Broadford stepping up to GDCA McIntyre Shield in second season in association

After winning the Johnstone Shield premiership in its first season in the GDCA, Broadford is looking forward to the challenge to stepping up to the McIntyre Cup.

Broadford celebrates its GDCA Johnstone Shield premiership.

Broadford is confident it can make a splash in its GDCA McIntyre Cup debut this season.

The club will make its top-flight bow in just its second season in the association after winning the Johnstone Shield premiership.

The flag success coming in its first campaign after crossing from the Seymour District association.

After claiming the minor premiership, Broadford defeated Wallan by four wickets in the grand final with Braden Hickey taking 6-62 and James Ingham making 85.

It will face semi-finalist Sunbury United in a Round 1 one-dayer at Langama Park on Saturday.

Skipper Jack Connell said the club’s close bonds would hold it in good stead.

“It was really good, we were a bit surprised how well we went,” Connell said.

“We knew we had a good side but last year was a real test, it wasn’t just rock up and win, you had to play your best cricket every time and this year will be another step up.

“We’ve played a lot of cricket together, so I think that helps a lot.

“We all know what we’re going to do and if we trust our game like we did last year we should go alright.

“We’ve got 12 or 13 blokes we can pick from and we’ve known each other for the last seven years.”

Ingham finished the season as Broadford’s leading run-scorer, knocking up 428 runs at an average of 38.91.

Ash Wood added 261, Matt Collier 256 and coach Gareth Sharp 250 in an even team output.

Connell led the bowling attack with 22 wickets at 17.91.

Taylor Shell and Nathan Woods weren’t far behind with 20 scalps each, while James Jones took 17.

Connell said the competition for spots in the First XI would keep the team focused.

“Last year, James (Ingham) was our leading scorer – his first year back at the club – and hopefully he can build on that,” Connell said.

“He’s really important at No.4, he’s our rock, he can dig down when he needs to but also hit a big ball when he needs to.

“Gareth Sharp opening with Josh Nolan, both pretty aggressive cricketers, and if they can get confidence up early it sets us up.

“Myself and our 13th man last year, who was stiff to miss out last year, Bryce Fleming (will opening the bowling), he’s has been training really well and I’m excited to see what he can do.

“Good sides have got plenty to pick from and he was the one that missed out, so hopefully he’s got plenty of hunger to earn his place this year.”

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Broadford will get a crash course in McIntyre Cup cricket, facing three of last year’s semi-finalists in the opening five rounds.

After Sunbury United in the season-opener it faces Rupertswood, grand finalist Romsey, Woodend and premier Gisborne.

Connell said the team was looking forward to the test.

“Sunbury made finals last year so it will be a good test to see where we’re at early in the year,” he said.