Greg Kennedy is leading the resurgence of the Hoppers Crossing Cricket Club in his homecoming season.
The holistic approach taken by the first-year coach has endeared him to the wider playing group.
From the firsts to the sixths, it doesn’t matter where you play – Kennedy has been on hand to provide his coaching expertise.
Cats president Greg Mitchell said the appointment of a homegrown coach had breathed life back into the club.
“He’s been perfect for us,” Mitchell said.
“The players are responding very well to him. The new coaches we have in place have revitalised the place a bit in terms of training performance and attendance.
“We can’t be happier with where the club is heading.”
Kennedy was a product of the Hoppers Crossing system, working his way into the senior ranks and catching the eye of Premier Cricket club Melbourne University.
Kennedy went on to play more than 200 games for Uni at district level, starring as an opening bowler over 13 years.
He took 379 wickets at 21 across all grades, including a first XI hat-trick. Kennedy’s return to Hoppers Crossing has been an instant success. He has the club at heart and no ulterior motives.
“It reinforces our preference to appoint people who have been junior products from our club because they care more about everyone rather than just their back pocket,” Mitchell said.
“You get a lot more out of the homegrown players, rather than having to rely on recruits to carry the weight. [Kennedy’s] experience and enthusiasm in the role really show in the numbers that we have in training.
“We’ve had over 90 different people training this year … that’s exceptional when you’ve only got six senior teams.”
In the Victorian Turf Cricket Association top-flight senior division, Hoppers Crossing has made an encouraging start, winning its past two matches to hold a 2-1 record.
The Cats are in a strong position at the mid-point of their two-day clash with Tullamarine, which will culminate at Hogans Road Reserve on Saturday.
They posted 8-236 before a cheeky declaration from Kennedy backfired as the visitors advanced to 0-30 off seven overs.
But a lead of 206 is one the Cats are confident of defending in the conditions.
“The wicket we’re playing on is a brand new pitch and it’s not great for batting on at times,” Mitchell said.
Trent Said top-scored for the Cats with 71, making it three not-outs in a row.
Said, who returned home after a stint with Greenvale Kangaroos in Premier Cricket, has made 158 in three digs without a dismissal.
Michael Tubb contributed 51.
