The good news is flowing

Catani''s Division 2 premiership side is set to stay together in the top-flight. Picture: SUPPLIED

By Nick Creely

The good news keeps on flowing at the Catani Cricket Club as the Cats prepare for one of the biggest seasons in the club’s history.

Off the back of unwavering momentum garnered from a massive first XI premiership in Division 2 last season, the Cats have finally been granted their wish – to be promoted to the top-flight of the Warragul and District Cricket Association.

It took a heap of hard work and dedication to bring the Cats into the top-flight, only a few years after departing the West Gippsland Cricket Association.

“It was a big undertaking, because the executive voted for us to stay in Division 2,” Catani president Brad ‘Snags’ McDonald explained.

“We appealed that – so we did a fair bit of campaigning. We rang the club presidents to get a few on our side, and we won the vote 10-4.

“We were worried we would lose a lot of our good players if we stayed in Division 2.”

McDonald explained that the excitement was palpable, and when the news came through that their wish was granted, it was a business-like approach – knowing exactly how much hard work was now required.

“The senior coach, Jim Vela is a young fella, and as soon as we found out, he sent a message to our group chat, and it was fairly long winded about the real stuff starting now,” he said.

“We’ve got to train like never before, there’s no excuses for us this year – there’s no point going up and becoming a laughing stock.

“We’re really hungry (for success).”

McDonald said in promising news that the Division 2 premiership side is staying together after re-committing to the club, but hinted that the club was up to its eyeballs in a few prized recruits from neighbouring competitions as they look to build depth within the ranks and give some promising youngsters opportunities.

“We’ve got good young kids coming through – we’ve got experience and young guys so we’ll look to blend them in,” he said.

“If we recruit one or two, it’ll build depth through the grades.”

McDonald also confirmed another piece of good news for the club – that the Cats will be getting brand new, state-of-the-art nets for this season, with the old ones to be demolished.

“I can’t believe it to be honest,” he said.

“I’ve always said I was staying on as president until I got it done.

“It wouldn’t have happened without Jo Kennedy from the council, she’s managed to get us $100,000 from the council, and we’ve also got $92,000 government funded.

“It’s going to be going from one of the worst nets, to one of the best. We’re excited.”