Hats off to Leongatha Imperials

WITH a hometown derby looming in the second round of Leongatha and District cricket, this weekend Leongatha Imperials are looking to chalk up a decent score at home against Wonthaggi Club before facing Leongatha Town.

“The hometown derby against Town is always a good match,” says A-grade captain Lachie Wright

Imperials were unlucky to miss out on a place in last season’s finals when the match umpire, in a game critical for the Imperials, succumbed to heat stroke in thirty-eight-degree heat and the match was declared a draw.

Imperials finished fifth on the ladder outside finals contention.

Hungry for an early win this time round, Lachie Wright has included a series of indoor training sessions for the Imperials over winter to prepare for the season opener.

Hats off to Imperials for their efforts in encouraging new young players at a junior level.

Juniors moving up the ranks with impressive stats into the senior competition will fill valued roles for both A-grade and B-grade Imperial teams.

“No new key players recruited this year,” said Lachie.

Imperials have managed to coax Kane Maskell back into the team and all-rounder Blake Van Rooy but will miss batsman Kyle Materi, who looks like being lost to basketball for the summer.

Despite the cold and constant threat of rain early, a full squad of junior players regularly turn out for U15 training at the Leongatha Secondary College ground led by Imperials A-grade co-captain and junior coach Jack Ginnane.

Imperials B-grade led by captain-coach Sam Vagg are up against Glen Alvie in the first game of the season at the Glen Alvie Recreation Reserve.

• A1 captain: Lachie Wright
• Key recruits: None
• Key departures: None
• 2023/24 A1 finish: Fifth
• 2023/24 leading batsman: Mark Lafferty
• 2023/24 leading bowler: Lachie Wright