Change of coach, captain for Baden Powell in MPCA

A Baden Powell champion has taken over as the club’s senior coach, but there’s a twist. He outlines his pans for season 2023-24.

Craig Entwistle will coach Baden Powell in 2023-24. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Challenge, opportunity, ambition.

Newly-appointed Baden Powell coach Craig Entwistle has laid down a marker, urging the Braves to aim high in 2023-24.

He’s also revealed he will “be stepping down from playing in the first eleven as much as possible”.

Entwistle was one of the leading batsmen in MPCA Provincial last season, scoring 601 runs, at 46, including two centuries, 110 and 131.

“My appointment and commitment as the club coach this time also means I will be stepping down from playing in the first eleven as much as possible,” Entwistle said in a statement.

“This will give me the opportunity to guide players in the lower grades on game day and will hopefully help to fast track so many of our young talented players who are on the verge of breaking through to the first eleven.

“The challenge and opportunities are there for those who are ambitious for this and who want to work hard to get there.”

Entwistle previously coached Baden Powell with great success, including back-to-back premierships in 2017-18 and ‘18-19.

Rhys Elmi will captain Baden Powell in 2023-24. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The Braves have also announced that leading player Rhys Elmi will captain the first XI next season.

“I am particularly eager to get to work with Rhys (as the new first eleven captain) as well as utilising the expertise of a wider variety of individuals within the club who are wanting to step up as leaders,” Entwistle said.

Baden Powell played off in the Provincial finals last season, but has subsequently lost Zacc Klan and Beau Anthony to Dromana.

Last season’s skipper Travis Kellerman will play on.

Of Entwistle’s appointment as senior coach, Baden Powell said in a statement:

“Craig is a very well-respected figure at our club and has demonstrated his passion for developing the club and fostering the growth of our young players during his time at Baden Powell. We look forward to witnessing the development of our cricket club under his guidance.”

Rival MPCA Provincial clubs Old Peninsula and Sorrento have also locked in new coaches for 2023-24.

Reigning premiers Old Peninsula has secured former Premier Cricket batsman Elias Karageorgiou as player-coach, while Sorrento has appointed former Victorian player Seb Gotch.

Another Provincial club, Long Island, is advertising for a senior coach.