By RUSSELL BENNETT
SOME of the biggest clubs in the West Gippsland Cricket Association (WGCA) have wasted no time in pushing forward with their plans for season 2016/17, with a few massive name players making the switch to new teams.
The biggest of those names is gun Pakenham all-rounder Russell Lehman, who has moved to Tooradin.
Lehman, one of the most accomplished players in the WGCA, was an integral part of Pakenham’s Premier-winning side last season and will leave a huge hole for the Lions to fill if they’re to go back-to-back in the top tier.
In winning the Terry Stephenson Medal as the best player in Premier in 2014/15, Lehman amassed 522 runs for the Lions – averaging a touch over 40 – while also snaring 42 wickets at 14.1. He had a down year with bat last season, but still took 30 wickets at just 13.7.
He’s undoubtedly one of the best WGCA players of the modern era, and Pakenham Cricket Club president Phil Anning described him as one of the top four or five players he’s seen in his time at the Lions.
“He got an offer that was too good to refuse and we’ve got no animosity towards him at all,” Anning said of Lehman’s departure.
“He’s been an integral part of our club over the past eight seasons or so, and more than that he’s been a great ambassador for us.
“He’s not just a cricket player, but a great family friend of ours and we’d love to have him back one day.
“Tooradin has ambitions to win a flag next season like we all have, and I wish them nothing but the best… in 12 out of the 14 games at least!”
Anning said the search was now on for a replacement for Lehman in Pakenham’s fist XI.
Tooradin president Kane Latham was understandably thrilled to have Lehman join the Gulls.
“We’re really excited to have Russ on board,” he said.
“He’s a great cricketer and an even better bloke, and fits in really well with our culture and what we are trying to achieve.
“He brings a wealth of talent with both bat and ball, and will add a lot of experience to our young side.”
Pick up a copy of this week’s Pakenham-Berwick Gazette for plenty more WGCA news, including a host of other high-profile player moves.
