Tara Murray
It’s been a juggling act for Gisborne as it has returned to the nets and field in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association.
As a regional club, the Dragons are allowed to train and play, but they have to train in groups of set numbers.
New McIntyre Cup captain Jason Wilson said it had been good to be back training and playing. Regional teams in the GDCA are playing against each other in a round robin competition until the metro teams are allowed to play.
“We’re getting about 70 odd people to training,” he said.
“It’s good to have a run around with some mates and be back out there after six months.
“It’s challenging organising it all and we have to do it over a couple of different ovals and there’s a few different team leaders.”
Among those training with the Dragons, are several Gisborne-based cricketers who are playing in Melbourne competitions.
All have played for the Dragons at some point in their careers.
Several of them including premier cricket players Lachie McKenna and Roby Lane, last season’s captain Jarryd Vernon and Luke Macumber, all played in the Dragons opening round matches.
Wilson said it was good to have those guys around the club.
“It’s great having their knowledge and leadership around with them all playing at a high level of cricket,” he said.
“It’s good to see them pass on the knowledge to the younger players, as we have a lot of them.
“I’m just trying to balance that on the field as we have plenty of depth with those guys playing.
“I do have to manage everyone on the field and give everyone a hit and rotate the batting.”
Another who has started the season with the Dragons, is former Australian under-19 captain Pat McKenna.
McKenna, who spent time on Greater Western Sydney and Melbourne’s AFL lists, hasn’t played a lot of cricket in recent years.
He played two games last season for the Dragons.
Wilson said McKenna would play with them up until Christmas but is unsure of his availability with work after the break.
Wilson, who captained his home club back in Gippsland for a number of years, said he was enjoying the opportunity to step up and captain the Dragons.
“I captained at my home club and I did some representative stuff.
“I enjoy it and I’m a little bit older and getting towards the end of my best cricket. It’s good to pass on my knowledge and game sense.”
Coming off a premiership, after going through the season undefeated, Wilson said they were looking to be in the mix against this season.
On Saturday, the Dragons faced Woodend in the second of its regional senior competition pool matches.
RESULTS TO COME MONDAY
