By CHRIS ANDERSON
WITH the roars of the footy fans fading into the wintery distance, things are looking bright for the men in white, as cricketers across the Yarra Valley gear up eagerly for the season ahead beginning on 5 October.
In the association’s top grade, the DJ Strachan Shield, things look as evenly matched as they have over recent seasons.
Reigning premiers Seville will again be the team everyone will be chasing, as opponents look to counter a formidable Blues bowling attack boasting an opening line-up of Matt Tilney and Ishara Amarasinghe, who are ably backed by grand final hero and captain Dean Troyhan.
If Seville finds form with the bat at the right time, as it did last season, then it will be hard to keep out in its quest for back-to-back titles.
Seville boast an experienced batting line-up with Andy Kay and Leigh Atkin leading the way, and if they navigate through the initial overs then the game is set for their big hitters to capitalise with a big score.
Last season’s runners up Mt Evelyn, led by reigning THR Drummond Medallist Kane Jones, will again head the chasing group as they will look for improvement from their talented youngsters.
Mt Evelyn has been thereabouts for many seasons, however if it is able to take the next step, Jones will need significant support with both bat and ball.
Coldstream and Healesville round out the finalists from last season and will again be in the mix for premiership glory.
The Coldstream Crocs will be stung by the late season fade out of their title defence last season.
Coldstream has one of the most balanced teams in the competition, with a flexible bowling line-up complemented by a deep batting line-up led by the explosive former captain Danny Adams.
The Crocs will be led this season by former VSDCA Hatch Medallist Matt Johnson whose experience will be relied upon when the whips get cracking.
Healesville looks to be the big improvers this season, with some key off-season recruits bolstering an improving line-up.
The return of Ash Hamer from Croydon will excite the Bloods as a wicket taking opening bowler will add bite to a consistent attack, while its batting line-up with the likes of Johnny Haywood and Geoff Stock leading the way have the potential to regularly post winning totals.
Yarra Junction, Hoddles Creek, Woori Yallock and Warburton-Millgrove round out the challengers who, given a good stretch of form, could find themselves in finals contention.
The Burras have the experience and the talent to move on from a disappointing 2012/13 season.
With all-rounders of the calibre of Mick Walker, Luke Darwall and Troy Murphy complementing the batting ability of Liam Barnard, Warby won’t be far from the action.
Woori Yallock welcomes back Daniel Mock from premier cricket club Ringwood and is confident that with his addition and that of some other recruits, that star all-rounder Simon Young will finally get the support he needs to lead the side to greater heights.
Hoddles Creek are ably led by the Derix Brothers, Jeremy and Brenton and the experienced Warwick Weir but will rely heavily on these three having big seasons if they are to feature in their first finals series since returning to the top grade.
Their improvement could come from their emerging fast bowlers and the return of top bat Michael Batten from injury.
Yarra Junction has had its opportunities in recent seasons with a host of talented youngsters coming through.
However, with the departures of Travis Nightingale (Bayswater) and Nathan Fall (retirement), then the stocks at the Eagles look a little thin, but with talented all-rounders like David and Daniel Lever, big seasons by both could see the Eagles challenge.
All clubs are looking for players to fill all grades, while Junior action heats up on 12 October.
Quite a few clubs within the valley also offer Milo In2Cricket for all up and coming junior stars.
For more info and club contacts, check out yarravalley.vic.cricket.com.au or email yarravalley@asn.cricketvictoria.com.au.
