Tara Murray
Woodend is hoping its next generation of players will take the next step as it hopes to return to Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup finals.
After a disappointing end to last season where they missed finals, Woodend knows that it needs to step things up across the board this season.
With the departure of a few players, Woodend playing coach Greg Matthews said they would have a younger side this year.
“We’ve lost a few players,” he said. “Some players are playing elsewhere and with COVID others are unsure about availability and how it will be with work and life.
“A lot of clubs are dealing with that at the moment.
“We’re looking forward to bringing some kids up and continuing their development. They played a fair bit last year, so it will be good to see how they have progressed.”
Former coach Adam Johnstone headlines the outs, with the wicketkeeper heading to play at Airport West.
Matthews said the loss of Johnstone would be a big one.
Matthews said despite losing some senior players, finals was still the aim this season.
“Last season we were quite close but things didn’t quite fall our way,” he said.
“We’re going to continue to work on our games with the intention of getting into finals.
“We’re striving for that and with a young team we have to improve across the board.”
Woodend kicked off its season on Saturday against Romsey in the regional senior competition.
Playing for no points, regional teams had the option of entering teams into the competition, while metro teams are still unable to play due to restrictions.
Woodend has some players who can’t play yet as they live in metro regions.
Matthews said they would use those games to give everyone some time in the middle.
“It’s a practice match, but it’s better than nothing.
“We’ll be focusing on what we are going to do and focus on the fundamental things we need to do as batters and bowlers and try to build up our performances.
“All three teams we’re playing were good performers last season. It will be good competition to see where we are at, in relation to those sides.”
Woodend started the season in a thriller, going down to Romsey in the final over.
The Hawks made 9-157 from their overs, with new recruit Riley Vernon making 90 at the top of the order.
Darin Jewell and Aaron Paterson took three wickets each for Romsey.
Romsey made hard work of the run chase, but made it on the final ball with one wicket in hand.
Sean Day top scored with 40, while Matthews took three wickets for the Hawks.
Gisborne won the other pool A match against Bacchus Marsh.
The Bulls won the toss and elected to bat, making 5-162 from their 40 overs.
Taeje Baker top scored with 56, while Lidgett made 38.
Roby Lane took two wickets.
The Dragons made the runs with three overs to spare. Lachlan McKenna, who normally plays premier cricket, made 61.
Former under-19 Australia captain Pat McKenna, who has played little cricket in recent years, chipped in with 41 not out.
It was all single wicket takers for the Bulls.
In pool B, Bacchus Marsh beat Gisborne, while there was no play between Wallan and Riddell.
