Tara Murray
Jacana’s hopes this season have received a boost with former Sri Lankan test cricketer Niroshan Bandaratilleke signing on as coach.
Bandaratilleke played seven tests and three one-day internationals for his country, and joins the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5 this season as it hopes to return to finals.
The appointment of Bandaratilleke has excited people around the club, with it one of their biggest ever signings.
They’re hoping that it’s a much needed boost to the playing group after a few tough seasons.
The coach himself said he was excited to get the season underway at the Jaguars.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Bandaratilleke said. “There’s another five or six Sri Lankans playing here and I’m looking forward to it.
“They played with me about 10 years ago in the same team. I heard Jacana is a very good club and it’s a competition they are playing in.
“They have four teams playing on a Saturday.”
Bandaratilleke said he had been asked to play but was still undecided, at the age of 47 and his best cricket behind him.
He is no stranger to Australia and the VTCA competition, having played for the Doutta Stars a number of years ago. He still lives in Sri Lanaka and is in Australia for just the cricket season.
Bandaratilleke said the aim for the club was to claim a premiership. He said the majority of players from last season had returned, with just a couple of new players.
The first XI finished in ninth spot last year, with five wins and well outside the top four.
“We need to get a premiership,” he said. “That is my big aim. Everyone here needs a championship as we haven’t won one in the last five years.”
The club is already hitting the pitch in practice matches, with fingers crossed the wet weather stays away so the season will get underway on October 1 like scheduled.
The Jaguars are set to start their season in a one-dayer against Sunshine YCW. at Jacana Reserve. The season is a mixture of one-day and two-dayers which return for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
In other round one matches, Donnybrook with host new VTCA side Burnside Springs, East Coburg will play Melton South Royals, Seabrook will play Barkly Street Uniting, Sanctuary Lakes faces Melton Centrals and Footscray Angliss plays Wyndhamvale.
