HUNTLY-North Epsom remains unsure how long it will be without star recruit Russell De Groot for this BDCA season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
All-rounder De Groot – who has previously represented Tasmania’s under-23 and under-19 teams and played second XI cricket for the state – is yet to take to the field for the Power this season as he continues his recovery from surgery for a navicular stress fracture in his foot.
“We’re not totally sure yet when he will be available; he’s still got a bit more rehab to do on his foot,” Power captain Elliott Massina said on Thursday.
“From what we understand, the surgery he has had on his foot has gone really well, but being a navicular stress fracture, he has got to do a lot of work on the muscles and joints around it.
“At this stage we’re waiting to see if it will be a few more weeks or another couple of months.
“We’re obviously hoping it will be in the next couple of games, but because it has been such a big injury for him, he wants to make sure he gets it right for later in life.”
As well as getting his foot healed for cricket, De Groot will also have an eye on ensuring it’s ready for football season having recently signed with Leitchville-Gunbower in the Heathcote District league.
“He has been sensational around the club… he is really involved and while it’s disappointing we haven’t been able to get a player of that quality on the park yet, he’s committed to us for a couple of years,” Massina said.
“If we only get half-a-season out of him this year, we’ll then get a full season of him at his best the year after. Seeing him in the nets, it would be great to see him out in the middle, that’s for sure.
“He certainly hits the ball very sweet.”
The Power have a 1-2 record after three rounds of the season, with their win having come against reigning premier Eaglehawk by 51 runs in round two.
The next assignment for Huntly-North Epsom is a trip to Kangaroo Flat to take on the Roos, who are also 1-2, in round four starting this Saturday.
