By David Nagel
CCCA PREMIER DIVISION – SEASON PREVIEW
TOORADIN
2022/23: 2nd – 10 wins
President: Ben Parrott
Coach: Mick Sweeney
Captain: Mick Sweeney
Ins: Mick Sweeney (Middle-order bat), Peter Sweeney (Middle-order bat, left-arm orthodox).
Outs: Aaron Avery.
Leading run scorers: Josh Lownds (466), Dylan Sutton (431), Tom Hussey (334), Brad Butler (328), Callum O’Hare (311).
Leading wicket-takers: Brad Butler (32), Josh Lownds (23), Kallan Braid-Ball (21), Russell Lehman (19), Dylan Sutton (8).
We Say:
Tooradin will look to time its run to perfection and play its best cricket at the back end of the season when the Seagulls aim to regain their Premier Division crown. Winners of the title in 2021/22, the Gulls looked the team to beat for the majority of last season before crashing and burning late. The Seagulls won eight games straight – between rounds five and 12 – before losing their last three games against Pakenham, Clyde and Kooweerup (semi-final). It was a result that nobody really saw coming. The Seagulls have countered that negative end to their season by gaining the signatures of two big-name recruits. Mick Sweeney, a top-to-middle-order batter, will captain the side, while his brother Peter will bolster the middle order and strengthen the bowling department with his handy left-arm off-breaks. On the flip-side, the Seagulls have the most aggressive and attacking weapon in the competition at their disposal as well, with Brad Butler sending down his thunderbolts. Butler took 32 wickets last year, including a best of 5/38, and looks set to take the competition by storm. Josh Lownds and Dylan Sutton were outstanding all-round contributors last season, although Sutton will miss the first part of the season due to being overseas. Also look for young batter Tyler Evans to push his way through the Tooradin batting ranks this season.
Prediction: Premiers – TOORADIN, Pakenham, Kooweerup, Devon Meadows, Cardinia, Merinda Park, Clyde, Carlisle Park
