Harper Sercombe
While Diggers Rest Bulla is set to be relegated out of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup, club president Corey Goforth said the club is in a promising position.
After finishing fourth last season, the club lost the majority of its first XI as well as its coach, now with a half a match still to play in the season, the Burras haven’t won a game.
However, Goforth said with plenty of youth around the club, the Burras may not stay in the Johnstone Shield for too long.
“At the end of the day, the club lost eight of its first XI players from the last season, if not more,” he said.
“A couple injuries at the start of the year like Darren Quarrell going down with his hamstring, and Alex Hasset and Tristan Krizanic both being in and out of the side due to work availability made it hard to really compete.
“It made it a really young side but compared to where we were last year. Last year there were a lot of blokes who weren’t really wanting to push that higher standard of cricket, this year those younger kids have all put their hands up to wear it on the chin and get that experience knowing that the results probably won’t come our way.”
Those that left the club included, Rhys Berry who moved to Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association club Melton while Rasika Batepola, Indika Massalage and Gayan Welikalage have all moved to Sunbury, which plays in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association.
Club legend Quarrell took the reins as coach for this season, however, Goforth said this season was about finding his feet at the club.
He is the club’s second highest ever wicket taker with 261 wickets.
“He’s still trying to work out what coach he wants to be,” he said. “This year he hasn’t taken full control, he just wants to understand where people are at first.”
Goforth said this off-season is poised to be a big one for the club with potential recruits already in mind.
“There are a couple of pieces we need and this group knows it,” he said. “We still do want to go young… we’re looking at a top end batsman. We really need that person who can sit there all day.
“The other one we’re looking at is a spin bowler, I think we really lacked the slow option in the comp this year.”
The Burras are half way through their match with Romsey.
The Redbacks who are still a chance to finish top, are 1-70 in reply to the Burras 222.
Jake Reid top scored with 76 for the Burras.
Jed Richardson (42 not out) and Matthew Milne (26 not out) will resume on day two.
