Tara Murray
Gisborne has locked in its core group and added a couple of imports as it aims to go back-to-back in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup.
One of the powerhouses of the competition, the Dragons look like they will be in the mix again this season.
New coach Jarryd Vernon said the group was looking forward to getting out there.
“We’re building a nice little squad again,” he said. “We’ve had good numbers at training and we had a session at the Junction Oval with a level three coach in Chris Hall.
“It’s been a good pre-season and the boys are keen to get stuck into it.
Vernon, who has been captain and assistant coach, will take on the captain-coach role. He said with Daniel Trevillian stepping away he was keen to step up.
Leigh Brennan and Riley Vernon will be assistant coaches.
“I’ve been captain the last few years,” he said. “Dan stepped away and I wanted to do it with a good group of young kids coming through.
“It was an easy decision in the end. Leigh, the experience he brings is phenomenal and RIley will be an assistant too.
“It’s a good coaching group and we will be helped out by Ron Mannion and Tim Bannan, who will be there every night so I’ll have pretty good help around me.”
Most of the Dragons premiership side has returned this season. Four-time premiership player Jay King has retired but will still be around the club mentoring the young bowlers.
The Dragons have picked up two imports to bolster their ranks, Josh WIllis and Josh Brown.
It was through a connection with Riley Vernon that got the pair across.
“Both have played county cricket in the UK,” Jarryd said. “Riley played with them when he was over there.
“They are two young kids wanting to come out and play cricket. Riley caught on that they were keen to come to Australia and he was able to tee it up.”
Both arrived in Australia last week. Willis is a big fast left arm bowler, who will help fill the role King played.
Brown is an allrounder.
Vernon said they don’t put any expectations on the pair. He said he wants them to come over and have fun.
The Dragons will continue to blood youth across its grades, which Vernon said was exciting to see,
“The young guys, that is a big part of the club for me as a coach,” he said. “The McIntyre side has not changed much in the last two years.
“There’s lots of young kids coming through the 15s and the 17s, which won the grand final last year.
“There’s a lot of depth this year which is great. Hopefully it holds us in good stead and they are pushing for McIntyre spots.”
Having claimed last year’s decider, Vernon said they were hoping to be in the mix for another premiership this season.
The Dragons start their season on Saturday against Romsey in a grand final rematch.
