VSDCA: James Dickinson takes on dual roles as Plenty Valley captain-coach

JAMES Dickinson will carry dual roles at Plenty Valley this summer after being appointed coach of the perennial Sub-District Cricket contender.

JAMES Dickinson will carry dual roles at Plenty Valley this summer after being appointed coach of the perennial Sub-District Cricket contender.

The Bats skipper, who joined Plenty Valley from Premier outfit Essendon last season, will serve as captain-coach after the club opted to replace Matt Hewat internally.

“He’s a driven man, very organised, a very strong competitor with a good work ethic and good discipline,” Bats president Darren Callahan said.

“He leads by example and he automatically gets respect because of that.”

Dickinson, who has served as a junior coach and was Essendon’s Second XI captain, said taking on the senior role would be “a different kettle of fish”.

But the 31-year-old is excited, rather than daunted, by the increased workload.

“I was keen to step up and challenge myself and it sounded like it was best for the club,” he said. “Instead of introducing a new guy into the team and taking a year to get to know the guys.”

Callahan flagged Dickinson, who compiled 360 runs at 36 in 2017-18, had been considered for the coaching role last month and his elevation was confirmed last week.

“He wants to do it and thinks that’s the next step in his development,” Callahan said.

“It’s a pretty good outcome because he is very well respected, knows the club well now he is a year in and we are putting a really good structure around him.”

Callahan said the club was mindful of allowing Dickinson time to focus on his own game and would appoint 3-4 assistant coaches to provide support.

Plenty Valley finished sixth in the North-West group last season, bowing out in a semi-final against Kew.

The Bats have since lost Hewat, paceman Justin Jaensch (retired) and English duo Joe Peatman and Ashur Morrison from their First XI group.

“Hopefully over the next month or so we can add an opening bowler to match up with (Simon Black) and take some wickets early,” Dickinson said. “If that doesn’t come about there’s guys hungry in the twos ready to step up like (Michael and Justin Di Battista) and a couple of other guys.”