Airport West St Christopher’s secure former Victoria, BBL all-rounder
Airport West St Christopher’s VTCA promotion hopes have soared after securing a former Victoria and Big Bash League all-rounder ahead of the new Division 1 season.
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Airport West St Christophers loom as a VTCA Division 1 promotion contender after securing a former state all-rounder.
Dan Salpietro played one one-dayer for Victoria, two Big Bash League matches with Adelaide Strikers and had stints with Premier Cricket clubs Footscray, Prahran and Greenvale Kangaroos before moving to Tasmania.
The 32-year-old has linked up with the Saints after returning to Melbourne for work.
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Salpietro has family links at Etzel St Reserve and works for club sponsor Icon Sports.
“He bats and bowls and is a good fielder as well, so he’ll definitely bolster our line-up,” club spokesman Jon Clampett said.
“He hasn’t got a leadership title but no doubt he’ll be passing on his knowledge and skills to our younger guys.”
In his final season with Clarence in the Tasmanian Premier competition, Salpietro scored 698 runs at 41.06 and claimed 24 wickets at 27.29 to win the club best-and-fairest award for the fourth time.
His 2015-16 season was Salpietro’s most prolific, knocking up 1014 runs at an average of 56, which resulted in him winning the league medal and a call up to the Tasmania Second XI.
Four of his final five seasons in Victorian Premier Cricket reaped 500 runs and Victorian Second XI duties.
Airport West St Christophers missed the Division 1 West finals last season after being grand finalists in 2018-19.
The club has its eye on Senior Division and is still looking for recruits.
“The season before we lost the grand final and then last season we weren’t really in contention, which was a bit disappointing,” Clampett said.
“Hopefully we can get back to the finals this season.
“We’re always looking to bolster our stocks if we can find the right people.”
The Saints will take part in the new-look 12-team Division 1 competition following the VTCA’s restructure.
The league has adopted a one-team promotion-relegation system after scrapping the controversial twin Division 1 structure.