BERRY-Shoalhaven Heads will be looking at this year's Shoalhaven District Cricket Association season, in all grades, as a rebuilding one.
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The Magpies, like many other clubs, are struggling for numbers in all grades.
The club recently made a tough decision and withdrew its team from second grade for the 2019/20 season.
This leaves the Magpies with teams in first, third and fourth grade.
Veteran David Crapp is in charge of first grade this season and while admitting the pre-season preparation has been "average" he thinks Berry will do reasonably well.
"What we are looking for is a solid and consistent season," he said.
He admitted not having a second-grade team was a blow.
"It means there will be no defending of the premiership from last year," Crapp said.
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The Magpies veteran will be looking on the third-grade side, to help out in the top grade when needed.
Crapp said the club has a group of promising juniors in third grade and added he had already pencilled one of the young guns as a likely starter in first grade.
Berry has suffered a player drain in the off-season and some quality players have gone for various reasons.
Long-time leader Glenn Brandon has retired, Tom and Jack Gibbs are unavailable, likewise with the Heron siblings Lloyd and Blake.
There have been no new "signings" as of yet.
"I am looking at the possibility of getting two new players to the club," Crapp said.
Crapp thinks Berry's current state of affairs is a reflection of the state of Shoalhaven cricket in general.
"I have never seen the standard this poor before," Crapp.
Meanwhile, Berry is a proud club and will not be going down without a fight.
"We are going to be drawing a lot on our team and club spirit this year," Crapp said.
Crapp thinks Berry may struggle in two-day format but will be putting up a concerted effort to defend its T20 title.
The Magpies leader does not know what sort of attack he will field this season and says it's a work in progress.
He and Nathan Thomas will need to make a lot of runs this year.
If anyone is looking for a game of cricket they can contact Crapp on 0422 821 627.
