Tara Murray
Epping will take in a familiar line up to this season’s Diamond Valley Cricket Association Barclay Shield.
Having made finals the past two seasons, the Pingers have been one of the stronger teams in the competition, but haven’t been able to break through for that finals win.
Pingers coach Jeff Hughes said the group was pretty keen to go at least one step further this season.
“They are a pretty tight group on and off the field,” he said.
“I was overseas last year for the final, so I was getting updates every 10-15 minutes.
“We ended up following one wicket short. A score of 130-140 isn’t going to win you too many finals games.
“Our bowlers did a good job to get us back into the game, but everyone is keen to get a finals win and go one game better.”
The Pingers returned to the training track last week for the first time this pre-season after the easing of lockdown restrictions.
Hughes said everyone was raring to hit the nets and the pitch after six months of restrictions.
“A lot of the boys have been around for a while and know how to prepare,” he said. “Most would have done some fitness work,” he said.
“It looks like we’ll get in half a dozen training sessions before the first game. We’ve had couple of groups of twos or three go down to have a hit, but it’s not the same as proper training.
“You need four to five bowlers bowling at you if you’re a batsmen.
“It’s been a bit frustrating, but it’s been the same for all other clubs.”
Hughes said they had keep most of last season’s squad together which was a boost for the side with such a short pre-season.
Marcus Murphy is the big out, having gone to Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association side Preston.
Shaun Barker, who had been at DVCA Money Shield side Old Paradians, is the one addition at this stage.
Hughes said Barker was an experienced cricketer who would add to the side.
Hughes said there was a possibility there may be a couple more additions before the season started.
He said the format of this season would suit the side.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all matches this season are one-day games.
Other fixture changes, have seen the top two sides get a double chance in finals. The season is due to kick off on November 14 and the grand final to be held on March 20.
“We are excited about that,” Hughes said.
“I think we’re a good one-day team. We’ve got batsmen who like to play their shots and we’re a good fielding team.
“I think the season will suit us.”
