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MPCA: Seaford Tigers still searching for coach after Asanka Gurusinha application

A former international cricket star applied for the Seaford Tigers’ coaching job in the MPCA recently.

Asanka Gurusinha holds the World Cup trophy after Sri Lanka defeated Australia in the 1996 final in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Picture: Glenn Barnes
Asanka Gurusinha holds the World Cup trophy after Sri Lanka defeated Australia in the 1996 final in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Picture: Glenn Barnes

A hero of Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup triumph applied for the Seaford Tigers’ coaching job recently.

Asanka Gurusinha, who also scored seven Test centuries, offered his services but the Tigers had to decline, unable to afford him.

Asanka Gurusinha hits one past Shane Warne.
Asanka Gurusinha hits one past Shane Warne.

So, it leaves the Seaford Tigers, who are stepping up to Peninsula division of the MPCA next season, still needing a coach and captain.

“We just can’t find anyone,” Dave James, the Tigers’ former coach and captain, said.

James, who led the Tigers to the MPCA District grade premiership last season, was keen to step away from cricket and have a year off.

But he concedes he could end up steering the club yet again.

“I was trying to get rid of the captaincy and it could be that I’ll be captain-coach,” he said.

“I’ve told them, as a last resort, I’ll do it, just so we’re not left in the lurch.

“I was looking forward to enjoying a year off to be honest, but I’m happy to do it if I have to. I’ll still give a hundred per cent.”

Dave James hits out for the Tigers last season. Picture: Valeriu Campan
Dave James hits out for the Tigers last season. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Former Seaford Tigers coach Anthony Joel has returned to Ballam Park, as captain.

The Tigers claimed their second MPCA First XI premiership when they were awarded the 2019-20 District flag in March.

They were to meet Delacombe Park in the grand final before the coronavirus crisis prevented play.

But there was no disputing Seaford Tigers’ right to the premiership after a dominant season.

They won 10 of their 12 games to finish 26 points clear on top of the ladder.

Strong in all areas, the Tigers especially benefitted from the opening batting combination of Brayden Roscoe (391 runs) and Jake Harrington (204), the pair setting up many wins.

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The Tigers’ bowling attack was well balanced and potent, with left-armer Max Watters taking 25 wickets, paceman Mitch White 18, off-spinner Luke Chevalier 14, young paceman Liam Cox 15 and Tom Burgdorf 11.

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/south-east/sport/seaford-tigers-still-searching-for-a-coach-after-asanka-gurusinha-application/news-story/8ba488705a52b700e6d7040b5cc40f27