Hoppers Crossing is hoping more depth will help it take another step in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west this season.
The Cats made their first Subbies first XI grand final last season in the latest step in their development under Simon Lambert.
While it was a disappointing end to the season in the grand final, Lambert said it has given them a good base to build on
“It’s looking really positive,” he said.
“We had our first XI in a grand final, our second XI in the semi finals and fourth XI in a grand final.
“It was really positive last year and we finished fourth or fifth in the club championship. Hopefully we can build on that and we’re aiming to be better this season.”
Lambert said they had seen more than 100 players at training throughout the pre-season meaning they would have more depth across all their sides.
With a couple of players missing the back end of last season, the Cats were able to still make the grand final but missed those players in the grand final.
Lambert said they had kept the core group from last season.
Darryl Ferrario, who only played half a season, has committed for the whole season in a massive boost.
“A full season that is huge for us,” he said.
Lambert said they were hoping to get 60 to 80 wickets between their new recruits along with their batting influence.
On the other side, the Cats have lost Shijit Chandran Poovathingal who has joined Taylors Lakes. Lambert said with uncertainty whether he was available for the whole season, it made it hard.??
Harshit Takkar has moved to Melbourne University to try his game at Victorian Premier Cricket level.
Lambert said they would look to one of the young guys from the second XI to step up and take that spot.
He said having kept the core group together would only help them.
“We only have one new face and Darryl is coming back,” he said.
“The key to having a successful team is to stick together for a long period of time.
“We’ve added to high class performers to what we already have got, it bodes well for us,”
The Cats are set to kick off their season on with a two-dayer against Yarraville which is set to start on Saturday.
Lambert said each year they had taken another step and were hoping to again this year.
“We were a top five team in the club championship last year so it means we’re doing the right things.
“That is the aim for us.”
Werribee is set to kick off its season against Melton on Saturday October 4.
