VSDCA 2020-21 preview: Yarraville a contender in strong North-West group
Yarraville captain-coach Matthew Grose gives his verdict on his side ahead of the start of the VSDCA season and reveals a former skipper could return to the Eagles.
North West
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Yarraville captain-coach Matthew Grose has declared his line-up more formidable than last summer as the club looks to back-up a promising 2019-20 Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association season.
The Eagles will need to improve in what shapes as a fascinating race for the North-West group flag, with Williamstown, Werribee and Altona also among the contenders, while Kew, Plenty Valley and Brunswick are tipped to figure prominently.
Yarraville finished the regular rounds in second position last season before being outgunned by Werribee in the penultimate weekend of the campaign.
“On paper, we’re stronger than what we were this time last year, but we know there’s good opposition out there and there’s certainly been some good pick-ups at other clubs,” Grose said.
“We’re going to have to hit the ground running. We can’t afford to be underdone.”
Mohan D’Souza, who contributed 235 runs at 33.6 in 2018-19, has returned while Yarraville is hopeful former skipper Nathan Allen will be available after the Christmas break in what would be a major boost.
All-rounder Sam Shearer, who was limited to five games last season because of a shoulder injury, will also bolster the XI.
Grose also has high hopes for Josh Hahnel, who is coming off a “breakout year” in which he was his team’s most prolific batsman with 490 runs at 37.69, including a knock of 118 against eventual premier Williamstown.
Jamie Tapper, an “English recruit who fell on our doorstep last year”, scored 315 runs including three half-centuries in his last five innings.
Luke Reid punched out 243 runs at 40.5 after arriving late last pre-season and is set for a key role in the top order, while young gun Aidan Salvado (308 runs last season) continues to impress.
Ashane De Silva (26 wickets), Mitchell Cross (25) and Grose (18) will again be key with the ball.
The Eagles have lost Arjun Sehrawat (Footscray), Tom Saunders (personal reasons).
Grose said a season of one-day fixtures (40 overs per side) would suit his team.
“We really like the style of cricket we play in one-day cricket,” he said.
“In the First XI, I think our playing group is really comfortable with their roles in one-day cricket and how they can contribute to our success this season, building on from what we achieved last season.
“I think one-day cricket suits us well because we have really good depth with bat and ball. We’re going to try and play attacking cricket, take the game on and back our skills at the top of the innings, throughout the middle and at the end.
“We’ve got the depth to be able to challenge any team I think.”
Grose said his players had not been impacted heavily by the coronavirus restrictions, with several able to complete sessions with teammates living close by before official training was given the green light.
“It feels like we’ve had a long pre-season in that respect,” he said.
“Some guys have really adapted well to being creative with how they train during and lockdown and training in small groups when they can.”
Grose said there was healthy competition for spots through Yarraville’s four teams after an injection of young talent.
“We’ve picked up some really good young players through the connection some of our club admin are involved with – the Footscray junior pathway program and the Western Spirit – so we’ve got some talented kids coming through the seconds and thirds and I expect some to maybe get a look in at some stage in the higher grades,” he said.
Experienced all-rounder Allen would be a key addition if he is able to re-join the club.
The former Melton star was absent last season because of work commitments interstate, while he is also raising a young family.
“He really just needs to be there to be a good parent and the best family man he can be,” Grose said.
“Once all that’s settled, hopefully he can come back to us when he’s ready.”
Yarraville will host Altona in the opening round on Saturday.
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