RISING SAINTS SIGN MAGPIES QUICK WEBSTER
An off-season of great change at Geelong Cricket Association’s highest level has continued with young North Geelong fast bowler Tom Webster joining St Peter’s.
Webster, who took 21 wickets at 14.24 from nine matches last summer in GCA1 first grade, was dropped for the grand final against East Belmont.
The Magpies only had to draw the decider to win their fifth consecutive premiership. He was the Magpies’ third most prolific bowler last season, behind Dale Kerr and Tom Mathieson.
The signature of Webster will greatly enhance the Saints’ chances as they are promoted back to GCA1 for the first time in seven years.
Webster joins Brad Apps heading for the exit after Bell Park picked up the seamer in an assistant coaching role with the Dragons going back to GCA2 next season.
East Belmont coach Chris Williams has also joined Newtown & Chilwell as coach for 2024-25.
Meanwhile, the Lions have appointed two-time premiership players Hayden McMahon and Locky Inglis as cocoaches next season.
The pair, who have played 220 first grade games between them, have plenty of leadership experience with McMahon last summer’s T20 skipper and Inglis the first grade vice-captain.
In a Facebook post, the club said McMahon and Inglis were previous winners of the Wakefield Family Trophy for the Most Exemplary Player, underlining their club-first qualities. “Both Hayden and Locky have been outstanding leaders of the club,” the club said.
“Both set an impeccable example for others, whether it be in terms of the standards they drive at training, their constant willingness to help their teammates improve, or the positivity and warmth which they bring to their interactions with club mates of all levels of ability across every section of the club.”
They take over following an eight-year tenure from Williams, who guided the Lions to six first grade grand final appearances and two flags and has joined the Two Blues.
“Chris has given outstanding service to the club over this time, having presided over a period of terrific on-field success,” the club said. “Chris is the second-longest serving head coach in the club’s history, and we would like to take this opportunity to formally thank him for his outstanding contribution to East Belmont, while also wishing him all the best on his recent appointment as coach of Newtown & Chilwell.”