Rhinos recruits

With footy season coming to an end re-appointed Deni Rhinos Cricket Club coach John Arthur is already excited about the 2016/17 Murray Valley Cricket Association season.

The excitement begins with the key signing of all-rounder Brodie Bennett, opening bowler and hardhitting batsman Stephen Price and spin bowler Jacob Hird.

The 30 year-old Bennett said he couldn’t be happier about his return to the Deni side.

‘‘I was a part of the side in its first year in 2013,’’ Bennett said.

‘‘Then I played for Tyabb Cricket Club in the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association where I won clubman and Cricketer of the Year.

‘‘I always wanted to come home and play for the Rhinos again so it’s good to be back with the club I love.’’

Bennett, a right-hand batsman, is an accomplished cricketer having won three Deniliquin District Cricket Association Cricketer of the Year awards, in 2008, 2009 and 2011.

He has also featured in the MVCA representative side, and his right arm medium pace bowling is always a danger.

Arthur said Bennett’s addition is a big plus for the Rhinos, who just missed out on a spot in the finals last season.

‘‘He’ll add to our batting strength with his hard hitting and ability to score big,’’ he said.

‘‘We’re really glad that he’s back. He adds a lot of skill and experience to the side.

‘‘If Brodie can bat out a day here and there then we will make finals which is our main goal.’’

Arthur also announced cocaptains this year with allrounders Brad Todd and Andrew Hogan taking charge.

“Toddy already has a wealth of experience and it will be a great learning curve for Andrew,” Arthur said.

“He’s (Hogan) a very good cricketer and he’s very knowledgeable.

“Andrew is going to be a future leader of the club so we’re very happy to have him step up to this role.”

Arthur said the club has made a positive start to its pre-season with 22 players showing up to training this week.

‘‘We have plenty of young guns coming up the ranks like Ben Irwin, Mick Barnett and Liam Pitts.

‘‘But we want to encourage all Deni cricketers to come along to training as we do have three teams to fill.

‘‘We’ll have a side in the Premier division, division one and division two so anyone with any level of experience is welcome to come and have a go.’’

The Rhinos will be holding a training session at the Deni RSL cricket nets at 11am followed by a team meeting at the RSL Club at 12.30pm this Sunday.