It was a Sunday one-day game in the BDCA back in January when Akolade was letting rip for Golden Square against the Power at Wade Street.

“The spell he bowled at our boys that day… he really worked over Russell (De Groot) and Josh (Collinson), who are probably our two best batsmen,” Massina said.

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“He gave both of them a really hard afternoon and I was glad I slipped down the order a bit that day and didn’t have to face him.”

While Massina didn’t face Akolade that day, he’s now set to see plenty of him in the nets, with the Nigerian speedster joining the Power for the upcoming BDCA season.

“He definitely bowls with some wheels and I think it’s going to be really good for our boys to have to face him on Tuesday and Thursday nights at training as well,” Massina said.

Akolade has previously played at Spring Gully with Jarrod Harris, who is the new captain of the Power’s second XI.

As well as Akolade crossing from Golden Square to Huntly-North Epsom, the Power also have a former key player returning to the club.

All-rounder Adam Ward, who previously played at Huntly-North Epsom in 2014-15, is re-joining the Power.

“Wardy has come back to Bendigo for a work opportunity with our vice-president and he’s obviously a serious talent when it comes to cricket,” Massina said.

“He is putting in a lot of time with our recruiting and a bit of fundraising and is really keen to help us try to push our way back up the ladder.”

Ward – whose last stint in the BDCA was as captain of Bendigo – is likely to fill the No.3 batting position for the Power and will also add to their bowling stocks.

“Blokes who can bowl their 15 to 20 overs and take two or three for 40 are like gold and that’s what Wardy gives us,” Massina said.

Off-field Neville Massina is the new Power president.

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