Switch reinvigorates Nichols

BEN Nichols says he feels reinvigorated as he takes on the role as coach of Manifold Heights.

The Mugheboluc champion has taken the reigns of the Sharks, decades after first playing for the club.

Nichols admitted it was a difficult decision to leave the Frogs, where he is a premiership player, all-time leading wicket taker with 775 scalps and almost 4000 first XI runs.

“That’s 30 years of cricket at one club and you’re part of the family there,” Nichols said. “But last year was hard. I didn’t lose interest, but I got to a point where it was a bit stagnant and I lost the passion and drive a bit.

“And with my young son playing as well, I thought it was a good opportunity for him to play at another club and for me to increase my coaching portfolio by taking on a few role.”

Nichols will coach Manifold Height’s under-15s, de- claring he has a passion for developing the skills of the players in all grades. He is also upbeat about returning the Sharks to the finals.

“I asked Damian Tom for some stats for the whole club, and club championship-wise Bell Park was the benchmark, but Manno wasn’t too far away,” Nichols said.

“The win-loss in the firsts is what killed them. With a bit of tweaking and some plans I’m hoping to put in place, hopefully we can play finals.

“The bowling line-up is inexperienced, but there’s something to work with. The batting, with (Chris) Bambury gone, might be a little bit on the lighter side, but Mayuka is a quality player.

“I think the nucleus is there.”

The Sharks have recruited Mayuka Perera, James Royce, Andrew Webb and Darcy McDowell and Nichols is hopeful of adding more talent in the coming months.