VSDCA 2023-24: Chris Box unveiled as Box Hill coach

Box Hill has unveiled its new coach, as it looks to fill the void left by the exits of two of its top performers of last season ...

INCOMING Box Hill coach Chris Box says long-term sustainability will take priority at the Subbies outfit, as the club plans for life without two of its standout performers of last season.

The former Mustangs player has been unveiled as the club’s new mentor following the exit of Simon Cornelius in March.

Box is no stranger to the eastern suburbs’ cricket scene, having featured in six Ray McIntosh Shield flags at Heatherdale – five as captain-coach – in the Box Hill Reporter competition.

He’s the father of current Box Hill First XI player James Box, and previously coached the club’s Craig Shield team.

New Box Hill coach Chris Box. Picture: Box Hill CC

While under no illusions about the task at hand, Box said he was keen to tap into the local talent of the area in an effort to build for the future.

The Mustangs finished the East-West season in fifth spot with an 8-1-6 record before a qualifying-final loss to powerhouse Werribee.

“It’s not going to be an easy task which I’m fully aware of,” Box said.

“We’d really like to align ourselves with the local community – there’s some pretty good players running around in local comps, and there’s some ex-Premier players we feel we could give an opportunity and build a club we can sustain for a long period of time.

“In essence, that’s what our main mandate will be, along with working with our previous Craig Shield players – Box Hill’s also starting to build a good base of junior teams again so that’s a good insight for the future.

“It’s not about raiding players from the hard-wicket competitions – there’s players out there that want to try and get onto turf and play at a higher level and we feel we can be a stepping-stone for that.”

Box said UK imports in spinner/batsman Cian Dickinson and keeper/batsman Brad Yates would not be returning next season following standout campaigns.

Cian Dickinson batting for Box Hill. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Both played a major part in the Mustangs’ finals push – Dickinson peeling off 481 runs to go with 26 wickets at an average of 17.31 and Yates driving 525 runs at 43.8 alongside 25 catches.

The new coach said attention would turn to recruiting to help fill the void.

“We would certainly be looking for the right candidate to come in and help lead the club with some sort of skill-sets in both those areas,” Box said.

“We do have some options with the keeping … but nonetheless, they’re certainly our target players – someone who can bat, someone who can keep, bowl spin.

“We feel as though our fast-bowling stocks are OK.”

Box is adamant the existing players could step up and seize an opportunity in his bid to close the gap on rivals and improve the club.

“I’m convinced that overseas import players, whilst they can play a role and boost lists, long-term it’s not the answer,” he said.

“I really hope I can improve every player on that list and by doing that I think we can hopefully fill some of the voids.

“I’m hellbent on making sure, whether I’m there for one year or 10 years, that the place is in a far more stable position when I leave.”