NICHOLS Point have made another significant signing with Matt Boyd joining the club from Workers Gol Gol.
Boyd is the latest in a string of big names to join Nichols Point, who recently announced the signing of Mildura Settlers premiership player Luke Coates.
The Pointers’ attack has lacked potency in recent years, but with Boyd and Coates joining Daniel Chapman, they now have three genuine strike bowlers.
Nichols Point coach Shaun Mathews said Boyd’s record spoke for itself and his experience and enthusiasm would be a welcome addition to the young Pointers side.
“The club is over the moon with the signing of Boydy. I think since moving to Mildura from Queensland he has taken 70 odd first division wickets at about 16, which is pretty handy,” Mathews said.
The inclusion of Boyd means Nichols Point now have three new-ball options, something they haven’t had the luxury of in the past.
Mathews said he was unsure if Boyd would open the attack, preferring to leave that decision to captain Brad Thomas.
“I’m not sure who gets the new ball. I guess that’s a game day problem for Catta (Thomas),” Mathews said.
Boyd’s signing also means Nichols Point are not as reliant on topping up their side with international players.
Over the past few season the Pointers have had Glen Bridson and Kaushik Aphale as their overseas recruits, but with international travel restricted because of COVID-19 they may not be able to return.
Aphale has been a great servant of the club both as a player and coach, while Bridson is one of the most popular players at the club.
But with those two unlikely starters, it will open the door for some of the club’s younger players and Mathews believes they have a number who are capable of taking the next step and becoming regular first division players.
“I’m really keen to see how Riley Jobson and Jack Norton come on this year,” Mathews said.
Nichols Point just missed out on a finals berth last season, dislodged from fourth position by Mildura West in the final game of the home-and-away rounds.
