Sub-District cricket: Lincoln ‘LJ’ Edwards returns to Elsternwick

Elsty have announced a package of recruits as they look to build on their ‘young and exciting list’.

LJ Edwards on the attack for Dandenong.

Lincoln “LJ’’ Edwards is returning to Elsternwick, and he’s bringing some classy company with him.

The Sub-District club confirmed this morning that the Dandenong premiership batsman was going back to Elsty and would assume the captaincy from Wicks great Cam Christiansen.

Edwards played junior and senior cricket at Elsternwick before joining Premier Cricket.

He started his First XI career at Melbourne in 2013-14 and finished it at Dandy, where he figured in the 2017-18 premiership.

Last season Edwards was hampered by a hamstring injury but he returned for the grand final against Prahran and cracked 34 off 38 balls to give Dandenong some heart and hope in a run chase.

The right-hander finished with 101 First XI matches, more than 2000 runs and two centuries.

Edwards’ cousin Zac Grundmann-Perera has also made the move from Dandenong, and Elsternwick has also secured Max Tucker, an all-rounder from Melbourne, and Zach Pedderson, who has coached Ballam Park for the past two seasons.

“LJ is an incredible talent. I’ve known that since I first saw him in the nets at under 12 training,’’ Christiansen said this morning.

Lincoln Edwards made two centuries in Premier Cricket.

“He has all the attributes to be a terrific leader and has great character which is very important to us.

“There has been a real focus for us on bringing in quality people to continue to strengthen our already excellent culture within the club as evidenced by winning the spirit of cricket award twice in three seasons.

“LJ comes from a fantastic and tight-knit family and it’s an opportunity for the three boys – LJ, Dan Edwards and Zac – to play together,’’ added Christiansen, who captained Elsternwick for 108 games, believed to be a club record.

Grundmann-Perera has been troubled by injury in the past two years but he was good enough to play First XI cricket at Dandenong.

He bowls leg-spin, can score runs quickly and is dynamic in the field.

Christiansen called him a “super talent’’.

Tucker played for Melbourne’s Second XI last season before getting injured. He is a capable batsman and bowls outswing.

Christiansen said Elsty still had room to move with its points cap and bring in other players to build on a “young and exciting list’’.

Brad Marks has taken on the role of director of cricket and is working to realise the club’s ambition to form a fifth men’s team and make progress with women’s cricket, Over 60s and juniors.

Peddersen will be the junior pathways coach.

Cameron Christiansen will have plenty of batting support next season. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“Zach comes with a wealth of coaching and player management skill and will also coach our Craig Shield team, which is a key part of our cricketing pathway,’’ Christensen said.

Elsternwick will have four Level 2 coaches on its senior panel, with Ben Cavey continuing as director of coaching, Mark Quinn and Christiansen acting as specialist coaches, and John Watkin taking on a new role as high performance coach, working with players in the top two grades.

“We continue to invest heavily to provide a great environment so our players can grow and thrive to be the best that can be,’’ Christensen said.

“We have great facilities, match day and social facilities unmatched in community cricket. Going from good to great is our motto for the next three years.’’

In other news, Josh and Pat Gorman are moving back to WA after giving the club stout service.

Josh was wicketkeeper in the team of the decade and Pat was an Under 21 player of the year.

The Wicks were competitive last season, winning four games and losing three by small margins, including to eventual premier Caulfield by six runs in Round 13.