Ivanhoe hopes recruit Mo Abbas can lift run-scoring power in Subbies 2024-25

He plundered more than 600 runs back home in the UK and Ivanhoe hopes recruit Mo Abbas can bring that form to lift the Subbies club’s run-scoring power in 2024-25.

Ivanhoe's English import Mo Abbas ready for the VSDCA season.

Ivanhoe will look to continue its climb up the VSDCA ladder this season.

A winless 2022-23 became three wins in 2023-24 and the Saints are confident of improving again in 2024-25 as the Subbies competition moves to North-East group.

A key part of that improvement could come from English import Mo Abbas.

The star all-rounder had a career-best season with Lymington in Hampshire, amassing 627 runs at 36.88 as well as taking 15 wickets.

Abbas will bolster a batting line-up that scored the fewest in the entire VSDCA last season.

Assistant coach Brad Loveluck was looking forward to seeing the club’s new man in action.

“Mo was in great form in the UK this year, he’s a big-hitter and exciting with the ball,” Loveluck said.

“He’s obviously a good player but more importantly he’s a good character to have around the club and he’s going to be helping out with the juniors.

“He’s looking to come out for a few seasons, which is great for the club, he brings everything we like.

“He can bat and bowl, which is a big tick for a recruit but he’s also a good bloke.”

Abbas’ arrival is well-timed after Ivanhoe’s two leading run-scorers last season departed.

Irishman Mark Donegan (394 runs) and Arjun Dhull (264 runs) have both joined Premier Cricket club Ringwood.

Loveluck and Alex Pannell (Carlton) return to further strengthen the batting, while the likes of former captain Troy Haynes and Alvin Simon add to a up-and-coming attack.

Wickets weren’t an issue for Ivanhoe last season, the club ranked ninth of 16 in the North-West group.

Young guns Ed Withington and Jon Kuch led the club with 28 and 19 scalps apiece, while captain-coach Henry Tyler also picked up 19.

With an influx of talent over the winter, the Saints are confident of a strong showing.

“I think we can push for finals but we know we’re coming into the season as underdogs,” Loveluck said.

“The board’s plan has been to look for on-field success after a couple of difficult seasons.

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“The improved depth at the club will allow junior development in the right position and not have anyone playing above their skill level too quickly.

“There’s going to be more competition for positions this season and that is a good thing.”

Tyler has been away on international duties with the Filipino national team but is expected to be ready for the season-opener on Saturday against Croydon at Croydon Park.

The Cockies have their own big-name import in Leicestershire all-rounder and England Under-19 representative Tom Scriven.