Rosellas warm to flag task, with or without their favourite Fleece
LETHBRIDGE is fancying itself to give the GCA3 premiership “a really good nudge” but may have to do it without run-machine Brent Donaldson.
The man known as “Fleece” was a standout last season, belting 683 runs at an average of 36 to lead all comers in GCA3.
But Donaldson, who is also the club president, has indicated he will play down the grades next season to ease the burden on his weary legs.
He will be joined by bowler James Martinovic, who will play as a batsman in the lower grades to protect a sore back.
“We will twist (Donaldson’s) arm, I reckon,” coach Hayden Spiller said.
“He struggles to move after 50 overs in the field and he bats for so long he isn’t getting much of a rest.”
The Rosellas have found replacements, drafting wicketkeeper Daniel Stott (Queenscliff), Toby Spiller (returning after a year off) and bowler Jordan Aldrich (Keilor, Victorian Turf Cricket Association) into the squad.
“(Aldrich) should be handy,” Spiller said. “He actually played in round 3 against Guild-St Mary’s last year because Keilor was in lockdown and he knocked up 30 or so at No.9 and bowled all right, so he will be a nice addition.”
Lethbridge found itself right in the premiership hunt last season and finished second on the ladder before a narrow semi-final defeat to Corio.
With a surge in numbers in both women’s and men’s cricket, Spiller said the club was well placed to contend again.
“We are going to give it a really good nudge again, I think,” he said.
“The club is in a really healthy spot. We picked up those guys and a few others who are going to play in the twos and maybe push for ones.
“We are looking at getting three sides up for the first time in about five to six years, which is really exciting, and we have got maybe four women’s sides as well.
“It is great for the club we have not just got the numbers but we are going to be pretty strong and hopefully push for a premiership.”