Diggers Rest Bulla’s attack bolster by return of paceman Darren Quarrell
Gisborne District McIntyre Shield grand finalist Diggers Rest Bulla has been bolstered by the return of Darren Quarrell, with captain Rhys Berry labelling him as one of the best in the competition.
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Gisborne District McIntyre Shield grand finalist Diggers Rest Bulla is set to be bolstered by the return of spearhead Darren Quarrell.
The paceman had last season off due to family commitments but is set to lace up the boots once again in 2020-21.
Before stepping away, Quarrell had been one of the most lethal bowlers in the GDCA, claiming 133 wickets between 2015-16 and 2018-19.
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He finished second in the Sullivan Medal in 2015-16 after taking 44 scalps at an average of 12.14.
Burras captain Rhys Berry said Quarrell’s return was a huge boost to the club.
“He didn’t play last season but I think he’s the best bowler in the comp,” he said.
“Before last year he won our club champion award three of the last four season has come second the Sullivan Medal.
“It was very exciting to hear he was coming back.”
Berry topped the McIntyre Shield wicket-takers charts last season with 31 scalps while Dammika Perera with 21 was the only other Burras bowler in the top 25.
It’s particularly timely with last season’s coach Rasika Batepola and Upul Fernando departing for PEGS (VTCA) and GDCA rivals Sunbury United respectively.
“That was probably the one thing we were missing last season was another key bowler,” Berry said.
“Especially losing Ras, Darren will be a good replacement for him.”
The Burras reached the grand final last season before the coronavirus pandemic forced the GDCA to cancel the decider.
Based in the Hume local government area, the club is hoping it can return to training as soon as government restrictions allow.
The league is set to start playing matches between regional government area-based clubs on October 17, with an official Round 1 start date to be confirmed.
Berry saw now harm is allowing clubs to play if they were allowed to under the restrictions.
“I can understand some people will screw their nose up and say it’s unfair on the metro sides but … as long the season doesn’t start straight away and we get a few weeks to prepare,” he said.
“We had out AGM yesterday and we’ve got our COVID officers in place, it’s going to be a hands on operation but many hands make like work.”