Kew looking forward to challenge of defending its VSDCA crown in 2024-25

After a against-the-odds premiership last season, Kew will be the hunted in VSDCA North-East this time around and has welcomed a trio of overseas recruits.

Jack Carroll celebrates a wicket for Kew. Picture: Josh Chadwick

Kew has welcomed three international recruits as it prepares to defend its Subbies crown.

The reigning VSDCA North-West premier has secured English trio Patrick Grieschbar, Oscar Wilton and Will Henson for the North-East season, which kicks off on Saturday.

Grieschbar has moved to Australia, living locally near Kew, while Wilton hails from Barnes CC and Henson, Lindum CC.

It’s a significant boost to an XI that has only lost wicketkeeper Liam Powell over the winter.

Kew coach Seb Contos said the trio would bolster the top order batting.

“Oscar played with Luke (Adams) for a couple of seasons in the UK and got him across,” Contos said.

Kew captain David Wildsmith. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“He’s going to be doing a lot of coaching at the club and will be a really important figure for us with Will as well.

“In terms of on and off the field they’ve got big roles to play for us.

“Patrick is a Kew local now, which is great and he’s a wicketkeeper and top-order bat.

“Will is an opening bat and Oscar is a left-arm orthodox who will probably be first drop.”

Kew won the premiership last season, it’s second in three campaigns, coming from third – topping Spotswood by 43 runs.

David Wildsmith topped the club’s run-scoring charts with 686 at an average of 57.17.

Sam Pearce (563 runs, 45 wickets) and Jack Carroll (316 runs, 47 wickets) had outstanding all-round seasons, with Wildsmith (captain) and Pearce selected in the VSDCA Team of the Year.

Having seen the likes of Carroll, Ross Suri (21 wickets) and Jack Stewart (366 runs) step up in the First XI, Contos was confident the club could find more gems this season.

“The title defence is on, we’ve had a solid pre-season,” he said.

“We’ve got a very consistent group and a lot of contributors.

“Hopefully we can keep it similar to last year, we were really happy with how everyone found their roles and bought into the team.

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“It’s good knowing we’ve got plenty of depth and options to chose from, a number of guys have proven themselves and are ready to take a step up.

“It was a great transition last season, guys like Jack Carroll and Mick Letson – and Wildy is so good in his position – stood up and own their roles.

“Hopefully they can do it again and hopefully there are a few new faces as well.”

Kew will begin its premiership defence when it hosts Box Hill at Victoria Park on Saturday.