Tara Murray
The fire is in the belly for Grand United as it aims to go one step further in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3.
After claiming the minor premiership last season, the Gorillas fell short in the best of three grand final series against Footscray United.
With the majority of the squad returning and the addition of three new players, the Gorillas are again in good shape.
New Gorillas playing coach Sam Crea is excited for the season ahead.
“It’s been really good,” he said. “We retained all our players and looked back to our junior program and recruited two guys who played with us in juniors before going elsewhere.
“They’ve been playing senior division cricket and we were keen to get them back. They’ve learned a lot in the last couple of years.
“We’ve kept most of the group together and we’re going to try and go one better.”
Crea, who has been part of the premier cricket system, is the big inclusion for the Gorillas and is joined by Ben Doll and Kyle Holden in returning to the club.
Doll is a middle order bat and first change bowler.
“His heart has always been at Grand United,” Crea said. “He got that experience in the higher grade and now wants to help make Grand United a senior club.”
Holden returns to the club from Sunshine United where he played six first XI matches last season.
Crea said he was a middle order bat who had made his way through the ranks at Sunshine United and brings a lot of knowledge.
For Crea, he said it was the right time for him to return to his home club.
“Playing premier cricket the last few years, I knew what I was looking to do [long term] so I took everything in and learned a lot,” he said.
“I didn’t think I would be ready to coach two years ago. I feel I’m now ready and can use my knowledge I’ve learned the last six to eight years in and out of premier cricket.”
While Crea has taken on the coaching and will play a key role on field, Matthew Hayes remains captain of the side.
Crea said they were ready to get out on the pitch and play some cricket. The first three weeks of play were called off due to heavy rain leaving grounds unplayable.
He said the return to two-day cricket suited their group which is another bonus for the side.
The Gorillas were due to face Glenroy on Saturday but the game was called off due to rain.
“There’s a fire in the belly for the whole playing list,” he said.
“Normally when you play in a grand final, you lose people and that didn’t happen for us.
“We’re probably not the most talented side in the competition, but our work rate and work ethic is better than most sides.
“The whole list wants to taste success and the commitment level has been second to none.”
