Sunbury is itching to get its Victorian Turf Cricket Association season underway.
After a big off season under new coach Leo Italiano, the Roar is keen to see where it sits this season in the Steve McNamara Shield.
With round one on Saturday against Gellibrand postponed, the Roar is hoping to get underway this Saturday against Newport-Digman.
Coach Leo Italiano said it had been a really exciting off season.
“We’re ready to go,” he said. “We had two practice matches and we’re spewing that round one was called off.
“We weren’t expecting to play, but it would have been good.”
The Roar has had a fair bit of turnover in the off season.
Its biggest focus had been on making sure it strengthened its batting. It’s been one area the Roar has struggled with for a number of seasons and cost them some wins.
“We’ve got a second English fellow,” Italiano said. “Ethan Connelly, who has played at a high level in England.
“He is an opening batsmen. We’ve picked up Rahul [Singh] who played sub-district last season with Hoppers Crossing where he was a good quality bat in their seconds.”
The Roar’s other import is Jack Narraway, who is vice-captain this season, is a wicketkeeper and top order bat and brings a coaching background.
Another signing is Divjot Singh, a talented young player who made four centuries last season.
The club had announced the signing of Steve Goodwin, but that has fallen through and he wouldn’t be part of the team this season.
Italiano said they were also keen to see what some of the younger players could do.
“It’s about the development of the kids,” he said. “We had a big pre-season and we started in mid-July.
“We’ve had 20-plus sessions and two practice matches. The feel around the place is fantastic.
“We’ve been able to recruit a lot of new players for the lower grades as well.”
Italiano said the club had been working on the culture as well to focus on a one club practice instead of focusing on individual teams.
“We’re focused on the one club mentality,” he said. “Our fourth XI played on a Sunday last year, this year all four sides are playing on a Saturday.
“It builds culture and more numbers on a Saturday. It’s been awesome.”
Italiano said they had six or seven junior sides as well this season along with cricket blasters with plenty of numbers across the club.
