Bairnsdale Cricket Association’s (BCA) higher grade competition’s will start this Saturday, with Lakes Entrance hoping to make an early impression.
Matches will be played in “A” and “A” reserve, with Lakes Entrance kicking off its premier grade season with an away match at Lucknow.
The Seagulls will also field a side in the “B” competition, hoping to expose the players who aren’t selected in “A” grade to the highest level of cricket possible.
The BCA “B” and “C” grade competition will start next week (Saturday, October 12).
Training numbers have been good, with club co-captain Ben John hoping for an improvement once daylight savings kicks in.
“Weekend training has been positive, but we should see numbers pick up once more daylight appears,” John said.
The club will again welcome three players from the northern hemisphere, with Jack Timms and Sam Kincaid joining Josh Sackfield, who had a stint with the Seagulls during 2022/23.
Englishman Timms is an exciting top order batsman, whose medium pacers look more than adequate. He will be joined in the top order by Josh Sackfield, who comes in peak form after another impressive season at home.
Irish born Kincaid’s left arm orthodox spinners will add some variety to the attack, while his lower order batting will strengthen up the tail.
John is looking forward to seeing Kincaid bowl in tandem with Kaleb Day, who returns on a more regular basis than in 2023/24.
Day’s off spin bowling was an integral part of 2022/23 campaign which saw the Seagulls play finals.
New additions to the local community, Phani Kumar and Harish Kumar-Sunke have impressed at training and are a chance to debut this week.
Nathan King has departed the club and will play for Lindenow South Glenaladale, while imports Jack Kesteven, Dane Tinsley and Jacob Sackfield aren’t returning.
John will co-captain the premier side with Jake Le Maitre, the pair hoping to carry on the unison that just failed to get the Seagulls into the finals last season.
“We will hopefully get back in the finals mix, last year we were only one win away from hosting a semi final,” John said.
Last year was one of the closest seasons on record, with the Seagulls finishing fifth despite winning matches against three of the four finalists, including premier West Bairnsdale.
Saturday’s match at Lucknow is a one day encounter and will start at noon.
