When you’re on a good thing, stick to it … Rivergum will use the same model this season which has won the last two premierships in the North Metro Cricket Association’s Jika Shield.
While many clubs have already been in the nets for a couple of months, Rivergum captain-coach Gary Bell said he his side was only just stepping up the training.
“It has been pretty quiet and we haven’t done too much training,” Bell said.
“Quite a few have still been playing footy, so we look to have an extended break.
“As we won the grand final we played deep into March and we don’t want to burn out our players.
“It’s my 10th year as captain-coach so I have a good grasp of what works for the team.”
Bell said that with football over it would be full steam ahead from now on.
“I spoke to the group last night and told them we had to start training harder now,” he said on Wednesday.
“I hope it will help us stay fresh for the season and to be there at the business end of the season.”
Scott Morley is the only player of last season’s premiership side not returning.
Matthew Kiely, a former Rivergum junior, returns to the club after playing thirds and fourths in Premier Cricket.
Bell expects the top-order batsman to help the club with training standards.
“We still have a bit of youth at the club and had all our sides play finals last season,” he said.
“It will be a similar group and I’m expecting improvements to come from within.
“We have a few players away early in the season and some players will get more opportunities.”
He highlighted Kasey May and David Young as two players to watch this season.
“Kasey batted at number eight last season and at times will be given the opportunity to bat higher this year,” he said.
“I hope he can take the chance at the top of the order.
“Daniel is only 22 but it feels as if he’s one of the senior players he has been around for so long.
“He can keep improving and become the best bowler in the competition.”
Despite coming off two successive premierships, Bell said the motivation for a third was still there.
“When you win you might think you are satisfied with that one, but once you get a taste you want to stay on top,” he said.
“It’s satisfying if you get the result. You can’t get complacent if you want to win three in a row.”
Rivergum starts its season against Keon Park on October 10.
