SUNRAYSIA coach Josh Berry is confident he has a squad capable of challenging for the Division 2 Melbourne Country Week cricket title.
The SCA has finalised its playing list for next week’s representative series, with reigning Innes Medal winner Shaun Mathews and former Mildura East’s Brad Thomas leading the side as co-captains.
While some strong performers – including leading run scorer Wade Hancock and wicket-taker Shac Thomas – are unavailable due to work or family commitments, Berry believes his side can perform well on the big stage.
The Victorian Country Cricket League Melbourne Country Week, which turned 100 in 2022, returns after a two-year absence due to COVID restrictions.
“I think it’s as strong as we could have gotten,” Berry said.
“There’s some pretty big names have put their hand up and there’s no late injuries, which is excellent.
“In previous championships, we’ve played against these sides in the past and competed quite well. It’s important that we get off to a good start, if you perform well in your first game, it sets you up for the rest of the week.”
Irymple’s Ryan Muir and Mildura East’s Jayden Hunt are expected to lead the bowling attack with English imports Harvey Ault (Mildura Settlers) and Charlie Walker (Mildura West) to provide support.
Nichols Point all-round Mathews will be the No.1 spinner with support from Irymple co-coach Bryson Lush.
In an interesting quirk, four wicket-keeper batsmen were selected in the 14-man squad.
They are Irymple co-coach Nick Giofre, Gol Gol coach Adam Thomson, Point’s Nick Blacker and Berry. The former, however, is set to don the gloves.
Coomealla Wentworth’s Nafis Shaikh completes the English trio selected, and Berry is bullish about what the 18-year-old can offer at the top of the batting order.
“Nafis will be exciting option for us to have … I don’t think there’s a game that he’s missed out on (scoring in) as yet,” he said.
“He, Jayden, Nick and Billy (Phelan of Irymple), they’re at that age where they’ll take a lot out of this week getting that experience against really good bowlers and high-quality batsmen.
“I think they’ll be the ones who will take the most out of the week but at the same time, perform very well.”
Sunraysia has the bye on Monday, meaning their campaign begins on Tuesday against Maryborough in Williamstown.
Frogbox will be available to live stream matches.
This Sunday, the VCCL will also be launching the Melbourne Country Week section of the its Hall of Fame at Wendouree, with 19 players and officials being part of the first induction.
Final squad: Nafis Shaikh (Coomealla Wentworth), Adam Thomson (Gol Gol), Bryson Lush, Nick Giofre, Billy Phelan, Ryan Muir (Irymple), Brad Thomas, Josh Berry, Jayden Hunt (Mildura East), Harvey Ault (Mildura Settlers), Charlie Walker (Mildura West), Leigh Thomson-Mathews, Shaun Matthews, Nicholas Blacker (Nichols Point).
