Plenty Valley Cricket Club coach Michael Sheedy believes that as long as his players continue to improve, results in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west competition will take care of themselves.
The Bats went through last year’s regular season undefeated but failed in the semi-finals.
Sheedy acknowledged the club had unfinished business but said it wasn’t just a matter of wanting to make up for last year.
“We won the grade club championship [for best overall club] last year and we would like to win it again,” he said.
“We’re in a very good place. All we can worry about is executing our skills. I think there’s so much improvement in this side … [it] could result in us getting into those grand finals.”
Sheedy said the Bats had great depth despite losing players.
“We’ve lost five out of our second 11. Ben Roughsedge and Ben Rolfs have gone to play district cricket.
‘‘In the first 11, Adrian Wilson is not playing this season … but we have replaced them quite well.
‘‘Lorenzo Ingram [from the West Indies] is back and we have Gareth Davies from Wales coming out to play. Josh Durrant is another recruit who will slot in nicely.’’
Sheedy said while batsman Daniel Heatley would miss at least the first half of the season, reports that he had retired were incorrect. “His groins need a break after footy season with South Morang.
“He’s a chance for the second half of the season. If he wants to play we will be interested, even if he only wants to play in the twos.”
Sheedy said some of Plenty Valley’s younger players had impressed in the preseason.
“Michael Croxford is looking to take the next step and cement a spot in the first 11 after taking five wickets on debut last year.
“Nathaniel Karam has been working hard and will get the rewards of that, while Dylan Forster scored a century in a practice match.”
The Bats will open the season against Yarraville at home this Saturday.
“We’re very pleased with the preseason up to date,’’ Sheedy said.
“We’ve been training since the first week in August and had two practice matches over the last two weekends. We’re ready to go.”
