Witch preparations well underway for the 2023-24 Seymour District Cricket Association, SDCA, season, Tallarook has locked in its A Grade captain and senior coach for another season.
Lachlan Watts will stay with Tallarook for his fifth season as A Grade captain, joined by Andy Dundon for his second year as senior coach.
The club won both the A Grade and B Grade premierships last season, meaning it has now won six A Grade flags since 2011, establishing itself as the leading club in the competition.
The club also restarted its junior cricket pathway, fielding an Under 11s side and successfully running a Woolworths Cricket Blast program.
Watts will also coach the under 11s side this season, with A Grade vice-captain Kal Winnell coaching the Under 13s.
Tallarook president Leigh Irving said he was pleased to have Watts and Dundon continue their commitment to the club.
“Between Lach and Andy, they have more than four decades of service at the club and we’re stoked they’re leading our club again this season,” Mr Irving said.
“We couldn’t have asked much more last season. Two premierships and an incredible culture around the club with junior cricket returning to the Rook.
“Tallarook is a fantastic place to play cricket – it’s evidenced by the long-term commitment so many people make to the club, with Lachy and Andy no different.”
Watts’ stint as captain has so far included two premierships, league medals and four club champion awards.
“We had a great year last year on field. Everyone is pumped and ready to go again this season,” Watts said.
“With some Twenty20 cricket in the fixture this year, it’s going to be an exciting season and we’re looking forward to challenging ourselves in a new format.
“We set the standard last year and I’m enthusiastic about the challenge in front of us this year to stay at this level and lead an amazing group of players on the field.”
Senior coach Dundon said he was looking forward to his second season as coach at Tallarook, with training already underway on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“While many clubs are struggling with numbers, we’re going the opposite way, which is probably more pleasing than anything,” Mr Dundon said.
“It’s such a supportive environment at Tallarook and I encourage anyone thinking about cricket to come along to training and get a feel of the club, particularly youngsters who are looking to have a go for the first time.
“We’ve got a registration day coming up on October 5 for both juniors and seniors and it would be great to see some new faces there or at our grand final day function, which is always a great community event. Everyone is welcome at Tallarook.”
Anyone interested in joining the club is encouraged to get in touch by emailing secretary.tallarookcc@gmail.com.
