Premier Cricket: Paul Boraston appointed coach of Frankston Peninsula
Things are happening at Frankston Peninsula, with a new coach and recruits in the pipeline. And, maybe, a comeback by a former Australian player.
South East
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New Frankston Peninsula coach Paul Boraston is eyeing off a couple of potential recruits and says “things can change pretty quick” for the Heat next season.
“We’re in talks,” Boraston said.
“We’re actively trying to recruit at the moment. We will probably know a bit more over the next couple of weeks. But I’m pretty confident we might be able to get a couple of players to come in which will definitely strengthen the team.”
In another boost for Frankston Peninsula, former Australian and Victorian star John Hastings will be part of Boraston’s coaching panel — and could make a surprise comeback.
Hastings was forced to quit playing because of a health scare in 2018 but is said to be toying with the idea of making a return in the Twenty20s for the Heat.
“He’s not quite sure at the moment,” Boraston said.
“He said the T20 is something he might be involved in. It’s still a bit up in the air. He’s had a few health issues in the past. But to have his knowledge around the group will be fantastic — he’s an exceptional white ball cricketer and played at the top level for Australia.”
As part of his coaching role, Hastings will spend a night a week at Frankston training next season.
Boraston, 37, is excited to commence his senior coaching career at the Heat.
The Dandenong premiership fast bowler enjoyed a splendid playing career — 173 games — before doing a seven-year apprenticeship as an assistant coach at Dandy, firstly under Ross Woodall and then Nick Speak.
Boraston got the nod for the Heat job ahead of former Victorian paceman Jayde Herrick.
“I’ve been involved in Premier Cricket for a long time now and I understand the competition and I’ve got a good understanding of the opposition and players,” Boraston said.
“I feel like I’m ready to go but it’s my first time so who would know. We will find out.
“But I’m excited by the opportunity. I can’t wait.”
Frankston Peninsula finished in 17th spot last season, and its seconds, thirds and fourths also struggled.
Boraston wants all players at the Heat to be on the same page next season.
“What we will do is make sure the club and all four XIs have really good good understanding of what our game plans will be, in the three different formats,” he said.
“I think that’s really important we have pretty solid plans for different situations that all players are on board with.
“Also leading into games in the ones and twos players have a good understanding of who they are playing against, what their strengths and weaknesses are and what our best match ups will be.
“I think if we can get all those things in place you give the players the confidence leading into the game that we’re well prepared to perform.”
Boraston’s brother Mark, a former Heat player, will return to the club as part of the coaching panel, looking after the thirds and fourths.
And former Frankston Peninsula coach Peter Buchanan is also making a return to Jubilee Park, as Boraston’s main assistant coach. More recently, Buchanan was national coach of Vanuatu.
Ex-Heat keeper Brad Glenn is also part of the new look coaching panel for the 2020-21 season.