Grand United Cricket Club is proof of just how hard it is to keep a strong outfit down.
With a number of star players retiring in recent seasons and a new coach at the helm, the club’s standing in the Williamstown District Cricket Association could have taken a blow.
But after three games under its belt, Grand United is on top of the A-turf ladder with a perfect 3-0 record.
The Gorillas took care of Caroline Springs and Melton South Primary School in their two opening one-day games, backed up by a two-day win against Gellibrand on Saturday.
First-year captain-coach Matthew Frew is rapt with the early-season form.
“It was great to win the first two games,” he said. “Barring myself, we have a very young side. We’re still finding our feet a bit.”
While this may be his first stint as captain-coach, Frew has a rich history at Grand United, having joined in 1999. Since then he has played in nine grand finals and was part of a dominant Gorillas outfit that won seven premierships in a row between 2001-02 and 2007-08.
When the opportunity came up to lead the club into a new era, Frew says he jumped at the chance.
“I think we will be really good in about two or three years. This year, I just want blokes to improve on what they did last year and just keep getting better,” he said.
It isn’t just the Gorillas’ first XI which is off to a hot start. The club’s B-turf team is also in the top four, having won two of its three matches.
“There is probably a squad of 14 or 15 guys who are in the mix for first grade selection,” Frew said. “There are three or four players in the twos who could be playing in the ones.”
Grand United has also launched a new season of Milo Cricket. To participate, contact Grand United junior administrator Alan Hale on 0402 307 492.
