Taylors Lakes feels it is primed for a strong Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west season.
After a strong first half to last season, the Lions faded badly and missed out on finals.
There’s been a few changes to the Lions squad for this season, but coach Peter Brasher is confident in what they have.
“It’s been pretty good actually,” he said. “We weren’t sure what it would look like with losing four players.
“We’ve been able to replace them with some experience and we might end up with a better squad.”
Brasher said they had four players from their first XI depart but have added the same number of players in
Leading wicket taker Lahiru Kumara, who has moved to Tasmania, is the biggest out for the Lions.
Shijit Chandran Poovathingal has crossed from Hoppers Crossing. The star bat is keen to bowl a bit more.
Kavin Ravi, who has played with Poovathingal is set to replace Kumara in the side. He is a hard hitting opening batsmen, who is playing in Australia.
Brasher said from the highlights he looked like he would be a really good player and has first class experience.
Aidan Brasher returns to his junior club from Footscray Victorian Premier Cricket.
“I call it a hiatus,” Peter said of his son returning.
“He’s come back to enjoy his cricket and has no massive expectations. He’ll open the bowling and bat at six or seven.
“He’ll be an all-rounder for us.”
While Aidan is still only 20, Peter said he would bring that leadership from playing at premier level.
Omal Palihapitiya is the other inclusion. Having come to Australia for study, he has walked into the club.
Brasher said they thought he would fit in really well.
“Overall, the four players we’ve picked up have made us a stronger team than last year.
“We don’t have high expectations after the wheels fell off quickly last year but we’re confident of being competitive.
“The vibe is really good and the signs are really positive. We’re setting our sights on being in finals contention the whole way through.”
Brasher said they are still unsure what happened at the back end of last season, but were keen to make sure it didn’t happen again.
He said there had been good numbers across the board at training and had added some players from the JG Craig Shield to strengthen the depth across the club.
Brasher said that program continues to provide benefits to the club.
“We are looking to further develop a pathway to senior cricket and to premier cricket for our younger players through our successful Craig Shield Academy program,” he said.
“This off season we had over 120 applications. A final squad of 14 will be selected over the next few weeks.”
The Lions start their season with three of their first four games on the road.
The first of those is on October 4 against Donvale in a two-dayer.
