There’s a lot riding on the partnership of Heath Wadden and Riddell Cricket Club, and that’s why the premiership-winning coach is taking on the role again.
Last season, Riddell was knocked out in the first round of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s McIntyre Cup finals, after being on top of the ladder for most of the season.
That left Wadden and his players with a bitter taste in their mouths. The club had won the 2013-14 McIntyre grand final.
“I drew the lucky straw to coach again,” Wadden joked.
“There’s a bit of unfinished business after last year.
“We thought we under-achieved after finishing second on the ladder before being knocked straight out.
“It was an easy decision to coach again,” he said.
Anticipating a close season, Wadden has looked to boost batting ranks. Hayden Ross moves across from Rupertswood, Matt Darby returns after a year off for a knee reconstruction, and Cameron Clayton is also returning.
Riddell is one of only a few clubs sticking with their coach.
In the McIntyre Cup, Sunbury, Woodend, Sunbury United, Gisborne and Diggers Rest Bulla are likely to have new faces on the coach’s bench.
Another club to reappoint its incumbent is Romsey, which keeps star all-rounder Chris Burkett.
