By sports editor Russell Bennett
The Warriors are once again set to go into battle on the big stage as the West Gippsland Cricket Association embarks on its second tilt at the top tier of VCCL Melbourne Country Week later this month.
Some of the biggest names in the WGCA have put their hands up to be involved in a clear sign of the esteem they hold the competition in, as well as the leaders running the Warriors’ campaign.
Last year’s group created history by being the first to represent the WGCA at Provincial level, and this year’s squad is hoping to take yet another significant step forward.
What’s been built in recent seasons under the likes of senior Country Week coordinator, Pakenham Cricket Club president Phil Anning, Rob Elston, Mark Cooper, Ben Maroney and Dom Paynter has only grown. Whatever it is – it’s special, and it’s driving the group to heights many outside the association, and a large number within, didn’t think it was even capable of reaching.
Look at the progression – from winning Division 3, to progressing out of Division 2, to retaining its spot in the top, Provincial tier. It’s undeniable.
By the only relevant measure in Victorian state cricket, the WGCA is one of the top eight country leagues.
And it rings true that one of the biggest virtues of a proven, quality side is its ability to bounce back from defeat – and quickly.
It’s what made last year’s group so impressive, like when it was smashed by the might of Geelong, only to bounce straight back and topple the powerful Warrnambool and District.
The WGCA’s 2020 Melbourne Country Week campaign starts at 10am on Monday, 17 February against Sale-Maffra at Jubilee Park in Frankston.
The Warriors then face Geelong at the Preston City Oval on the Tuesday, followed by Ballarat at Ivanhoe on the Wednesday, before the finals take place on 20 and 21 February.
The initial squad was formed through a range of factors including previous Country Week representation; form; availability; and the inclusion of a number of highly-skilled players either joining, or returning to, the WGCA.
From there, a selection group including Dale Tormey, Chris Bright, and Rob Elston was formed to finalise the group, and this was overseen by Phil Anning.
“The aim of the selectors was to involve players who we believed could fit well in the dynamic that has been created, which is very much based around a team-first mentality, playing your role, and getting along really well on and off the field,” Elston explained.
“It certainly helps that a number of players have had previous turf experience through Country Week or other representative teams, and have great skillsets that are suited to the intense week long competition.”
Elston paid tribute to the work of Bright and Anning in getting Tormey and Mathers – two of the best players in the region – involved in this year’s campaign.
“It’s great for the group to have such guns of the competition involved and I’m sure all members of the team will enjoy learning off them to help the team and improve their games,” Elston said of Tormey and Mathers.
“The biggest lesson of Country week is that it is a tough week from start to finish.
“There are many peaks and troughs, and to be successful it takes a whole team approach and, when things aren’t going your way, working through the hard bits to come out the other side and get the rewards.
“Aside from the fact we have a lot of players who are returning for another campaign, which means they have been here before and know what it takes, the biggest strength of this group is that there are so many match-winners who have shown countless times that they can get the job done when needed.
“But at the same time these players can sacrifice for the team, and play a role with bat or ball to ensure that the result will go our way. It’s an exciting time with a great group assembled and I can’t wait to see what they can achieve because, with some luck, we could certainly mirror our result from last season if not exceed it.”
The final Warriors squad includes a host of experienced, and proven, Country Week performers – including a number who represented the association in its run last year – as well as some of the best all-around talent the WGCA has to offer.
Reigning Terry Stephenson medalist Tormey – who’s again enjoying a phenomenal individual season so far with 783 runs to his name at 87.00, and 18 wickets at 26.6 – will lead this side.
THE 2020 VCCL MELBOURNE COUNTRY WEEK WARRIORS
– Dale Tormey [captain] – Pakenham
Season stats so far: 783 runs at 87.00; HS: 173; 18 wkts at 26.60; BB: 5/117.
– Chris Bright [wk, vice captain] – Kooweerup
538 runs at 53.80; HS: 142; 20 catches.
– James Giertz – Carlisle Park
248 runs at 49.60; HS: 68; 19 wkts at 16.70; BB: 6/17.
– Daniel Lever – Clyde
18 wkts at 23.50; BB: 4/29.
– Kiefer Peries [wk] – Clyde
250 runs at 25.00; HS: 71; 15 catches.
– Jess Mathers – Kooweerup
222 runs at 31.70; HS: 85; 18 wkts at 15.20; BB: 4/17.
– Jarrod Armitage – Merinda Park
203 runs at 25.40; HS: 53; 15 wkts at 27.20; BB: 6/9.
– Thuduwage Kumara [wk] – Merinda Park
269 runs at 38.40; HS: 119; 10 catches; 4 stumpings.
– Ben Maroney – Pakenham
264 runs at 26.40; HS: 46.
– Jason Williams – Pakenham
117 runs at 39.00; HS: 31; 18 wkts at 23.72; BB: 4/56
– Cal O’Hare – Tooradin
347 runs at 31.50; HS: 89.
– Josh Lownds – Tooradin
263 runs at 37.60; HS: 99.
– Troy Lehman – Tooradin
15 wkts at 22.73; BB: 4/36.
**Stats exclude Kookaburra Cup Twenty20 performances
