Tara Murray
Sanctuary Lakes hopes to take the next step in its development with finals on the agenda in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5.
Having joined the VTCA for the 2019-20 season from the Western Suburbs Churches and Community Cricket Association, the Sharks have slowly progressed from one win in season one, to seven last season.
Sharks captain and vice-president Brett Talbot said had continued to work on things to ensure they stay on the right path.
“We have recruited really well for the senior men’s first XI,” he said. “We’ve sort of been establishing ourselves the last few years.
“We think we’re capable of playing finals this year. We want to stay heading in the right direction.”
Jack Gage joins the club from Werribee, where had made more than 2000 runs in the past five seasons.
Asim Mehmood crosses from Tullamarine where he had established himself as a first XI player.
Rahul Patel returns to the club having been the club’s first XI leading run scorer two seasons back.
Talbot said they had looked to strengthen the batting side of things.
“We needed to strengthen our batting,” he said. “We were a couple of batters short.
“Our second XI won the premiership last season, so we have a lot of depth, but now we’ve added some more class.
“We’ve done a lot of recruitment in the last 12 months and this is the right pathway to play finals.”
Talbot said they would also look to play some youth in the top side this season, with some younger players emerging and ready to make that next step.
The club’s under-18 team won the VTCA division 2 premiership last season.
The Sharks focus isn’t just on the men’s side of things, they’re focused on junior development and more opportunities.
The club had a program in place to help junior players transition into the senior program a lot easier.
They are also looking to grow their female program.
“We’re looking to have at least two women’s teams and one of them on turf,” Talbot said. “It’s about progressing.
“We’ll have a standalone women’s side this season which will be exciting. The junior girls are progressing into senior women’s cricket now.”
Off field, Talbot said they were looking to add a second turf wicket to help with the growing demand at the club.
