Premier Cricket 2018-19: Kingston Hawthorn appoints New Zealander Ben Williams as head coach

It was a rugged season for Kingston Hawthorn in Premier Cricket but the Hawks are confident they are moving in the right direction after appointing New Zealander Ben Williams as head coach.

Kingston Hawthorn has been quick to lock in a new head coach, appointing New Zealander Ben Williams.

Williams, 36, is a professional coach and recently relocated to Melbourne, settling in Mentone.

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He has operated a cricket academy for the past 13 years, with a number of his charges going on to international level, including New Zealand champion Kane Williamson and Kiwi pacemen Trent Boult and Doug Bracewell.

In a testimonial on William’s website, Boult said: “With Ben’s experience with fast bowling and cricket in general he’s had a massive input on my career to date.”

Hawks president Brett Sebire said: “Ben also has an extensive line-up of elite Premier and youth cricketers in his stable, both locally and globally, whom he has assisted through his coaching academy.

“His cricket academy will operate from Walter Galt Reserve, the home of the Hawks, and provide specialist coaching to talented cricketers of all ages.’’

Sebire said Williams’s coaching career included multiple roles at Premier level in New Zealand, winning four titles.

Williams steered the Bay of Plenty district representative side to a national title, its

first in 36 years, and he was named the Auckland Cricket Association coach of the year last season.

“Ben brings a wealth of experience to the Hawks and the opportunity for our players to refine and further develop their skills under Ben’s leadership, using his innovative and proven coaching techniques,’’ Sebire said.

“He is recognised as a leading coach on the world stage, and works closely with Rahul

Dravid, and cricket associations in the UK and Europe.

“From the club perspective, we are working with Ben to finetune our cricket program. This will ensure that we provide the highest level of coaching possible, not only for our Premier players, but talented youth within our community, creating a proven pathway to elite cricket.

“We welcome Ben and his family to the team.’’

Williams replaces Brad Rossborough, who stepped aside after one season.

Kingston Hawthorn had a rugged 2018-19 season in Premier Cricket, finishing on the bottom of the First and Second XI ladders.

The Hawks had sounded out former St Kilda paceman Adrian Jones, who has been with Mordialloc for the past three seasons.

Jones took Mordi to two Turf 1 premierships but parted ways with the club last Friday.