley and club coach-captain Joe Gatting with the bat seeing them into the grand final against West Torrens.
The inclusion of rising Adelaide Uni star Kyle Brazell should prove to be a significant one for the side, the all-rounder doing damage with the bat and with the ball last year as he finished second to Will Bosisto for club champion.
The Bulls will face Brazell’s old team this weekend in a match which should prove to be as entertaining as any this season.
Both sides will be aiming for big things this year and a win would go a long way in proving the Bulls are still a threat.
WEST TORRENS
Captain: Daniel Drew
Coach: Mark Harrity
Last season: Fourth, one-day and two-day premier
Major ins: Seb Young (Sturt), Dan Mousley (UK), Jack Haynes (Worcestershire, UK), Tom Sibley (returning)
Major outs: Ryan Gibson (Sydney), Warren Peters (retired), Pat Fischer (retired)
West Torrens coach Mark Harrity remained confident his Eagles could defend their one-day and two-day titles despite the departure of multiple gun players.
Star batter Ryan Gibson has moved to Sydney while Peters and Fischer retire, but the arrival of Seb Young from Sturt as well as Dan Mousley and Jack Haynes from the UK and Tom Sibley from a shoulder injury keeps the club’s attack and batting order in good shape.
Superstar batters Daniel Drew and Kelvin Smith remain at the club and have not received any guarantees from the Redbacks despite state-best form at first grade level last year and crafty spinner Daniel Fallins remains one of the most dangerous bowlers in the competition.
Bailey Capel also looks set to impress at the crease again this year and paceman Jordan Buckingham will be in and out of the side with state commitments.
“There’s going to be a lot of chopping and changing with some moving pieces to start the season but we believe we have the best depth in the comp,” Harrity said.
“It’s going to be a super competitive year with every club strengthening so we’ve got no clue how things will pan out but we back our guys in after the success we had last year.
“Our players are as hungry as ever so I’m really excited to see if we can back last season up and go again this time around.”
WOODVILLE
Captain: Chadd Sayers
Coach: Jamie Rothall, Luke Wells
Last season: 7th
Major ins: Ben Charlesworth (Gloucestershire, UK)
Major outs: Nil
Woodville will be boosted by the full-time commitment of new captain Chadd Sayers in season 2022-23 according to co-coach Jamie Rothall.
The former Australia and Redbacks gun – who can have an impact with both the ball and bat – arrived from Glenelg last season but missed multiple portions of the campaign.
“He’ll play every game this year so he’ll basically be like a new recruit,” Rothall said.
“With Sayers available and some guys, including younger players, continuing to develop I really think we can push for top four.”
Rothall’s side experienced a solid season in 2021-22 but remained inconsistent in the attack.
He said a long preseason followed by a rest this week with the upcoming bye would give his side a strong chance at achieving a division one spot next season.
“We’ve focused a lot on our bowling areas as well as our fielding and fitness after last year,” Rothall said.
“It’s been a long preseason for us but we’re getting the required rest and I feel we’re definitely ready to go.
“Hopefully we’ve set ourselves up for a long and fruitful year.”
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