St Albans was the dominant side in Victorian Turf Cricket Association north A1 for the best part of a decade without sealing promotion.
The Saints finally broke through for that long-awaited premiership last summer to be elevated to the competition’s second tier.
With promotion comes new and exciting challenges and the Saints are champing at the bit to get a feel for their new surroundings.
Saints president Ian MacKenzie told Star Weekly the club was ready for a challenge.
“We know it’s not going to be easy,” he said. “The boys are going to have to step up and everyone is going to have to improve.”
St Albans will continue to promote young home-grown players.
There will be first XI spots available after Andrew Pizaro joined Kilmore, Paul Hetherington transferred to Melton South and import George Wells cancelled plans to return after landing a new job back home in England.
“We’re still relying on our local boys to improve,” MacKenzie said. “Every club loses players in the off season … our losses aren’t for any other reason than for the players to coach and captain at other clubs.”
St Albans is joining Big Bash club Melbourne Renegades to host a free junior cricket holiday clinic. The clinic is open for juniors aged six to 16 and will take place at Kings Park Reserve tomorrow (September 28) from 10am-noon.
“The Renegades are bringing all their facilities and kids in the area who haven’t tried cricket before can come down and have a look,” MacKenzie said.
“We’re making it a fun day – there will be a free showbag and a sausage sizzle afterwards.”
