Harper Sercombe
Grand United is continuing to build ahead of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 2 season.
The Gorillas, who won last season’s division 3 title, have had a number of changes in the off season as they get ready to compete at the higher level.
“We want to be where we are for now, but we don’t want to be there for longer than what we need to, we’re pretty ambitious and we’re looking to climb even higher,” president Alan Hale said.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge but at the same time there’s a longer term plan to get to that top division of the competition, and hopefully in the not too distant future.
“The short term goal is the ‘GU’ way, we go out there to win every week and going up a division’s not going to change our mindset or the way we approach every game.”
The club have announced several signings with more to come over the next week.
Scottish international Oliver Davidson joins the club as a big signing.
“Ollie is a highly talented all-rounder playing two ODI’s [one-day internationals] for Scotland and making his List A debut for Worcestershire in English County Cricket,” the Gorillas said on social media.
“Not only will Ollie be featuring with bat and ball this summer, but he will also be working closely with our junior program.”
The signing of Robinson comes after the Gorillas announced the re-signings of two key players in last season’s premiership.
Jayden White-Powell is back from a third season at the club.
“Since joining the club two seasons ago; the hard-hitting opener has been a mainstay at the top of the GU batting order taking the game to opposition attacks,” the club said.
“We can’t wait to see him out in the middle and behind the stumps at Parsons Reserve this summer.”
Premiership winning coach Sam Crea is also back on board this season.
“Taking 32 wickets after returning from Premier Cricket, Sam was instrumental in leading the mighty Gorillas to premiership success in season 2022-23,” the club said.
All-rounder Hashan James has also re-signed for the upcoming reason, the club said James was “an integral part of our club’s successes.”
Kane Holden returns to the Gorillas senior ranks after a strong junior career, Cameron Howitt is back for another season, Kyle Holden has also signed on along with premiership all-rounder Sachinta Silva.
Hale hinted at the announcements of more international recruits to arrive before the season kicks off on the weekend.
“We’re keeping it under wraps,” he said.
“A couple of international, high level recruits who play in a very, very high level competition.”
While the Gorillas have been on a recruiting spree, Hale said the club were able to retain the core of their premiership side.
“One of our great strengths is having a strong junior program and guys that have been at the club a long time don’t generally like to go elsewhere,” he said.
“I think in last year’s premiership we had six people play junior cricket at the club.”
The Gorillas will face Keilor Park on Saturday afternoon to kick off their summer.
