Premier Cricket 2018-19: Camberwell Magpies ready to bounce back into the top eight

FIRST-year Camberwell coach Brad Loveluck believes the “sky is the limit” for the Magpies as they look to make a return to Premier Cricket finals this season.

FIRST-year Camberwell coach Brad Loveluck believes the “sky is the limit” for the Magpies as they look to make a return to Premier Cricket finals this season.

Camberwell missed the eight last season for the first time since 2014-15 but appear well-placed to against challenge the top bracket of teams.

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Former Tasmanian quick Andrew Fekete headlines the list of additions at the Sports Ground after five years with the Tigers, where he featured in 33 first-class games.

James Rosewarne has come across from Greenvale. Picture: Hamish Blair

English import Lewis McManus also brings first-class experience in another boost for the Magpies’ finals aspirations.

Wicket-keeper batsman McManus, 23, represented England at under-19s level has played 32 games for County side Hampshire, where he has a highest score of 132 not out.

Promising top-order batsman Oliver Gunning has also crossed to Camberwell from Melbourne in the hope of more First XI opportunities.

The 21-year-old made his debut in the top grade last season and crunched 594 runs in the Second XI, including two centuries, but is viewed as a player with great potential.

Andrew Fekete has returned to Camberwell. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AAP

“Melbourne did a great job assisting his development and we’re obviously looking to provide a pathway for him to make his mark on the game,” Loveluck said.

“He’s got to first grade level, now it’s just a matter of making that transition and dominating at that level.”

Leg-spinning all-rounder James Rosewarne has also come across from Greenvale, where he made 356 runs and took 19 wickets in 2017-18.

Top-order batsman Daniel Scholz, who was named in Victoria’s under-19s trial squad in June, could also push for First XI selection after crossing from Monash Tigers.

Brendan Drew lets one rip. Picture: Andy Brownbill

But Ryder medallist Brendan Drew will leave a void with both bat and ball after stepping down as playing coach at the end of last season, while opener Morgan Persson-Clark is having a season away from cricket.

Loveluck said he had not placed any expectations on the group this season.

“I’ve probably put more expectation on living our values,” he said.

“One of our main ones is believing we can win from any position in a game.

“If we keep believing in what we can do as a group, the sky is the limit for us.
“We’ve kept it pretty simple, we haven’t set the bar too high but we are believing we can do a fair bit this season.”

Camberwell is scheduled to open its season against Monash Tigers at the Sports Ground in a one-day game on October 6 starting at 10am.