WITH the start of the 2010-11 season in the South Coast Register Shoalhaven District Cricket Association first grade competition tomorrow (Saturday), there will be changes in most line-ups.
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Defending premiers Bomaderry have the bye, giving the other six teams a chance to assess the strength of the challenges they will issue.
New era for Nowra
AFTER a disappointing end to last season, Nowra has named a new captain for its clash with Ulladulla United at Lighthouse Oval.
John White steps up to the position, after leading the club’s second grade side to the premiership last March.
He is not a newcomer to the top division, having played 45 matches in four seasons there with his former club, Rugby Union.
White expects several others from seconds to step up with him, notably David Barlow, Ben Lancaster, Joel Latimer and Justin Wallace.
Known to be missing from last year are Nathan Bowden and Craig Ellis.
Ben Lahene scored 345 runs in his first full season in 2009-10, and at 17 years of age, he will look to build on that achievement.
Kurt Quinlan and Daniel Bryant also have the ability to make major contributions here.
After being in the finals last season, United has high hopes of again being a force.
Terry Dorrell has been re-appointed captain, but he will be without Harley Bell, Nathan Bell, Aaron Wester and Peter King who have all been cleared to Bay and Basin.
On the credit side is wicketkeeper/batsman Aaron Basile who returns after playing last season with Berry-Shoalhaven Heads.
Although he did not make a lot of runs with Berry, he has regularly played at zone level.
United has recruited Scott King from Umina (Central Coast), where he was a highly regarded allrounder.
Joseph Lavalle and Robert Cooke are others who will need to get going with the bat.
Greg Sheedy is expected to make a comeback, while some of those who featured in last season’s second grade finals will also move up.
Clark’s tip: With the change of personnel it is hard to judge, but I am going with Nowra.
• While United’s last round outright win over Nowra catapulted it into the finals last season, the home team has usually been troubled by this opponent.
From 71 previous clashes, Nowra has won 44 to United’s 16, and there have been 13 draws.
Changes may lift Berry
BERRY-Shoalhaven Heads will also have a new-look line-up when it comes up against North Nowra-Cambewarra at the Bernie Regan Sporting Complex.
The visitors will be without Aaron Basile who has returned to Ulladulla United, Chris Bramley (Ex-Servicemen), Duncan Maddinson (Warilla) and Scott Groves who is continuing his education in Canberra.
David Crapp will lead the side, assisted by deputy Jeff Dudgeon who spent last summer overseas.
Brad Dudgeon will also be back, while Paul Clements has joined the club after playing in Bomaderry’s premiership side last season.
New to this association is Cameron Ryan, a left-hand opening batsman and wicketkeeper from Queensland.
Key bowler Brad Carey is expected to return to the side mid-season.
In his absence, Glenn Brandon, Luke Bramley and Sam Austin will lead the attack.
The club also has a new coach in David Richards, well known in South Coast and Southern Zone circles.
Norths came home strongly last season, only to go down in the semi-final to the premiers.
Nick McDonald takes over as captain, a position he previously held in 2008-09, and some early runs will give him confidence.
Other key batsmen are Graham Davidson and Matthew Fair-weather who performed well last summer.
Coming into the side will be Tom McGrath, a 20-year-old wicketkeeper/middle order batsman from Warilla (South Coast).
Last season’s skipper, Adam Jackson stepped down because work commitments will prevent him playing every week.
He will be missed from the attack, along with Nigel Rowan (shoulder operation) and Gareth Hopwood who is joining the navy.
After consistent efforts in second grade, John Muggleton will step up, and James Wakefield will push for inclusion once his HSC exams are complete.
Clark’s tip: It may be close, but Berry to start the season with a win.
• Although Norths won both games last season, Berry has by far the better record in head to head clashes.
From 38 matches, Berry has won 29 to Norths’ seven with just two draws.
Ex-Servicemen’s high hopes
AFTER being runner-up last season, Ex-Servicemen have high hopes of going one better this summer.
However firstly they must account for a rejuvenated Bay and Basin at Hayden Drexel Oval.
The home team has reappointed Daniel Gleeson as captain, and he will be keen to show his best form from the outset.
Officials are pleased that Trevor Thomason is likely to play the full season, for he has invariably entered the fray part way through.
Other positives are the recruiting of Chris Bramley from Berry-Shoalhaven Heads, and the return of Chris Weller who was unavailable for most of last season.
Missing will be Michael Chambers who has returned to England, David Sloane who is playing seconds, and Shane Mackey who has retired.
The home team will look for heavy scoring from Warren Ganderton, Allan Watts and George Dickie to get a big score on the board.
Bay and Basin has also re-elected its skipper, with allrounder Jonathan Hill to again guide the team.
Prominent will be Eugene O’Brien who scored two centuries last summer, and his brother Liam who proved to be devastating with the ball on occasions.
New to the club are Nathan Bell, Harley Bell, Aaron Wester and Peter King from Ulladulla United, all talented players and it will be interesting to see how they fit in.
Making way for them are Chris Labb who will play a lower grade, Michael Dolby and Heath Tan, the latter being a regular for more than a decade.
Clark’s tip: Although Bay may be on the improve, Ex-Servicemen to be too strong.
• This will be the 30th clash between these clubs in first grade.
Ex-Servicemen have the better record with 16 victories to Bay’s eight, while there have been five draws.
