LAST season’s grand finalists Nowra, will be hoping that they can go one better in the two-day format of the Shoalhaven District Cricket Association in 2017/18.
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But with a number of key players from last season’s squad, which also won the T20 crown, it could be a tough ask.
Those players include Ben Lahene, Jack Watts, Sam Watts, Daniel Bryant, Luke Bowden and Michael Coulter, which club president and vice-captain Jono Clack admits won’t be easy to cover.
“You can’t replace quality cricketers like them in a country cricket competition but what it brings is a equal playing platform - everyone needs to perform and we will have to fight for our spots all year,” Clack said.
“Losing Jack Watts and Daniel Bryant leaves a hole in our bowling attack but we have added Ben Palmer – who’s bowling looks to bring something unique to the team that may fill that void.”
As well as Palmer, Clack is counting on another couple of experienced campaigners to step up this season.
“Jason Bell is arguably one of the best batsman in the competition and with him being able to commit to a full season, it could lead to him scoring some serious runs,” he said.
“In terms of bowling, John King is a natural talent and has shown what he can do in the past with ball in hand.
“I’m also expecting Lewis O’Brien, with a good pre-season under his belt and with us not having the talent in previous years to rely on, to stand up this season.”
With this being the case, Clack is confident his team can again challenge for titles in all three formats, especially the longer format, this summer.
“We don’t have the big names and we aren’t trying to get players over from other clubs just to win a competition,” he said.
“It’s a bunch of mates out to be competitive and have fun.
“All we need to do is make the four and anything can happen in the finals.”
Squad: Jason Bell, Lewis O’Brien, John King, Adam Weller, Alex Legge, Joel Lahene, Ben Palmer, Ryan Henry, Lachlan Adlington, Brad Ison, Jono Clack and Justin Wallace.