ECA 2020-21: Mont Albert signs Sam Taylor for Dunstan Shield season
A man with more than 7000 Premier Cricket runs to his name has signed on with an Eastern Cricket Association Dunstan Shield flag contender.
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Mont Albert’s bid to claim its first Eastern Cricket Association Dunstan Shield flag since 2017-18 has received a major boost with former Richmond skipper Sam Taylor signing on.
Taylor’s arrival comes on the back Mark Simpson’s appointment as coach after a long stint with Melbourne University, while ex-Prahran captain Nathan McNally crossed to the club last season.
With Jack Joslin retaining the captaincy, Mont Albert boasts an enviable group of leaders.
Taylor retired from Premier Cricket at the end of the 2018-19 and left as one of Richmond’s greats.
He was a member of the Tigers’ First XI premiership side in 1999-00 and punched out 7137 runs from 293 games, including seven centuries.
Capable of sending down handy medium-pace or spin, he also snared 133 wickets.
Taylor looms as a massive inclusion for a side coming off back-to-back semi-final appearances.
“Sam will bat in the upper order and will no doubt bowl a few overs too,” Mont Albert president Peter Knox said.
“We think it will strengthen our on-field line-up and contribute off-field as well.
“It’s been an arms race in Dunstan Shield over the last few seasons. The leading clubs have all been recruiting high-quality Premier Cricket and visiting English county players. There’s some great cricket being played in Dunstan Shield at the moment.
“At Mont Albert, we’ve been right in the mix, recruiting Nathan McNally, Mark Simpson and Sam Taylor over the last two seasons. They’re quality men and players who we expect will all play big roles in our season.
“All have young families. They want to play at Mont Albert because they know they will be playing some hard, competitive cricket against other quality clubs and their families can come along and enjoy the great atmosphere. It’s the full package, and it’s a win-win for them and our club.
“We can’t wait to get started.”
Simpson will bolster the middle order after making 178 runs at 29.67 for Melbourne Uni’s Second XI last season.
In 2018-19, he hit 385 runs at 55 and also brings ample First XI experience.
Knox said Simpson was an “exceptional recruiting coup for us”.
“He’s an extremely competent and knowledgeable cricketer having come many years of experience in Premier Cricket with Melbourne University and Richmond,” he said.
“Already he’s made his mark with bringing new knowledge and new experience and we expect he will form a powerful combination with our captain Jack Joslin.
“He was known to us through some of our patrons. He joined Mont Albert Cricket Club and declined offers from a number of other clubs because of our very strong family focus, welcoming attitude, strong facilities and history of success.
“Mark is planning to take us to take us another step forward this season.”
On the negative side, English imports Will Topham and Harry Stothard will not feature because of the coronavirus crisis.
Knox said he expected 17-year-old opener Jack Woods to take “great strides” after contributing 217 runs at 19.73 last season.
“We’re expecting him to play a big part in our First XI,” he said.
Subject to State Government restrictions, the ECA season will start on November 14.
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