Saints well stocked for flag quest

ST Albans Breakwater is not making any bold declarations about its flag ambitions, but coach Zac Smith believes it has a better side in 2021-22 than the one that made last season’s decider.

It started the season with a 39-run win over Newcomb & District on Saturday, with recruits Mike Norris (39), Blake Ritchie (43 & 2-8) and Billy Ritchie (2-35) helping set up the victory.

Smith also said it was hoped former coach Chris Hester, who has scaled back his cricket commitments because of family and work demands, would play enough games to qualify for finals.

Pace bowlers Jake Spalding and Josh Warrington were also unavailable at the weekend, in an ominous sign for GCA3 rivals.

“We had three or four blokes (out) from our turf squad that can definitely play ones,” Smith said.

“We’re not quite at full strength yet and I know that Chris Hester’s still going to pinch-hit in a few games when he can as well, so that’s another one that we didn’t have in.

“It is good signs to know we’ve got that depth this season.”

Smith said St Albans’ additions had shored up its batting, which crumbled when chasing 115 in last season’s grand final.

“I don’t want to go the early crow and say it’s flag or bust,” he said.

“It’s obviously what we all want, but it’s going to be a bit of a different competition this season with the added sides.

“You could win more games than you lose and still not make finals.

“We just need to try and make sure that we’re around that top four.

“Once you make it, as we showed last season, we came from fourth and got to the grand final.

“Bar a batting collapse, we looked pretty good.”