Tara Murray
Grand United is set to field a record number of teams in the upcoming cricket season after an explosion of players.
The club is set to field six or seven senior sides along with nine or 10 junior sides.
President Alan Hale said they had been surprised by the number of registrations that were coming through
“It’s a record amount of teams,” he said. “We’ve been overwhelmed.
“Some people are getting back into cricket after a season or two off and others are joining the club along with friends.
“I’ve seen a lot of rego forms. I wasn’t expecting that many new faces, it’s good for the club and good for cricket.”
The club’s top side will play in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 competition.
Hale said they were looking to be in a good position heading into the season.
“We are hopefully going to be very strong and competitive in division 3,” he said.
“We’ve got a fair few new faces who look like they will really bloster the batting and bowling stocks.”
Among the inclusions is Shane Jones, who has joined the club from Deer Park, with the all-rounder is expected to play a key role.
Hashan James comes across from Melton Centrals after a couple of strong seasons.
Youngsters Brodie Holden, who made his debut for the Gorillas at the age of 15, and Malik Farooq, a talented allrounder, are two of the players who are returning to the club having played elsewhere in recent times
The Gorillas kick off their season on November 13 against Sunshine Heights. Hale said after missing finals last season, despite beating eventual premiers West Newport in the final round, they were keen to get into the top four.
“Hopefully this year we will bounce back to where we should be.”
