Cricket Southern Bayside: Bonbeach locks in new coach, recruits

Bonbeach is set to launch a powerful premiership defence in Cricket Southern Bayside after announcing overseas recruits and key re-signings.

George Darwood is a Bonbeach signing for 2023-24. Picture: Facebook

Riding a wave of success following its 2022-23 premiership triumph, Bonbeach has made several key signings.

In April, the Sharks appointed club stalwart Corey Martin as head coach, replacing premiership coach Peter Neville, who stepped down.

Bonbeach then locked in two young English recruits to strengthen its talented list.

Left-hand opening batsman Jack Stanley, from Southport and Birkdale Cricket Club in the Liverpool, committed to the Sharks in June.

Seam bowling all-rounder George Darwood, from Newcastle Cricket Club in the North East Premier League, followed.

Jack Stanley has joined Bonbeach. Picture: Facebook

Corey Martin. Picture: Facebook

They’ll join fellow countryman Tom Smith at Bonbeach.

The Sharks this week announced they had re-signed all-rounder AB Das, who played in last season’s flag after crossing from Parkdale.

Bonbeach’s main loss is gun English all-rounder Lukas Carey, who won’t be returning.

Carey made 422 runs and took 22 wickets last season.

In other Bonny appointments, DDCA legend Gavin Fewkes will be an assistant coach.

Bonbeach president Mick Hogan said the Sharks were determined to strengthen their list as new challenges await in season 2023-24.

“Our second XI are playing in a first XI competition now, they’ve gone up a division,’’ he said.

“We are playing Chelsea’s firsts, Aspendale’s firsts, Cheltenham’s, Middle Park’s, Dingley’s…it will be quite tough.’’

Hogan said the club was still hoping last season’s coach Peter Neville would remain involved.

“He can’t give as much time as what he has previously,’’ he said.

“We’re still hoping he can take a game day role with our first XI, and Corey takes the bulk of the coaching during the week.’’

New coach Martin is a Bonbeach life member and has previously coached and held many on and off field positions at the club over the past 20 years.

“In recent years Corey has assisted both Shane Hesline and Peter Neville as an assistant coach, with a strong focus on junior development,’’ the club said.

“He was also a significant driving force from our success last year as a club in his position as chairman of selectors.’’

Martin is a Level 2 accredited coach and will continue his focus on junior development and strengthening the relationship with Bonbeach’s junior feeder club Bonbeach YCW Junior Cricket Club.

Bonbeach has also appointed Bryce O’Connor as senior assistant coach for the 2023-24 season.

“Bryce is an extremely passionate club man, who always wants the best for the club and its players,’’ the club said.

O’Connor has played well over 100 games of First XI as an opening bat and wicket keeper.

“He has outstanding leadership skills being vice president off field and 1st XI vice captain and will provide excellent support for our coaches and players,’’ the club said.

Bonbeach claimed its first CSB Championship division premiership with a gripping 16-run win over Beaumaris in the grand final at Bonbeach in March.

Making the day even more special, Bonbeach’s second XI also won the flag on the adjacent ground.