Tara Murray
New Diggers Rest Bulla coach Shannon O’Keefe was keen to give back something to the Gisborne and District Cricket Association club.
Having been part of the club for more than 30 years, including playing in four first XI premierships, O’Keefe decided to put his hand up for the coaching role when it became vacant.
“I’ve been associated with the club for over the last 30 years now,” he said.
“It’s quite an honour to have been there for so long.
“It’s good to give something back to them and it’s an exciting time for the club.”
O’Keefe said he had always thought about coaching, but had never put his hand up before.
He thought it was a good time to make the transition this season.
While he is inexperienced in the coaching side of things, he knows that there’s plenty of support around him.
“There’s a lot of support from the volunteers and on and off the field,” he said.
“I’ve known a lot of these guys since they were kids. I’ll be looking for their support and I’ll be looking to support them.”
O’Keefe replaces Rasika Batepola who has left the club to return to play turf cricket with PEGS.
He’s one of two big losses from of last season’s side.
Indika Massalage, who is one of the premier players in the competition, has joined fellow McIntyre Cup side Sunbury United as its coach.
O’Keefe knows they will be hard to replace.
“They’re a big loss for us experience-wise,” he said.
“What they have taught the guys the last few years makes my job a lot easier.”
The Burras are hoping to finalise a few recruits in the coming weeks, with O’Keefe saying that they had spoken to a few past players who were of McIntyre Cup level.
He is also hoping for some development from the players in the lower grades.
“There’s a few guys who were in the seconds last season who are looking to step up,” he said.
“There’s a lot of depth and a lot of natural talent in the seconds. There’s a lot of younger players.
“Hopefully a few of those guys can become more consistent players in the ones. I’m looking to give them plenty of opportunities.
The Burras will enter this season with plenty of motivation, with the side missing out of the chance to play in last season’s grand final.
They were due to play Gisborne in the grand final, before it was cancelled due to COVID-19. Gisborne was awarded the premiership after going through the season undefeated.
“The boys are keen to go one better this season.”
O’Keefe said the side would look at returning to training as soon as possible. As they are a metro team, they are currently can’t train.
Regional sides can train and are set to play games for no points from October 17. A proper season will start when all teams can play.
“We would love to be training now,” he said.
“We should be starting the normal season in two or three weeks. Everyone is keen so we will get out there as soon as we get the call that we can.”
