GDCA 2018-19: Gisborne bullish about McIntyre Cup prospects
GISBORNE says it has “no excuse” not to return to McIntyre Cup finals after a fruitful recruiting drive headlined by the addition of West Indian quick Recordo Gordon.
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GISBORNE says it has “no excuse” not to return to McIntyre Cup finals after a fruitful recruiting drive headlined by the addition of West Indian quick Recordo Gordon.
The Jamaican born all-rounder has arrived at Gardiner Reserve with first-class experience in England and Dragons coach Glenn Waites said Gordon has “got some wheels”.
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Gisborne has also regained former club champion Jason Wilson and top-order batsman Daniel Trevillian after finishing fifth in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association last season.
“We’ll be extremely disappointed if we don’t (play finals),” Waites said.
“We’ll be right in amongst it. There is no excuse not to be.
“We have got this year to show how good we can be.”
Gordon, a 26-year-old fast bowler, will lead the club’s bowling attack and is set for a middle-order batting role.
“He hasn’t bowled at full tilt yet, but he has let everyone know he has got some wheels,” Waites said.
“The boys are nice and edgy when they go in to bat now.”
Waites said the club’s overseas recruit was “in terrific nick and ready to go”.
“He holds a stick pretty well. He will be middle order,” he said.
“And he fields like a cat. He will be great. He prides himself on his fielding.”
The Dragons coach hopes Clinton Young, who took 20 wickets in the club’s 2016-17 premiership campaign, will also have a greater impact after being limited to one First XI match last summer.
“We are stronger than last year,” he said.
“We get back Jason Wilson, who is a super player. A club champion from a previous premiership year.
“We get Recordo Gordon in. We get Clinton Young for the full year.
“We are looking nice and strong, which is good. We have picked up a fair bit of depth in the seconds and thirds as well.”
Gisborne faces a tough first-up assignment against grand finalist Woodend on Saturday.
Reigning premier Bacchus Marsh is on the road against Diggers Rest Bulla, Sunbury hosts local rival Sunbury United and Romsey takes on promoted side Wallan in other opening-round fixtures.
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