Exies taking on Leagues in GDCA firsts

After finishing third, last season Exies will be looking to build from their according to captain Phil Burge.

“We have a few familiar faces, so it will be pretty much the same side as last season,” he said.

“We do have a couple of new faces, and we will just have to wait and see how they go in the first few weeks.”

Going into their game against Leagues they know they will be in for a tough test.

The Panthers are coming into the season as the defending champions in both the one-day and two-day competition.

“They were the best team in the competition last season,” he said.

“It’s good to go up against the best straight away.”

For Leagues, they will be looking to make it three titles in three years, but they will be without some key members from the last few years.

The Panthers are without strike bowler Harry Singh and all-rounder Dan Bozic, who will both leave behind a  “massive hole to fill”.

“We’ve lost a couple of numbers from last year, but it gives good opportunities to a couple of the younger players,” Leagues captain Paul Plummer said.

The Leagues captain has confidence in his side’s young talent, two in particular that he’s looking forward to watching develop.

“We’ve got a few good up-and-coming cricketers.​ Young Ryan Greenaway played all season last year, but had limited opportunity,” he said. 

“He bowled and batted really well in the finals and showed good composure. He won’t just play, he’ll perform.

“Reece Matheson keeps going. He won the grand final for us in the one-day and the two-day games. I think his year is going to be outstanding as well.”

The game will get underway at 4.30pm at Exies Oval.

1st Grade

Hanwood v Diggers at Hanwood  1pm: Don Coleman  & Brent  Harrison

Exies v Leagues at Exies 1 4.30pm: Joe Catanzariti  & Doug  Cattanach

3rd Grade  Friday  20/20  at Exies 1

Exies v Hanwood  5.45pm: Richie Alvaro  & Glen Bock

Coro v Leagues  6.55pm: Richie Alvaro  & Gordon Browne