When Darren Quarrell was asked about getting back involved with Diggers Rest Bulla, he jumped at the chance.
One of the premier bowlers in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association previously, Quarrell stepped away from cricket due to work and having a young family.
But when circumstances changed and the offer to coach the club was suggested, Quarrell put his hand up.
“I’ve never coached a whole club before,” he said. “I’ve coached bowling wise, so it will be interesting.
“I haven’t played for five seasons. Work wise things have matched up with a new role that I’m able to finish earlier and actually get to training and that sort of thing.
“When [president] Corey [Goforth] messaged me to ask if I was keen, it was an opportunity to get back into cricket, as I had missed it too much.”
Quarrell will return as a player as well, but said he would like to jump between the grades as he tries to get an idea of the players at the club.
He is the club’s second highest ever wicket taker with 261 wickets.
It will be a different Burras line up to the one that finished the McIntyre Cup season in fourth spot.
Rhys Berry has crossed to Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association club Melton, with Quarrell saying he wanted to have a last crack at playing on turf.
Rasika Batepola, Indika Massalage and Gayan Welikalage have all moved also.
Quarrell said for him heading into this season, was making sure that those within the club were getting opportunities to better themselves.
“From what I’ve heard they really didn’t have an opportunity last season,” he said.
“We’re starting from scratch again. We’ll see how we go and the main thing is to give everyone a go.
“We want to reward the ones playing well and the ones that do the hard work as training.
“It’ll be an interesting season, an exciting season.”
Tara Murray
