ECA: Surrey Hills, East Doncaster and Hawthorn all make moves

There has been plenty of movement in the coaching and player ranks across the Eastern Cricket Association as one club locks away its mentors after its most successful season. Here’s the latest.

Surrey Hills isn’t messing around in its quest to return to the Dunstan Shield.

The club confirmed two internationals will join its talented stable of young guns for the upcoming Eastern Cricket Association season at its AGM on Wednesday night.

Jack Taylor has re-signed with the club as captain with the hope of seeing Surrey Hills return to finals action after a sixth-place finish last season.

He will be joined by New Zealand pace bowler Jono Tuffin.

Taylor scored 471 runs at an average of 52.33 at the top of the order for Surrey Hills last season.

Club president Mal Campbell said he was thrilled to have him back on board.

“Having someone like Jack provides a real calming influence on our more inexperienced players,” he said.

“He proved himself to be a great all-rounder last season. The biggest positive is his leadership.He’s the captain of Gloucestershire’s T20 side and to have him in our ranks is massive for the club.

“The boys walk taller around him.”

Jack Taylor will return to Surrey Hills next season. (Photo by Sarah Ansell/Getty Images).

Tuffin will be a new name to ECA fans and Campbell said he could get the ball to speeds up to 130km/h.

He currently plays first grade cricket in Wellington.

“I don’t think I’ll be facing him in the nets,” Campbell joked.

“Jono was looking to come play some cricket in Australia and we’re excited he’s chosen to play for us. We’ve lost some players and he will add some much needed quality to our bowling attack.

“He’s only 22 so I think he will fit in with our young group as well.”

Andrew Wyver has been reappointed as the club’s head coach with Brendan Barry Murphy set to take on a role as a batting mentor.

“We’re very happy with that pair,” Campbell said.

“Brendan is known for his incredible determination of not wanting to get out and hopefully he can pass that onto a few batsmen.

“We think we’re going the right direction as a club and we can’t wait to see our continued development.”

HAWTHORN RE-APPOINT COACHES FOR NEW SEASON

Hawthorn has moved quickly to re=appoint its coaches for next next season.

Channa Gunawardena will again take on the senior head coaching role while Neil Gray will serve as high performance coach.

Michael Yole, a life member of the club, is focusing on work and football commitments which means he will stand down from his previous position.

Premiership coach Pat Dower will again lead the women’s side.

Last season was the most successful in Hawthorn’s history having included two premierships and seven out of eight of the club’s teams make finals.

Neil Gray and Channa Gunawardena have been re-appointed by Hawthorn. Photo: Supplied.

NEW SKIPPER FOR EAST DONCASTER

East Doncaster has announced Matt Bremner will lead the club forward after Matt Vaiano stood down as captain.

Vaiano will remain with the Dunstan Shield runner-up as club coach and a player for the upcoming season.

He led the club for seven seasons.

Bremner returned to East Doncaster for the 2019-20 campaign after a successful stint in Premier Cricket with Fitzroy Doncaster and was part of the premiership team in 2020-21.

Matt Bremner will captain East Doncaster. Picture: Steve Tanner

CANTERBURY CAPTAIN STANDS DOWN

Andy Mills has informed Dunstan Shield outfit Canterbury he will not continue as captain heading into the 2022-23 season.

Mills stands down from the role after six seasons leading the First XI through “arguably their most successful period in a generation”.

His stint as captain included a Wright Shield premiership.

“His passion for encouraging junior players to rise through the ranks and take on the challenge of senior cricket, has ensured the club now has a large pool of talent to draw upon in the coming seasons,” Canterbury said in a social media post.

Andy Mills has stood down as Canterbury captain. Picture: Hamish Blair

EAST MALVERN TOORONGA’S NEW CAPTAIN

Lachlan Smith will captain Sturgess Shield outfit East Malvern Tooronga in the upcoming season.

In a social media post announcing the appointment, Smith said it was a “thrill and honour” to lead the club.

He was the B Grade vice-captain during its premiership winning 2020-21 season.

George Waring has been appointed vice-captain.

RICHMOND CITY ANNOUNCES NEW RECRUIT

Richmond City, who compete in the Sturgess Shield, has unveiled a new opening bowler for the new season.

Campbell Gerny has joined the club from Subbies team Box Hill.