The South Dubbo Hornets first-grade team have trained the house down during the pre-season and are hoping to put the sting on Newtown during the season opener at Victoria Park on Saturday.
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Hornets club president Adam Wells said the club is in a good position for the 2018/19 summer.
“I think we can win the opening game, everyone has been training well and can’t wait to get out and play,” he said.
“We've lost a couple of experienced players in Will Lindsey and also Henry Railz who came through all our juniors and is now leaving to play grade cricket in Sydney for Penrith. That’s a step up for him but a loss for us.
“We are in a rebuilding phase with our first-grade team and we are expecting some younger guys to step up.”
Mr Wells said the Hornets are looking to promote youth this season and have some exciting prospects on their list.
“Rajat Rai is a new player for us; he’s the new Oncologist at the hospital, he will be a good fast bowler for us and he has looked good at training,” he said.
“Corey McDean our wicket-keeper and top order batsman is also one to look out for; he will be good for us this season.
“Matt Finlay and Mitch Bower, although they aren't as limber or as quick around the park as they used to be, their experience and wisdom and nouse will be valuable for our team this year and they'll guide some of the younger blokes around.”
The Hornets’ president said the club would look to grow through encouraging younger players with opportunities.
“We want to bring more young guys through, players like Joe Cant, Oscar Robinson and Joe Crampton, these guys are the heart of our club they are good fun at training and just good to have in our team,” he said.
“If we are enjoying our cricket and having fun then that's when we'll play our best.
“So bringing some players from lower grades up into the firsts is what we plan on doing at times during the season.”
Wells is bullish about the Hornets’ prospects to go deep into the season.
“I’d say our goal is to make the finals, it is everyone's goal if your serious, we’re no different, but we understand it’s a tough competition,” he said.
“However, we will regularly look at where we are at during the season and make adjustments as we go.
“Our club is looking to create a youthful second-grade team so we can bring some juniors into senior cricket; we are super excited that we have two third grade teams set to play, our future looks good.”
Craig Thomson
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
