Roxburgh Park Broadmeadows Cricket Club is aggressively addressing its batting issues.
The club has bought in 15 recruits, most of them batsmen, for the new Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association season.
Falcons coach Mitch Johnstone said at least 10 of those recruits would be pushing for selection in the top two sides.
“We’ve tried to fix up our batting,” Johnstone said.
“Last year we had players averaging in the teens but still retaining their spots in the side. We’re hoping we have addressed that.”
“We’ve had about 60 players training for the past two months.”
The biggest off-season recruit is former Yarraville coach Adam Yates.
“Adam will also be the assistant coach this season,” Johnstone said.
“Maddy Bisht will bat at No.3, while Jacob Austin has come to the club seeking more opportunities and is likely to open the batting.”
Johnstone said the Falcons had retained their four main bowlers from last season, and Vanuatu’s Patrick Matautaava has returned.
The coach said he expected a couple of younger players to progress.
“Jed Kanagasabapathy made decent runs last year and is looking to take the next step,” he said. “Jacob Austin is only 17 and his brother Aaron could be part of the first side as well. Kurt Brant is another we’re hoping will play well.”
Johnstone that with the extra depth, finals were the aim.
“If we get the batting right, hopefully it will happen,” he said.
The second and third XIs were also looking at finals.
“Our twos will be quite strong. We will have four or five players who played firsts last season in the seconds this year.”
The Falcons start their season against Brunswick at AG Gillon Oval.
