MILDURA West’s English connections have made for an easy transition into Australia for new imports Joe Smallman and Jasper Presswell.
The duo, who want to help their new club to a their first SCA First Division premiership since 2006/07, have already become popular figures at their adopted club as they eye a return to finals this season.
With the likes of captain-coach Chris Williams, Greg Lewis and Greg Solkin all hailing from UK, the new additions have been comfortable at John Hall Oval form the outset.
Smallman, 22, a right-handed batsman from Bridgnorth in Shropshire, is occupying the No. 4 spot and well regarded for his fielding skills.
Pace bowling all-rounder Presswell, 20, hailing from Hatherleigh in North Devon, has been handed the new ball early and has five wickets to his name so far.
While the first three games have been an adjustment period for the English duo, they have been made to feel right at home.
“Everyone has been really helpful for us, just helping us out wherever we need it, be it cricket-wise or even lifestyle-wise, they’ve been really good to us,” Smallman said.
“We’ve really enjoyed our first three games,” Presswell said.
“Obviously we lost to Irymple but started really well against Merbein and East and we’re all just really enjoying our cricket.
“Everyone has said the atmosphere around the club is brilliant, everyone’s buzzing, there’s lots of people at training and it’s a great place to be.”
Presswell spent last cricket season as an import in New Zealand, however injury prevented him from showing what he can do with the ball.
He has already formed a nice opening bowling combination with rising star Josh Driscoll.
“That was one of the main reasons I wanted to come over here as well because I couldn’t bowl when I was in NZ so thought I’d have another go at it and stay injury free,” he said.
“I’m really enjoying seeing the ball carry through a bit more here than back at home where it might bounce once before the keeper.
“He (Driscoll) is awesome with bat and ball, you can just tell everything he does is 100 per cent and he always wants to improve.”
Smallman said he wants to make an impact while at the batting crease but also in the field.
“Because I don’t bowl I see my fielding as another asset of how I can contribute as much to the team as possible,” he said.
“First deck here against East it came on a bit quicker than I thought it was going to be, and early on in the season in England you tend to find the ball holds up a bit, doesn’t come on to the bat as nicely, so here it’s about getting used to the pace of the wicket.
“It’s exciting, (there’s) new challenges, meet new people and having a new experience is a massive thing.”
Presswell said the duo would love to help West make it back to finals.
“Obviously to make the finals, that would be awesome, and once we do that hopefully just go on from there, hopefully win it,” he said.
Mildura West face top-of-the-table Nichols Point at Nichols Point Reserve on Saturday from 1pm.
