New isn’t always best and that is the case for three Gisborne and District Cricket Association clubs.
In recent weeks, Woodend, Rupertswood and East Sunbury have announced their coaches for the 2015-16 season, with all three clubs appointing people who have filled their respective roles before.
Warren Else has been named coach of McIntyre club Woodend.
President Ronan Hume said Else wanted to return to the job after a few years away from it.
“He coached a few years ago, but stood down when he was playing cricket in England.
“He couldn’t commit to preseason training. Now he isn’t playing in England he can commit to preseason training and he put his hand up for the role.”
Hume said he believed Else had matured as a player and person since he last coached the club.
“He is Woodend through and through and a hall of famer at the club.
“We are really excited to have him back on board as coach.”
Former coach Adam Johnstone will captain the side.
“They will both have defined roles and we are still working through exactly what they are,” Hume said.
“Adam was keen to still play a role.”
One loss for Woodend is Peter Manser who is returning to Premier Cricket.
Lane returns to Rupo
John Lane returns to the top job at Rupertswood after standing down before last season.
Rupertswood president Peter Kavanagh said Lane was at the top of the B-grade side’s list.
“We were pretty disappointed that he stepped down last season.
“We’ve been working pretty hard to get him to take on the role again.
“There were lots of phone calls to other people to see if they were interested, but Johnny was always at the top of the list.
“He has a lot of support from the boys. He’s given us a 12 month commitment.”
With the coach’s role tied up, the club is looking at trying to find an experienced batsman to add to the side.
Hayden Ross is making the move into McIntyre Cup side Riddell, while Nathan Shoesmith is moving to premier cricket.
On the bowling side of things, Jay King has signed with Gisborne.
“Ideally if we can get a batsman into the club that would be good,” Kavanagh said.
“We are going to miss those guys and we wish them the best as they are trying to better their careers.”
Aaron Forward is returning to the club after spending the last few seasons with Greenvale Kangaroos and will help fill the void left by King.
Hourigan reappointed
Meanwhile it is no surprise that fellow B-grade side East Sunbury has reappointed Mark Hourigan.
The club did advertise the role, but decided to stick with Hourigan who led the team to a grand final appearance last season.
President Keith Osborne said it was a no brainer to reappoint Hourigan
“We advertised to see who was out there in case a Ricky Ponting wanted the role.
“We had a couple of people talk to us about the role, but we thought there are a lot of other clubs having changes, unity and sticking with Mark was the right move.
“He was four runs away from being a hero.”
Osborne said Hourigan’s relationship with the juniors was a massive upside.
“When we hire a coach we hire him for the whole club.
“He would rock up to junior training nights and was team manager of the under-11’s.”
Osborne said the club would be without Jesse Carroll and Liam Sherlock at least until January.
“Both are overseas. Liam is definitely coming back, but we are unsure whether Jesse will be.
“With had our top three teams make semi finals and the under-16’s were premiers again.
“There’s so many kids coming through and they are another year older and wiser.”
