SECA 2023-24: David Sime and Matt Cefala to lead Kingston Heath

Kingston Heath’s new coach David Sime has lofty ambitions for the Kookaburras as a club favourite takes over as skipper.

Kingston Heath batsman Matthew Cefala. Picture: Valeriu Campan

New Kingston Heath Cricket Club coach David Sime has the runs on the board.

The Kookaburras will be the well-travelled 57-year-old’s sixth senior coaching job and he’s had success at them all.

“Every team I’ve coached I’ve taken them to finals,” he said.

Sime is a Mordialloc premiership coach and player, who steered Fountain Gate to finals in Division 3 of the Dandenong District Cricket Association last season.

He’s arrived at Kington Heath keen to help the club’s array of young talent, and maintain his impressive coaching record.

“I want to get them to win a flag…I want to get them up and going,” Sime said.

David Sime is Kingston Heath's new coach.

Former St Kilda batsman Matt Cefala will captain Kingston Heath this season.

He was a club junior who played two seasons with St Kilda, mainly in the thirds, before returning to the Kookaburras two years ago.

Last season, Cefala scored 407 runs, at 29, including a knock of 97 against Elwood when he shared a 162-run second-wicket partnershp with former Melbourne opening batsman Steven Burke.

Still only 23, Cefala is a fine player who is capable of making 500 runs per year.

Kingston Heath has lost four players from its semi-final side of last season.

Adam Bailes (fast bowler) and Tom Morecroft (batting alrounder) have crossed to Cheltenham Park, while captain-coach of last season, Hemantha Alles, has gone to Le Page Park.

Wicket-keeper, Shanaka Perumpuli, has also left the club.

Sime sees the departures as a chance for youngsters to step up.

Oisin Gribben and Nathanial D’Rozario have the ability to make good runs, while 18-year-old paceman Rogan Kitts will continue to develop.

Sime likes what he sees at pre-season training.

“It’s good…we’ve been getting plenty at training,’’ he said.

“A bit of talent there.

“It’s a pretty well run club, I’m going to get plenty of help.”

Sime says he’s excited by the prospect of helping the Kookaburras improve.

“I’m there for a couple of years which suits me…new faces and new blood, and they’re all keen to learn,’’ he said.

“I’ve been working with a few of the boys and they’ve really improved already. They’re heading in the right direction.

“I’ve always coached nice and simple, local stuff, you can’t be too hard, there’s a fine line. I’ll just do it my way.”