Healy ready to propel Hallora

Hallora and Western Park Cricket Clubs have wasted no time in getting back to cricket as restrictions eased last week, giving them a chance to train and catch up for the first time since March.

With some sides still unable to train due to being in the metro area, Hallora found themselves able to have a light session. Adhering to all necessary COVID protocols set by Cricket Victoria, it was a chance for new coach Damon Healy to finally take the reins and meet his new teammates.

Healy, who has come from Drouin said he is looking forward to the new opportunity and said being able to get out for a hit was a huge positive for the community and players alike.

“As soon as it got lifted and we put the things in place we needed to, I think just getting everyone here, it’s just good to see everyone really. It will be fantastic for a lot of people being able to come out and play community sport again,” Healy said.

Healy hasn’t been able to see his teammates train but was excited at the prospect of being able to use the Covid Cup to give the younger players a chance to prove themselves.

“It’s a really good opportunity to see some of the kids play. I haven’t seen them at training, so we will be able to give some a chance in different situations and show them what Division 1 looks like,” Healy said.

With the side denied the opportunity to claim the Division 1 title last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, Healy said he believes they still have the group to make another run at the premiership.

An opening batsman at Drouin, he said his move to Hallora was motivated by the opportunity to explore an area he’s passionate about.

“It’s a new challenge for myself. I wanted to get into coaching and it’s a really good group. Having a few in metro will be a challenge, but some have already commented on young Liam Serong who has picked up a yard of pace, so that’s exciting,” Healy said.

“I’m a big believer in coaching, not just running the nets. I want to be involved in the juniors and help develop kids more,” he added.

Healy will no doubt be ready when he faces his old side Drouin as well and expects the contest to be a tough one, with family and close friends still at the club.

“Being from Mildura, they welcomed me really well at Drouin, but I decided to take on an opportunity here. I think facing them will be very fierce since I have family and some really close mates there still,” Healy said.

The club Hallora was gearing up to face in last year’s grand final have also wasted no time in getting ready for the season ahead.

Western Park held a small season launch on Saturday at the Warragul Velodrome and abiding by all necessary COVID-19 protocols, christened the season with some backyard cricket.

Captain coach Sam Batson said the idea came about after his dad Jason noticed the space.

“Dad was running past one day and saw that it could be a great space to play some backyard cricket. I think if there weren’t any restrictions, we could have gotten a fair crowd there. It’s going to be an annual thing now and hopefully it grows,” Batson said.

For the club, it wasn’t about how many boundaries were hit or wickets taken, it was about being able to safely catch up.

This season is business as usual for the Western Park club, who are hoping to defend their title from last year, something Batson said was incredibly important to do.

The captain coach is hoping to see some players continue to develop and add potency to their side.

Alongside the additions of Jack Armour and Harry Wans, Batson believes one player may also take that next step.

“I think Leigh Diston is primed for a really big year. By no means has be under performed in his two years at the club, however he’s got another gear to go to I think,” Batson said.

While the Covid Cup has been touted as a way to get cricketers on the field once again, Western Park still see it as something to play for.

“We’re lucky to be playing at all so we are just thankful to the league that they’re being really progressive and innovative and getting us out there. There’s still a cup to play for and they’re real games so we will be going full tilt trying to win each game we play,” Batson said.

Division 1 will look a little different this year, with Garfield-Tynong dropping down into Division 2, and Warragul taking the step up to fill the spot.

Cricket Victoria have also released their return to play protocols, which outlines the requirements for teams at training and on match day,.

The return to play protocol highlights areas that must be undertaken on match day, which include the use of sanitiser every 10 overs, as well as the banning of communal food and drinks.

The match ball must also not be touched by the umpires during the game, and must not be shined with sweat or saliva to protect all involved.

Personal equipment must also not be shared, unless players live in the same household or has not been used within the last six days and been well cleaned.

The WDCA are still targeting October 3 as a start date for the season.

Liam Serong is one player that coach Damon Healy is excited to see take the next step, as he bowls to one of Hallora’s premier batsman, Fraser Duncan during their light training session.

Grant Duncan bowls some of his trademark spin during the first session back as Hallora look to go one better this season in the WDCA.

Left - Hallora were sure to maintain social distancing and adhere to the COVID protocols during their session.

Jake Dean glances this shot away during his net session.

Photographs: Craig Johnson. Damon Healy got accustomed to his new home at Hallora in his first session as coach of the side.

Natsai M’Shangwe lets another ball rip down the pitch during the session.

Jason Batson was extremely happy to know that cricket season was on the horizon and stoked to see the spot he had discovered on his run used for a backyard game on Saturday.

James McKeller took the opportunity to expand his shot selection in the game, ramping his one for four on Saturday afternoon.

Angus Mitchell was doing his best to get the ball to move around, but was met with some attacking play from the batsman.

Captain coach Sam Batson gets set to face his next ball. Each batsman had 12 balls to put as many runs on the board as they could.

Sam McMillan was the all important scorer, making sure the runs were tallied correctly and each batsman retired on time.

Daniel Sell works on his drive during the Hallora net session, with the club hoping to again challenge for the flag this season.

Left - Leigh Diston is one player Batson has said can take his game to the next level this season, pointing to where a fielder can find the ball that was dispatched on Saturday.

Right - Zane Harper saw a few of his shots sail over the boundary as he piled on the runs during the backyard game.