HUNTLY-North Epsom has been given a major boost ahead of the 2017-18 Bendigo District Cricket Association season by landing the key signature of Tasmanian Russell De Groot.
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De Groot, who has moved to Bendigo, joins the Power having previously represented Tasmania’s under-23 and under-19 teams and played second XI cricket for the state.
The 28-year-old left-handed batsman is also being joined at the Power by a new coach in Paul Miller.
“It’s fantastic for the club going forward. Russell’s stats show that he’s a very good player and being 28, he still has a lot to offer,” Miller said on Friday.
“I think he will fit really well into Bendigo cricket and as far as the club goes, it’s great to get in a top-end batsman who can also bowl a bit.
“With the players we have at the club already and some other players we’re looking at, it’s a really exciting time.”
The Power took a number of steps forward last season.
As well as getting an under-18 team back on the field, the first XI side under new captain Elliott Massina improved from one win the previous season to four.
Massina expects De Groot to likely bat No.3 or 4 for the Power, but his bowling to be restricted following a foot stress fracture.
“Russell joining is massive for us, not only from an on-field perspective, but off the field he’s very impressive,” Massina said.
“We’re organising a few different fundraisers for the club and he has already put his hand up to help out by cooking BBQs and in those sort of areas.
“He has a reputable roof painting business back home in Tasmania with his dad and he’s already chipped in as a sponsor for the club, so that’s fantastic also.”
Meanwhile, Miller, who was a BDCA umpire last season, has previously coached Bundoora United to premiership success in the Diamond Valley competition.
“At Bundoora United we were able to take the club from struggling a bit to winning seven premierships in three years across the senior grades,” Miller said.
“That was mostly down to what I believe in, which is putting in the hard work and that’s the same as what I’ll bring to Huntly-North.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of coaching again. It’s great to bring in someone like Russell, but it’s now up to every player at the club to want to stand up and have some success.”
