It's early days but Centrals skipper Daryl Kennewell has already earmarked a return to finals as his side's main goal for the upcoming summer, one that marks the much-anticipated return of the Bathurst-Orange Inter-District Cricket competition.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Kennewell was reappointed to Centrals' top job on Tuesday night and while he admits he hasn't cemented any specific goals or plans just yet, he said featuring in a finals series for the first time since 2015-16 is a 'no-brainer' in terms of long-term aims.
"We'll put specific plans in place as the season gets closer but we absolutely want to be playing finals so right now I'd say that's where we're looking," Kennewell said.
We absolutely want to be playing finals so right now I'd say that's where we're looking.
- Centrals skipper Daryl Kennewell
"That'll come from consistency. We haven't been far away the last couple of years we've just needed a bit more consistency across games and week-to-week, which is what we'll be looking for early in the season.
"I always look forward to cricket season, I've been playing since I was about six, and this year's no different. I relinquish the reins every year and always give anyone who wants to have a crack the chance to put their hand up but the club appointed me again, and I'm excited for the season."
He did admit the re-invigoration of the merged competition will make Centrals' task more difficult, but he's hopeful a heavier personal focus might help to offset that.
By no means did he suggest he was spread too thin last summer, far from it, but he say he's looking forward to channeling all of his focus into the red and blacks after calling time on his tenure as Orange skipper last year.
- Are you a Central Western Daily subscriber? Then why not CLICK HERE and join our new Central West Sports Subscribers Facebook group?
"I loved my time as Orange captain and I hope whoever takes that role continues building on the path we we were on, but it'll definitely be nice to be able to put all my time and effort into the club stuff this season," he said.
Even without confirming the club's player stocks Kennewell had no issues highlighting particular areas the side will need to improve on, mainly with willow in hand.
"We should have a very similar bowling attack which is positive, batting was our issue last summer so we'll need to improve there," he said, before pinpointing two stars who'll have added responsibility this season.
"Fletcher Rose is one that comes to mind. He'll be with us again and he really started hitting his straps toward the end of last summer.
"Cam Rasmussen is another I'm looking forward to seeing develop some more. He came along in leaps and bounds last season and has been playing in England and taking a lot of wickets, so he'll come into this summer with form under his belt."
Centrals also named their lower grade skippers on Tuesday evening, with Kyle Nonnenmacher and Gareth Faul named to lead the red and blacks' second and third grade sides, respectively.
Kennewell also said his club may need to appoint one more captain too, with early indications suggesting Centrals may have enough players to field a second side in the third grade competition.
"From a club perspective we're looking strong which is something you always want to see as a first grade skipper, fielding two third grade sides would be great, but we'll see how it pans out," he said.
The Bathurst-Orange Inter-District Cricket season kicks off on Saturday, October 19.
WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS AND SPORT?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...