Doutta Stars sign former Carlton wicketkeeper as they look to bounce back from last season’s semi-final defeat
Doutta Stars are determined to right the wrongs of last season after a shock semi-final defeat and have secured a former Premier Cricket gloveman to bolster their line-up for 2020-21.
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Doutta Stars have snared a pre-season recruiting coup, signing former Carlton First XI wicketkeeper Jayden Borg for 2020-21.
Borg stepped away from the game after the 2016-17 Premier Cricket season to focus on work and looms as a critical addition as the Stars look to snare an elusive VTCA Senior Division premiership.
The talented gloveman spent three seasons behind the stumps with the Blues and represented Victoria at the Under-17 National Championships.
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Doutta captain-coach Hamish Moore came up through the junior ranks with Borg and was “absolutely stoked” to secure his services.
“We had to go out and look for experience and a wicketkeeper, so we’ve been lucky enough to get Borgy on board,” Moore said.
“We’ve been pretty close through our pathway, he’s had a break from cricket and got in touch with me and, bang, we made it happen.
“He’s spent a lot of time at Carlton and has been one the best wicketkeepers around the traps. He’s got the fire back and he’s ready to go with us.”
Reigning club best-and-fairest Brenton Parchment will return to Buckley Park for the coming season, while Senior Division Paxino Medallist Lorenzo Ingram is yet to make a decision on his playing future.
Moore said the club’s developing talent and culture would make for an exciting season.
“The most important thing about last year was our club depth and culture started to form and that’s what makes this upcoming season so exciting,” he said.
“The Hughes brothers – Chris and Mitch, Jack Stephens, Harrison Jamieson, Lucas Krassaris – anyone in our Second XI.
“They’re all keen to better themselves and want to win games of cricket, so we’ve got a lot (of talent) to pick from.”
Depth will be critical as Doutta Stars look to bounce back from a devastating semi-final loss to eventual premier St Albans last season.
The Stars dominated the Senior Division home-and-away campaign, claiming the minor premiership for the second straight season, before shock six-run loss brought their title hunt to a surprise end.
Moore said his players would use the hurt to fuel them this summer.
“We focus on the future but I know any good team will use something to give them some fire,” he said.
“I know personally, last season wasn’t good enough, we set our sights high and it was unfortunate we lost.
“The Second XI lost the semi-final as well and everyone is hurting because of that. We’re excited to use that as fuel going forward.”