By David Nagel
CCCA PREMIER DIVISION – SEASON PREVIEW
CLYDE
2022/23: 6th – 4 wins
President: Tristan Walton
Coach: Prabath Fonseka
Captain: Zac Davis
Ins: Ankush Rana (Opening bowler), Anurudda Fonseka (Top-order bat), Mahie Bodahandi (All-rounder), Vasan Ratnalivgam (Opening bowler).
Outs: James North, Jacob Janssen, Jason Hameeteman, Suchintha Lakshan, Neranjana Wanniarachchi.
Leading run scorers: Michael Vandort (509), Trevor Bauer (372), Jason Hameeteman (321) Kane Avard (261), Brett Reid (209).
Leading wicket-takers: Daniel Lever (15), Nick Miles (13), Neranjana Wanniarachchi (13), Kane Avard (9), Thanuja Senarathna (7).
We Say:
The Cougars will look to be more evenly-balanced this season after being super-competitive with the bat, but lack-lustre with the ball in 2022/23. Openers Michael Vandort and Trevor Bauer worked into their seasons beautifully, while Kane Avard (261) and Brett Reid (209) will expect to push towards 300-run seasons with the talent that they possess. The inclusion of Anurudda ‘Teddy’ Fonseka is also a huge boost for the Cougars after making 460 runs at an average of a tick under 42 for Carlisle Park last season. Fonseka’s inclusion will make the Cougars more formidable with the bat in the hand, but it’s the signing of dual-quicks Ankush Rana and Vasan Ratnalivgam that will have the Cougars hoping for a claw up the ladder this year. New skipper Zac Davis has been impressed with his new-look bowling attack during the pre-season, and would love to unleash it with great success against a high-quality Tooradin on Saturday. Jason Hameeteman would appear to be the biggest loss for Clyde, after making 321 runs last season after being a Team of the Year member the year before. The Cougars finished sixth last season, but only avoided relegation after the bottom two teams defeated the top two in the final round of the season. They’ll be hoping to not cut it so fine again in 2023/24!
Prediction: 7th – Tooradin, Pakenham, Kooweerup, Devon Meadows, Cardinia, Merinda Park, CLYDE, Carlisle Park
