ENGLISH import Aaron Feroz said he couldn’t turn down the opportunity to join Mildura West for the second time.
The 21-year-old, from Hartlepool in England’s north, was a revelation when he played at John Hall Oval in the 2019-20 Sunraysia Cricket Association season. He took 40 wickets for the campaign at an average of 15.43, conceding less than three runs per over.
Feroz has returned to help his side aim for a final berth, as well as further improving his game.
The six-foot-two off-spinner’s first game back at the club last weekend saw him concede just 18 runs from his eight overs, putting pressure on the Merbein South batsmen to help West to a 41-run victory.
Up against Nichols Point over the next two weeks before facing Mildura East, Gol Gol and Mildura Settlers in their last three home and away games, the boys from John Hall Oval have a chance to solidify a place in the top four.
“I’m just here to make sure we win as many games as possible and as a team, our aim is to get into the top four,” Feroz said.
“I think every team since last time I played has improved a lot and it’s a tougher competition, which is good for me. I want to be playing against the best players.”
West captain Shane Driscoll believes his side will be strong with the return of two-day cricket this round, and Feroz’s spin will be a key factor.
The Englishman said his side was in good form and had the potential to make an impact in the top four.
“I definitely think we can go deep into finals,” he said.
“By the looks, the mistakes that were being made have been cut out now so if we keep that form going, I fully believe we can be in the finals.”
Feroz hopes it will be after the SCA grand final on March 26 and 27 that he heads home for the English season, beginning in mid-April. After two seasons with Cawthorn Cricket Club, he will return to his home club Hartlepool for 2022.
“It was sort of just done very quickly,” he said of his return.
“I’d heard that the club wanted me to come back last year but with COVID and all the borders being closed, it was impossible. This time around, there was an opportunity to come around and the way the club treated me the previous time I was here was amazing.
“It was a lot more difficult, a lot of COVID tests and a lot more hassle to go through. I flew into Brisbane and had to do a 14-day quarantine which wasn’t easy at all because it took me by surprise.
“I made so many good friends while I was here and it was an opportunity I couldn’t give away this time so I’m just glad to be back.”
It won’t be easy for West as Nichols Point are coming off one-day wins against Mildura Settlers and Mildura East. Daniel Chapman looks especially dangerous, taking seven wickets in the two contests.
Irymple v Coomealla Wentworth
Ladder leaders Irymple were too strong for second-placed Gol Gol last week, and now face an in-form Coomealla Wentworth at Henshilwood Oval.
The Swallows’ bowling depth has long been touted as their main strength and that was evident against Gol Gol when eight players were asked to roll the arm over.
The wickets have been shared across the board, too. Luke Collett is leading with eight and Dom Price and Bryson Lush each has seven.
Their batting, which captain Mark Thomson said had been an issue, looks to be in better nick, with Jarrad Armsden, Bryson Lush, Jordan Payne and Nick Giofre all making handy totals across the past two games.
Blues coach Liam Freeman has been superb with the bat and skipper Matt Job’s 66 against Settlers last week was vital.
Pace bowler Justin Freeman has also been firing with seven wickets in the past two games, while Bevan Wade and Jay Turlan also provide wicket-taking depth.
This looms as the game of the round.
Mildura East v Gol Gol
Gol Gol are coming off just their second loss for the season against Irymple and they will look to rectify that record against Mildura East at Alcheringa Oval.
If Golly are at full strength, it could make for a couple of tough days for the young and developing East squad, although captain Josh Berry is happy to back his young charges.
Rare low scores for Shac Thomas and Wade Hancock last week didn’t help Gol Gol’s cause, although Sheldon Calarco has come into his own in recent weeks with his lower order batting.
In his couple of knocks as an opener, Jayden Brooks has also looked solid at the top of the order, and Luke Hickey and Nick Jensen have been strong with the ball.
Berry sang the praises of recruit Connor Robinson and his team-high 38 last week showed what he can do.
Seven-time Innes Medal winner Tom Vadlja also continues to be a presence for East, scoring 29 and taking three scalps last week.
Merbein South v Mildura Settlers
Merbein South occupied fourth place on the ladder at the Christmas break after a couple of solid wins, however losses to Gol Gol and Mildura West have pushed them back to seventh.
They are still just five points away from third-placed Mildura West and an upset victory over Mildura Settlers at Chaffey Park could break the finals race wide open.
Coming off consecutive losses, the biggest loss of all for Settlers is that of big hitter Jason Morrison, who was forced from the field early with a suspected lower leg injury that also left him unable to bat.
He could be out for a number of weeks which certainly hurts the reigning champions, but if any side seemingly has the depth to cover his absence, it’s Settlers.
Richie Wyld has been the main man with the ball this season and of course he is a hell of a batter, too. Young players Liam Goss and Cooper Aldridge have also showed plenty of promise so far.
Hamim Miah is the Saints leading scorer with 160 but his 3/37 showed his danger with the ball, while Mark East’s 55 was welcome during the defeat.
With Josh Stanley now injury free and Jarrod Forrester and Tony Trinick amongst the wickets, the home side have the makings of a decent bowling unit.
