COOMEALLA Wentworth coach Liam Freeman hopes tonight’s Sunraysia Cricket Association season opener against Merbein provides the perfect platform in the chase for another finals appearance in 2022-23.
The new campaign begins with a standalone game at George Gordon Oval from 5.30pm, with the other opening matches to be played tomorrow.
Cricket under lights is set to feature more often the First Division campaign for one-day matches, including tomorrow’s contest between Mildura West and Irymple at John Hall Oval.
Following a grand final and semi-final appearance over the past two seasons, Freeman said the Blues had an eye on being back around the mark again.
“We’re all pretty keen, hopefully we’ll get off to a good start,” he said.”We’ll basically have the same sort of playing group as last year, and hopefully we can have a bit more of that natural development coming through.
“Our squad age range goes from about 18 to 30, and most of those guys are in that mid-range.
“We’ve had the likes of Bevan (Wade) and Justin (Freeman) taking their games to another level season and hopefully we can all take a few steps forward.”
The newly-minted Merbein side, after changing their identity from Merbein South during the off-season, are looking to improve on their three wins last campaign.
Vice-captain Josh Stanley said his side, under new skipper Mark East, have an eye on pushing for finals.
“We’re hopeful of having a much better season than last year,” the all-rounder said.
“Our one-day line-up will be be different to our two-day line-up. We’ll definitely try to be more attacking with the ball in short form games compared to two-days. We’ll also try to have some more all-rounders in the side so we can try and bat a bit deeper, even as far as eight or nine ideally.
“I think the shorter format suits how Merbein plays and to get to do that under lights should be good fun.”
The Magpies will welcome opening bowler Elliot Penniall into the side.
Tonight’s game will also double as a fundraiser for the Watson family, a loved and respected family at both Coomealla Wentworth and Merbein.
A $10 entry fee to George Gordon Oval includes a ticket in the club raffle, with the bar and barbecue also operating.
All funds raised will go towards the Watson Family GoFundMe page, which has raised almost $65,000 of its $75,000 goal to fund cancer treatment for mother of two Kirsty Watson.
That total was boosted by a recent $25,000 donation by the Merbein sporting community.
“It will be a great opportunity to get a crowd along and support a great cause,” Freeman said.
“They (Watsons) have been heavily involved with both of our clubs and we want to support them as much as possible.”
