Jacana add bite to play list

Praneeth Jayasundera has returned to Jacana. Picture Shawn Smits.

Jacana’s new captain-coach Luke Macumber is excited for the challenge ahead at the Victorian Turf Cricket Association club.

Macumber joins the Jaguars this season from Pascoe Vale Hadfield where he was also captain-coach.

He has also played with Keilor Park and Airport West St Christophers.

Macumber said he joined the Jaguars for a challenge and something a bit different. He’s known some of the players for a number of years.

An opening bowler and middle order batsman, Macumber is one of two key all-rounders the Jaguars have added to their playing list. The other is premiership-winning coach Praneeth Jayasundera.

Jayasundera, who coached the Jaguars to a premiership in 2014-15 and won the B1 north best and fairest award that year, returns after a season with Westmeadows.

In another bonus for the club, it has retained opening bowler Rhys Brown.

Macumber said the side had set its sights on a top four finish after finishing seventh last season in north A1.

“They’ve got me on board, and with a couple of other new players, the target is making finals,” he said. “Then it’s only one win to the grand final.”

The club is looking at fielding five senior sides this season, up from three last season. It’ll have two VTCA sides, a Saturday one-day side and two Sunday one-day teams.

Macumber said they were still looking for more players interested in joining the club.

“We’ve got a few players keen to play on Sundays’ and they’ve basically brought a whole team with them.

“Hopefully a few of those players will step up and play turf cricket as they look like they will be handy players.

“Anyone looking for a challenge are more then welcome to come down.”