MPCA: Adrian Jones to coach Langwarrin, Dale Elmi joins Baden Powell
Plenty happening in the MPCA, with Langwarrin appointing a new coach, a former Premier all-rounder joining a Provincial power and more, including some whispers...
South East
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Adrian Jones says he won’t be complicating things when he takes the coaching reins at Langwarrin Cricket Club in 2022-23.
The experienced coach will push players at all levels to improve, enjoy their cricket and be positive.
One of the things he will drill into bowlers is to target the stumps when a new batsman comes in. He says it doesn’t happen enough.
Jones, a former champion St Kilda fast bowler, boasts an impressive coaching record.
He’s coming off a three-year stint at Caulfield that produced a premiership in the strong Victorian Sub District association.
Jones is also a past coach of Mordialloc (which won two premierships in his time there), St Kilda and former Subbies club Kingston Saints.
Jones’ track record of promoting young players will come in handy at Langwarrin, which has scores of teenage players.
He said he wants to build a senior squad of “17 or 18 genuine First XI types” so there is always pressure on players to perform to hold their spot.
“I constantly want people to be engaged at training so they do enjoy it, and so they’re not standing around,” he said.
“I’ve always got something for someone to do.”
Jones met with several of Langwarrin’s senior players last week and sensed their determination to have success.
“I met a couple of the boys and the seniors seem to want to win a premiership but I don’t think that’s my job,” Jones said.
“And I never thought that at Caulfield or Mordialloc when I went there.
“If you’ve got a group of guys who want to win a premiership it’s up to them.
“If I can add some experience to it then well and good but I’m not there to drive a First XI focused club into a premiership at community level, I’m actually, if anything, there to challenge a few of them and see if I can get some kids debuted who can play a bit of cricket and put some pressure on them to perform and hold their spot.”
There’s speculation Langwarrin is in the running to recruit a leading MPCA fast bowler.
Langy has lost strike bowler Cameron Sharpe, who has linked with Somerville.
Langwarrin stalwart Jamie Jewiss is crossing to Pines to captain its Second XI and be a batting coach.
ELMI THE BRAVE
A huge get for Baden Powell, signing former Frankston Peninsula all-rounder Dale Elmi.
The hard-hitting left-hander and leg-spinner joins his brother Rhys at the Braves.
Dale spent the majority of his cricketing career at Frankston Peninsula where he captained the Heat’s 1st XI, amassing 5191 runs for the club which included 25 fifties and 3 centuries. More recently, he captained Parkdale in Cricket Southern Bayside.
RYAN THE MAIN MAN
Main Ridge has appointed Ryan Harrison as its First XI skipper and development co-ordinator for the 2022-23 season.
“Ryan joined the club (from Baden Powell) last season and has made a big impact both on and off the field,’’ the Cougars said.
“A self-confessed cricket tragic and a teacher by profession, Ryan is an excellent communicator and educator.’’
Harrison played in excess of 160 games at Brighton and Baden Powell before joining Main Ridge.
He takes over from Jordan McCulley, who will remain at the Cougars as a key player.
BARON BROTHERS
Mt Eliza has announced that Tom Baron will captain its First XI next season.
“One of our great home grown talents, Tom will again provide the club with his great cricket ability, leadership and passion as we embark on a new challenge,’’ the club said.
Tom’s brother Nick has taken on the senior coaching role at Mt Eliza.
WHISPERS...
*Crib Point to add an international player or two.
*Several MPCA clubs keen to lure the Hewitt brothers from Hastings.
*Rosebud poised to unveil a major recruit.
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