Highton loses its captain

HIGHTON has been dealt a blow ahead of the Geelong Cricket Association season, with captain Jacob Smith leaving the club.

Smith, a hard-hitting wicketkeeper batsman, yesterday revealed he had joined Ballarat Cricket Association club Mount Clear, citing travel and family reasons for the move closer to home.

“I’ve just been thinking long term and there’s a few more important things than cricket,” said Smith, who was married last season and became a father for the first time.

“It was time to think about where we live and where we work, so it’s probably the best thing for the long term.”

Smith admitted it was tough to leave the Heat, where he had played for seven seasons.

“It was really hard,” Smith said.

“I always had tunnel vision to go back to Highton and I never really stopped and thought what I should be doing in the long term.

“It was excruciating to try and leave. Some of my best mates are there and I’ve had some of my best cricket memories at Highton as well, so it was tough.

“When we lost that granny … that was a low point for the group and we probably didn’t recover from that.

“We had the new coach come in (last season) and everything was new and it didn’t quite work.

“We didn’t quite get that flag and it’s the only thing that’s left to do. I’ve done all the rep cricket, but that first XI premiership hasn’t come yet.”

With Brad Scown joining Smith on the departures list, the Heat have lost some key talent.

But Smith remains bullish his former side can contend this season.

“They have recruited a few, but whether they are A grades and B-plus players, I’m not sure just yet,” Smith said.

“But if you’ve got Luke Daffy in your team, you’re always going to be a chance because he’s a pretty special talent.

Cutting travel time by less than half, Smith moves to Mount Clear, a side pushing for the ultimate success.

“They were runners-up last year and they’re quite a strong team as well,” Smith said.