English spinner Jack Gorbert joins Baden Powell in MPCA Provincial
The Braves are set to employ a left-field tactic to test rival sides in MPCA Provincial this season after adding a “masterly’’ overseas recruit.
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Baden Powell’s English recruit has been likened to a leading player from a rival Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association side.
Jack Gorbert, a left-arm orthodox spinner with a reputation of bowling long, accurate spells, has joined the Braves for the 2023-24 season.
He trained with the club last week.
“He’s very similar to (Old Peninsula’s) Johnny Forrest,” Baden Powell captain Rhys Elmi said.
“He’s just a nice left-arm orthodox (spinner)…I think he’s going to play a good role.”
Gorbert comes from the same English club, Ticknall, that produced opening batsman Tom Wood, who played successfully with Baden Powell a few years ago.
Elmi said Gorbert was likely to take the new ball and open the bowling for the Braves this season — presenting a new challenge for opposition sides’ opening batters.
“We identified, especially on our ground, that spin is really crucial,” Elmi said.
“He’ll be good, he’ll be that opening bowler just about.
“We’ve got him and Anthony Christou…so we’ll have right arm and left arm offies, as well as my brother Dale to bowl leggies.
“That’s the path we’re going down this year.”
Gorbert also bats in the mid to lower order where he loves to show off his 360 degree skills.
Baden Powell has undergone changes since making the Provincial finals last season.
Leading batsman Craig Entwistle has taken over as club coach, and will only play sporadically.
“He will play in the seconds if does play,’’ Elmi said.
“He won’t be playing in the firsts to start the season anyway.”
Last season’s captain Travis Kellerman remains as a key top order batsman.
Baden Powell has lost paceman Zacc Klan and opening batsman Beau Anthony, both to Dromana.
Top order batsman Coen Chernishoff isn’t playing and batsman Luke Long will miss the start of the season after injuring his hand playing football.
Elmi said two young batsmen would bat in the top three — Jobe Gardner and Harry Maxwell.
Gardner scored 240 runs, at 26.6, in the first XI last season, with two half-centuries. Elmi said he would bat at No. 3 this season.
Aggressive opener Maxwell made 321 runs, at 29, in the seconds last season.
Baden Powell hosts Langwarrin in the season opener on Saturday. It will be a re-match of last season’s semi-final, won by Langy.
BADEN POWELL
Coach: Craig Entwistle
Captain: Rhys Elmi
In: Jack Gorbert (UK)
Lost: Beau Anthony (Dromana), Zacc Klan (Dromana), Angus Cripps (Crib Point)
Young guns to watch:
Jobe Gardner — he will slot in at No. 3…very good player who made a couple of scores last season.
Harry Maxwell — will probably open the batting, he just goes out and has a crack. He’s made a lot of runs in the twos.
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