VSDCA 2018-19: Oakleigh expecting to figure at the pointy end of the Sub-District Cricket season

THIS season will continue to mark a “period of transition” for Oakleigh after waving goodbye to some loyal servants over the winter.

Brendan McGuinness lays into a cut shot. Picture: Hamish Blair

JUST who is going to replace the great Ben ‘Spike’ Pinwill?

Oakleigh will be without its champion swing bowler for the first time in nearly 20 years this summer after he pulled up stumps on his decorated career at the end of last season.

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Oakleigh captain Brendan McGuinness said Pinwill’s retirement would open the door for medium-pacer Geoff Latham to nail down a place in the First XI.

Ben Pinwill called time on his career at the end of last season. Picture: Paul Loughnan

Latham has been a regular in Oakleigh’s Second XI but he will get the chance to add to his three First XI games this campaign.

“I guess with the pace attack we’ve had over the years, he hasn’t really been given a decent crack at it, so this is his chance,” McGuinness said.

“He’s really enthusiastic, he’s done a mountain of work leading the attack in the twos over the last few years.

“He’s still young and he’s champing at the bit to get into it. It will be really good to have him in the team and he’s certainly earnt the opportunity.”

Miles Fabris, who made his debut as a batsman in the semi-final defeat against Bayswater, will come into the side as the first-choice wicketkeeper.

Robert Howes will also look to cement a place at the top of the order after overcoming a recent knee reconstruction.

Sam Jones has linked up with Fitzroy Doncaster. Picture: David Smith

However, premiership player Sam Jones will leave a void with the bat after returning to Premier Cricket. joining Fitzroy Doncaster.

Off-spinner Josh Taylor has also relocated to New Zealand after just one season at Warrawee Park.

After waving goodbye to premiership stars Brent Warren, Jarrod Travaglia and Daniel Junkeer in recent years, McGuinness said season 2018-19 would continue to mark “a period of transition”.

“These younger guys that have been around the club for a long time and have developed through the lower grades are going to get an opportunity,” he said.

“We’re investing our time in them because they are the future of the club.

“We’ve got a really good band of guys in the ages of 22 to 26.

“It will be a different looking Oakleigh side but certainly just as strong.”

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