In the words of new president Daniel Heaney, there’s an unmistakable buzz of excitement radiating from the heart of Woodend Cricket Club.
An opening round victory in McIntyre Cup firsts on Saturday propelled the momentum, with the club busy catering for an impressive line-up of 12 teams (four senior and eight junior) this season.
A far cry from when Woodend was one of only eight teams competing in the Gisborne District Cricket Association
Heaney said Woodend Golf Club’s successive major pennant victories, and Woodend-Hesket Football Club’s great 2023 season with a first-even A-grade netball flag and the senior footballers making the Riddell League grand final has helped provide the cricket club with added inspiration for 2023-24.
Growing community support is also evident, with additional sponsors coming on board.
Mentorship and camaraderie between generations are seen as essential to the club’s growth and success.
Star opening batsman Marcus Stewart is the new captain of the McIntyre Cup First XI.
He was named in the GDCA’s Team of the Year last season, and is excited to be have the chance to lead the WCC’s next generation to success.
Moving into the district, Andrew Cullen is pleased to join Woodend where his wealth of experience should prove invaluable.
Cullen played in eight Yarraville Cricket Club premiership sides, including two as captain, and he is keen to help the younger brigade.
All-rounder Hayden Ingleton joins Woodend from Kyneton Cricket Cub where he won the batting and aggregate awards in Johnstone Shield last season, averaging 74.6 runs and capturing 26 wickets.
“It’s exciting our young developing stars can learn from what these new players bring; equally exciting is the return of players like Daniel Eastley and Brett Warner who after a brief break, are joining us with renewed enthusiasm,” the president said.
STEWART LEADS WAY
In McIntyre Cup on Saturday, Marcus Stewart set his side a fine example by top scoring with 82 in a tally of 203 against Rupertswood.
Cullen chipped in with 25 on debut, and ever-reliable all-rounder Warren Else made 40.
After a shaky start with the ball the Woodsmen revived and bundled Rupertswood out for 166, with coach Greg Matthews shining with 4-32, and Else and Tom Robson each claimed two wickets.
Woodend looks forward to this Saturday’s encounter at Gilbert Gordon Oval with reigning premier Romsey.
In McIntyre Seconds, Woodend hosted Rupertswood and had the visitors battling at 5/89 after 20 overs before a late innings revival carried the tally to 9/184. Jamie Pettigrew had the best bowling figures of 4-41 from eight overs.
Woodend’s batting performance was below par, dismissed for just 72.
Cricket coordinator and captain Brett Gardner anticipates improvement.
In addition to the senior teams in the two McIntyre Cup divisions, Woodend has tams in north and south grades as well.
The eight junior teams are in U11 mixed, U13 boys and U15 boys, and Cricket Blasters.
There’s still room for extra players to register in both the senior and junior divisions.
If you or someone you know has a passion for cricket, email club secretary Steve Rollinson at woodendcricketclub@gmail. com or call him on 0459 665 490.
Any interested juniors are advised to contact junior coordinator Stewart Black on 0419 832 390.
Looking further ahead, WCC is on the lookout for a dedicated girls’ cricket coordinator to lead the change into launching the girls and women’s cricket team for next season. Contact Daniel Heaney at daniel@dh-steel.com.au or on 0400 600 186 to indicate your interest.
Finally, the Hypnotist Night on Friday, October 28, is one of the club’s major fundraiser events, and its Hall of Fame Celebration on February 28 on February 24 is where legends who have shaped the club over past decades will be inducted. Contact Kay on 0407 014 679 for tickets.
