NICHOLS Point’s First Division side has received a welcome boost with the return of club record run scorer Kaushik Aphale.
The veteran all-rounder from Pune, India, who last played in Sunraysia in the 2019/20 season, is coming back for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign.
In 60 matches at the Point, Aphale scored 2389 runs, including three centuries and 17 half-centuries at an average of just under 46. He has also taken 81 wickets at an average of just under 20.
Strengthening the side further, English wicket-keeper batsman Glen Bridson made his return to the club last week for the first week of their contest against Irymple.
While Nick Blacker retained his place behind the stumps, Bridson took a catch off the bowling of Luke Coates to dismiss Riley Payne for 6.
Also back for the first time since 2019/20, Bridson had scored 821 runs in 36 games for the Point.
Nichols Point coach Luke Coates said the club was excited by the duo’s return.
“We all know the talent that ‘Alfie’ (Aphale) is on the field, but just as important is his leadership and work off the field especially with the juniors,” he said.
“I’ve even noticed playing against him before he would often talk about young players and be able to rattle off all their stats, which is great because it shows that he’s genuinely invested in them.
“He knows how to figure a bowler out, but he’s also well aware of his strengths and weaknesses and knows when to attack and when to defend.
“‘Brido’ came back last week in the field for us and he’s a pretty handy batter to have as well. Nick Blacker kept the gloves but Brido took a pretty good catch in slips so clearly he’s still got good hands.”
Their return could also further aid the development of young players like Lewis Dichiera, who will be surrounded by a number of cricketing mentors.
“He is like a sponge anyway so to surround him with guys like Sean Mathews, Shannon Bowen, ‘Brido’ and ‘Alfie’ out there will hopefully help his development further,” Coates said.
While the Nichols Point coach admitted his side were “a little flat early” bowling to Irymple, day one of their contest ended with the Swallows at 3/144. Skipper Mark Thomson impressed with an unbeaten 90.
Coates said wins are critical early in the season and believed they could do so.
Play continues at Henshilwood Oval today at 1pm, subject to weather conditions.
