Waratah Cricket Club have been a formidable side in season and then come finals, have failed to capitalise. With recruits either leaving prior to finals or just not enough depth in the quick bowling department to get them through. They’ve generally had a top six batting line up on par with most grade side around the country and this season looks no different. Waratah President, Sam Sellahewa was kind enough to answer a few questions.
Ins – Max Parker (Richmond), Dave Dubey (ACT), Aryan Jain (Qld), Noah McFadyen, Ashley Chandrasinghe (Casey South)
Outs – Ryan Hackney, Jason Sangha, Param Uppal
Returning – Isaac Conway, Jagadesh Koduru
Director of Coaching – Udara Weerasinghe
Joint Head Coaches – Himesh Silva and Madura Weerasinghe
Captains of Men & Women – Jagadesh Koduru & Melissa Campbell
Some progress you have had in preseason, young players progressed well?
The young players have developed really well over the preseason. It was great to see Archie McCormick lead NT Under 17 side at the National Championships. Mithuru Perera also did well in the National Championship with his fast bowling. Both players should get opportunities to play in the Premier Grade side this year and we are confident they still have plenty more growth in their games. The Junior registration numbers are also looking good this year which is a testament to the great Junior Program Chris McCormick is running at Waratah.
How is the Women’s team looking?
Our Women’s team led by Melissa Cambell has set the standard for the competition in prior years. They were disappointed by their performance in the last year’s grand final after winning 3 consecutive premierships. They have trained well during the pre season and are determined to do well this year. The talent in our women’s team and the quality of cricket they play keeps improving each year. This year we have had Bendigo Bank coming on board to support the Women’s team as a sponsor which has been a great boost for the team off the field.
Predictions for finals in each format?
As a Club we always expect and work hard to play finals cricket. That is in all grades. We have a great coaching set up led by Udara Weerasinghe, Himesh Silva and Madura Weerasinghe. They have done a great job in running a high quality coaching program for our players. With the University merger, we have gained some really talented cricketers that will strengthen our teams from B grade and below. They are very enthusiastic cricketers.
In terms of the Premier Grade, I think Waratah will field a strong team and should feature in finals cricket. Southern Districts have set the benchmark in the Premier Grade in the last few years and the success they have had is what every club is trying to reciprocate.
Depth in the 2s
Our B grade team will be captained by Pasindu Sandanayake. Last year was his first year as a Captain. I think he learned a lot from that experience and will be better this year. We will use B grade to give opportunities to some youngsters to develop their game. At the same time we want to be competitive week in week out. Finding that balance can be a challenge. Specially with the increase in numbers following the University merger and the competition for spots. We think we have good depth in our B grade and C grade this year.
Had any issues to work through over the off season
Biggest thing we worked through during the off season was the amalgamation with the University Cricket Club. We are pleased that we were able to merge. I am confident it will be a positive experience for everyone involved.
Thoughts on no Cricket 365 this season
Not having the state contracted high profile players visit Darwin maybe a disadvantage. Whether it will cause difficulties for Clubs in attracting high quality imports in the long term? Time will tell. But the Clubs are resilient, and they will work out alternative strategies to secure imports. In terms of Darwin cricket, I think anything that encourages high profile cricketers and high profile games in Darwin should be welcome. I think that is what will inspire more people to get involved in the game locally.
Any changes of note to the competition that you think will have an impact?
Nothing I can think of at the moment.
Curator and how pitch/ ground is looking?
Isaac Conway will continue to be the curator for Gardens. Unfortunately, he is only available to take on the job from May onwards. Thanks to NT Cricket and their curating team for helping us to prepare the wicket for the first few games until Isaac gets here. As always, Gardens Oval is in great condition and ready for a big season of cricket.
All the best for your 2024