Roxburgh Park Broadmeadows Cricket Club’s hunt for a senior development coach has ended with two additions to the coaching panel.
The sub-district club advertised the job and received an email from Englishman Lloyd Lambert wanting to know about the role.
After initially focusing on a local to fill the role, a follow-up email from Lambert encouraged Falcons president Ben Wood to take a closer look at his credentials.
“He’s an England and Wales Cricket Board level-two coach, which is the same as level two in Australia and the level [former coach] Mitch Johnstone was at,” Wood said.
“He’s enthusiastic and passionate and really wants to embrace the junior program. He wants to come to Australia for more experience to better himself as a coach and player.”
But during conversations between the two, it was revealed that Lambert’s partner is Essex women’s cricket captain Hannah Courtnell, who was also a performance analyst for the England men’s team at this year’s World Cup.
“When we heard about Hannah we wanted her involved, too,” Wood said.
“Hannah is doing her level three coaching certificate. She’ll run a weekly junior training session and will also be involved in the Hatch Shield program.
“She’ll also be part of senior coach Adam Yates’s coaching staff. There aren’t many female coaches of male teams in Australia.”
Courtnell, who is on the verge of England selection, will play with Essendon Maribyrnong Park Ladies Cricket Club, while Lambert will turn out for Roxburgh Park’s first XI.
“He’s a left-arm defensive spinner who bats in the middle order,” Wood said. “In the shorter forms, he bats at three and opens the bowling.”
Wood said the club was also in talks with a former Australian Test player. “In principle, it will happen but negotiations are ongoing.”
He said the side would have four to six new players at pre-season training
“Adam has contacts and friends who may be interested in joining us,” Wood said. “They’re all ready-made first XI players.”
Alex Mills and Jed Kanagasabapathy join former captain-coach Mitch Johnstone in leaving the club.
Roxburgh Park will be in the north group this season.
