Spengler eliminates foe by having him alongside in top grade
ANDREW Spengler has been anxious at the prospect of facing up to renowned seam bowler Ben Nichols.
So it comes as no surprise that the new St Leonards coach is thrilled to have Nichols in the same colours.
In a coup for the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association club, which is set to play in the top grade after winning the A2 premiership, Nichols has signed on with the Saints.
The former Manifold Heights coach and Murgheboluc champion will be an assistant coach alongside flagwinning skipper Robbie Cutajar and support playing coach
Spengler in his first season in charge.
“It’s great to get him on board,” Spengler said of Nichols.
“There’s been a few of us putting the feelers out and his name popped up and we went after him. I’ve had many a battle with him and I know how good he is, so he was someone I wanted to get on board.
“I just remember on a few occasions he got me out relatively early. In one game he got me out cheaply and then he opened the batting and hit me for a massive six and that’s always front of mind.
“We’ve had our tussles over the years, but it’s good to be on the same side.”
Spengler said Nichols’ skills would be an asset for the Saints, but he would also lean on his recruit for advice.
“His knowledge will be huge for us,” Spengler said.
“There were a few clubs chasing him as well, and he wasn’t sure what he was going to do commitment-wise, but as soon as we were done and dusted with contract talks he has already set out things that he’d like to do and things he’d like to get.
“He has a different frame of mind to me; I like to pick people’s brains, where he’s more a technical coach for match day, so I think it’s going to really work well.
“I will mainly control the batting and he will focus on bowling. As a wicketkeeper, Robbie sees a lot of the (players’) flaws, so he will control the fielding side of things.”
With Nichols officially over the line, Spengler is hopeful of adding more talent to the list.
“There were a few blokes umming and ahhing about whether they would play, and we’ve only signed four of the original eight that I wanted to speak to,” he said.
“A couple have committed to their clubs, and one has gone to a new club, but there’s still a few more boys that I’m chasing, but I can’t really say much more.”