SUNRAYSIA’S Country Week cricket squad has a strong English flavour, imports making up almost half of the 13-man contingent.
After falling short of last year’s division 2 grand final on run rate, the Sunraysia side is raring to go better his time around when the tournament begins in Melbourne on Monday.
Country Week regulars in coach Josh Berry, captain Adam Thomson and veterans Brad Thomas and Shaun Mathews will provide the experience for the line-up, while local young guns Nick Blacker, Jayden Hunt and Locke Thornton have been rewarded for their form this season.
Six Englishmen join the ranks including second-year imports Kian Burns and Josh Bowyer, along with first-timers Ben Green, Tauseef Kataria, Josh Andrews and Archie Walker.
Some changes were made from the anticipated squad with the hard-hitting Jason Morrison and Bryson Lush unavailable, while emerging talent Riley Jobson will miss with a neck injury, replaced by club mate Walker.
“The squad probably changed a bit in the last few weeks from what we anticipated it was going to look like, but we’re still happy with the 13 we’ve got together,” Berry said.
“I think we’ve got a good blend of experienced SCA heads and the enthusiasm of the English imports who are always good value on trips like this.
“We made sure we didn’t run short of bowlers, because if we perform well it’s likely five days of cricket and if it’s hot we’ll need to make sure we have those options.
“The English boys Ben, Tauseef, Archie and Josh Bowyer will play a pretty important role with the ball alongside Jayden Hunt and Locke Thornton, who has earned his spot after a really good season, with Shauny Mathews leading with the spin.”
Sunraysia are slated for one-day matches against Hamilton, Maryborough, Casey Cardinia and Bairnsdale, the first of those games on Monday at Princes Park.
While 10 associations are competing in division 2, the top two will play the final on Friday for overall honours, while third and fourth place also contest a final to be crowned division 3 winners.
“If we play well it could be a long week, but we’re obviously hoping to be in that top two,” Berry said.
“We know Hamilton will give us a tough match on Monday.
“Adam will lead us as captain this year, we know his record over the last decade or more in the SCA has been outstanding.”
Sunraysia Melbourne Country Week Squad: Josh Berry (Mildura East – coach), Adam Thomson (Gol Gol – captain), Shaun Mathews (Nichols Point), Brad Thomas (Mildura East), Locke Thornton (Mildura West), Jayden Hunt (Mildura East), Nick Blacker (Nichols Point), Josh Andrews (Mildura East), Josh Bowyer (Mildura East), Ben Green (Merbein), Kian Burns (Mildura West), Tauseef Kataria (Coomealla Wentworth), Archie Walker (Nichols Point).
