Tara Murray
Reigning premiers Gisborne has strengthened its line up for the upcoming Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup season.
After coming from third last season to claim the premiership, the Dragons will again be one of the teams to beat this time round.
Dragons president Andrew Headberry with a strong squad again, Headberry said they would again be hoping to be among the mix.
“I’d be surprised if we weren’t there abouts,” he said. “We’ve got some pretty good top end talent and a nice group of young players coming through.”
The Dragons have a new coaching set up with Gavin Mackay stepping down from the role.
Brett Cavigan and Dan Trevillian are sharing the coaching role.
Headberry said the two brought a lot of experience to the role.
“They helped Gavin last year and they’ve now stepped up,” he said.
“Gav did a great job across much more than cricket coaching. Both these guys have started well.
“They’re different characters but compliment each other and have a good feeling for the club.”
On field most of the Dragons premiership winning side is returning.
Headberry said there were still a few older players considering their playing future, including premiership captain Jason Wilson.
Jarryd Vernon returns to the club and takes on the captaincy role, which he had previously held and will also be an assistant coach.
Vernon had spent the last couple of years playing with Spotswood, which made finals in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association last season.
“Jarryd went when he was really young to the VSDCA, before coming back and having a few seasons with us,” he said..
“This time he has gained a hell a lot of experience playing at that level and was successful in that competition.”
Joining Vernon in joining the Dragons is Leigh Brennan.
Brennan, who played with Rupertswood previously, comes to the Dragons after playing with Brunswick in the VSDCA for a number of years.
Headberry said Brennan, who retired from the VSDCA earlier this year, was keen to continue to play cricket at a lower level.
“He is a key pick up for us this season,” he said. “He lives down the road and works with a couple of the guys.
“He’s a very handy bowler. He knows a lot of people in the landscape. He wants to come back and enjoy his cricket and hopefully take lots of wickets.”
While Vernon and Brennan add to the side, Headberry said a focus on youth continues to be part of their focus.
He said many of that next generation will be part of the McIntyre Cup side this season.
“We had 10 players make their debuts last season,” he said. “Most of those are young guys and the majority of them will be pushing for spots.
“At the start of the year I think we will have five or six players in the McIntyre side.”
