General News
7 September, 2022
New challenge for Cats
MORTLAKE cricketers will face new challenges when they enter the WDCA (Warrnambool District Cricket Association) this season.
MORTLAKE cricketers will face new challenges when they enter the WDCA (Warrnambool District Cricket Association) this season.
The Cats have dominated South West for more than a decade, making finals for the past 12 years and bringing home six premiership flags in division one in recent years.
The move to Warrnambool was seen as one of “progression” for the club, with members voting in favour of the switch according to current president Jimmy Tarbolton.
“We have certainly enjoyed a very successful run in South West but felt that, moving forward, it was time for new challenges,” Tarbolton said.
“Our under 16s have also had success in recent years, winning three consecutive flags, so they’re all looking forward to the challenge that playing in the Warrnambool district (under 17) competition will bring.
“It will certainly be a big task but it’s one they’re ready to tackle. We believe the under 17 competition in WDCA will give our juniors the chance to challenge themselves against some solid WDCA teams as well as increase their experience on turf.”
The under 17 competition will run on a Tuesday night, with matches alternating between Warrnambool and the Mortlake College oval.
“It (the weeknight travel to Warrnambool) was a bit of a sticking point with some parents initially, however the club will provide a bus to and from Warrnambool for those games and by playing Tuesdays it frees up Sundays for families,” Tarbolton said.
The under 17 team will be coached by Adam Lehmann, assisted by Jason Hughes and captain Mitch Hughes.
Jason Lehman has taken on the role of junior coordinator for the upcoming season.
In the senior divisions, the Cats will enter sides in divisions 1, 2 and 4.
“The club has appointed Todd Lamont as captain/coach for season 2022-23,” Tarbolton said.
“He will be joined by fellow coaches Neil Kelly and Lachlan Wareham.”
Other recent appointments included Leigh Walsh as under 15s coach and Shane Slater as coach of the under 13s.
The Cats are also hoping to field a women’s side, and, later in the season, potentially an under 11s team.