Tara Murray
New Riddell coach Michael Day is excited for the new challenge at the Gisborne and District Cricket Association club.
Having been at the club for a number of years, Day decided it was time to put his hand up and step into the coaching role.
The Bombers announced that Day had replaced Heath Brown as coach.
“It’s kind of exciting and kind of daunting,” Day said. “I’ve been involved in cricket since I was 10 and I’ve at the club for 18 years and enjoyed the journey.
“I thought it was time to get involved and help the club out.”
While Day has been just a player at the Bombers, it’s not his first foray into the coaching side of things.
He was captain-coach many years ago at Portland, when captains sort of did everything and there wasn’t really an official coach.
Day takes on the role after a couple of tough years for the Bombers both on and off field.
Last season, they finished bottom in Johnstone Shield with one win for the season.
The Bombers were in a number of games, but struggled to put it together with the bat.
Off field, copper thefts at Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve meant the club didn’t have power for their rooms for a number of months, meaning they couldn’t hold functions and had an impact on money made on match day.
“We have struggled after Covid hit,” Day said. “The thefts add to the challenges.
“We are pretty keen to bolster the playing list and strengthen the community enjoyment as well.
“Pretty strong junior group and lots of junior teams lot of playing in seniors which is quite enjoyable
“We want to keep bringing those guys on as well.”
Day said they want to work their way back into McIntyre Cup, but knows it’s a few years off.
He said they were unsure what grade they would play in this season.
A call on whether they stay in Johnstone or go down to Jensen Shield will be made once they know their playing squad and where it suits.
“We want to mix the younger ones in with the older ones,” Day said. “We want to get more involvement from the community.
“We’re always looking for numbers for the club. Hopefully pick up some player from out there.
“We’re always after players.”
