Vines re-signs as First XI skipper
GEELONG Cricket Club has re-signed skipper and Victorian-contracted batsman Eamonn Vines for a further two years.
Vines’ signing is one of a number of leadership signings for the Cats as they enter the 2018-2019 Victorian Premier Cricket season.
Vines will couple his captaincy of the First XI with attempting to lock down a spot in the Victorian team after having his first taste of Sheffield Shield cricket last season.
The club has appointed former player Matt Gunther as assistant to coach Andre Borovec, looking to take the next step after reaching the First XI finals last season.
Gunther has been a mainstay of the club for a decade.
Borovec and Gunther will again be joined on the coaching panel by club greats Liam Buchanan (batting coach) and Trent Walerys (bowling coach) while James Diery (development coach) and Luke Muller (development coach) round out the strengthened panel.
Borovec said he was excited by the leadership team the club had assembled.
“It is great to have Matt stay with us as an assistant coach and he has tremendous attributes to support both the training and playing development of our playing group,” Borovec said.
The club also announced three new captains in the lower grades.
The Second XI will be led by club stalwart Jack Rodgers, who replaces retiring club legend Muller.
Josh Collins takes over the reins of the Third XI from Jared Bailey, who is stepping back to a playing role after two seasons as skipper. Collins will take over a side that has made the finals for the past 13 seasons and is the breeding ground for many of the club’s current First XI stars.
Heath Farnsworth takes over the Fourth XI captaincy from long-time servant Jack Clapham.
The Cats start pre-season training on July 11.