VTCA 2020-21: Yarraville Club signs Geelong West star Chris Martin
A Geelong association gun who has a double-century to his name has linked up with VTCA Senior Division powerhouse Yarraville Club.
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He is not the lead singer of Coldplay or a former New Zealand paceman.
But Yarraville Club has secured a top-quality performer in Chris Martin ahead of the start of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association season this weekend.
Martin, who lives locally, has joined the Senior Division powerhouse from Geelong Cricket Association club Geelong West, where he had a stint as skipper.
Martin hit 252 runs at 42 for the club’s First XI last season to go with 10 wickets at 18 apiece and eases the loss of former Victoria player and gun all-rounder Will Sheridan.
“With work commitments and a commute down to Geelong, it was a bit tricky for him,” Yarraville Club captain-coach Mitch Johnstone said of Martin.
“He’s going to be really handy – aged in his late 20s, has captained Geelong West and been a really consistent all-round player.
“He’s pretty laid back about his cricket, so there’s no expectations to come out and dominate. We just want him to play a role and give us a bit of middle-order firepower. From a bowling perspective, he just rounds off our attack really nicely and gives us that extra option that we lost with ‘Sherro’ as well.
“We’re very fortunate to have him.”
Martin enjoyed a hot run of form either side of Christmas last season, hitting scores of 66 (in the Twenty20 competition), 102, 53 and 43 in consecutive matches.
His 2018-19 campaign was ruined by a knee injury that limited him to two appearances, while he plundered an unbeaten 201 against Corio in 2017-18.
“He just seems to be one of those all-rounders who will always do something on any given day,” Johnstone said.
“He played in our practice match on Saturday and got 4-10 in three or four overs and one of those guys who will bowl wicket-taking balls. He gives us a bit of X-factor, which is great.”
The Clubbers have also gained all-rounder Jed Kanagasabapathy, who last took the field for VSDCA club Coburg in 2016-17 and also has experience with Premier Cricket side Essendon.
He will be unavailable for his team’s clash against Keilor on Saturday because of a hamstring injury.
“He’ll feature in our First XI pretty soon I’d say, batting in that middle-to-lower order and also another spin option as well,” Johnstone said.
Former skipper Andrew Cullen, Emmett Bronca and Adam Contessa have called time on their decorated careers, signalling the start of a new era.
Seasoned campaigners Trent Lawford, Ash Sweet, James Damjanovski and Johnstone will be vital for Yarraville Club in 2019-20, while young players Connor Poulton, Luke Destito and Allister Powell are good prospects.
The powerhouse has claimed a remarkable eight of the past 12 Senior Division flags and was runner-up in 2019-20.
“I’m returning to the competition after a long time, so I need to get my bearings about what good preparation looks like at this level, but I think the commitment has been great and the numbers at training excellent,” Johnstone said.
Senior Division has expanded to 10 teams, with Westmeadows and Aberfeldie earning promotion.
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