Steve Small takes charge of Penrith first grade cricket

PENRITH Cricket Club is hoping former NSW coach and player Steve Small will strengthen the club after announcing him as first grade coach.

20130314_steve_small

PENRITH Cricket Club is hoping former NSW coach and player Steve Small will strengthen the club after announcing him as first grade coach for next season.

Small played in Penrith's first grade premiership-winning team in 1978-79 before representing NSW and Tasmania.

The former left-handed batsman will join the club after the completion of the Sydney grade cricket regular season this weekend.

Outgoing president and former player Greg Gavin expects Small to bring discipline and great experience to the team.

"Steve is a bit of an old-fashioned guy and is definitely a disciplinarian, which is something our team needs," Gavin said.

"It is not necessarily about bat and ball, he has a lot of knowledge on what is needed at this level and to get to the next level.

"As well as that I think someone with his stature can bring players across to the club. We as a club are all about our juniors but sometimes you need a couple of quality players who are more experienced to nurture the youngsters coming through, as well as trying to get higher up the ladder."

Small's appointment is one of several changes at Penrith, including Ross Graham taking over as president in the wake of Gavin's appointment as facilities manager at Howell Oval.

Penrith will finish the competition against Western Suburbs in a limited overs match at Howell Oval tomorrow.