Tyler Power takes comfort from the fact Kurri Weston were in the mix last season but the skipper also knows his side missed a genuine title chance.
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Kurri Weston were knocked out in the semi-finals after falling fractionally short of claiming the minor premiership in the final round and leading the competition for the first half of the year.
Power, who will be behind the stumps again this season, said he was hopeful this experience would help fuel the fire for Kurri Weston this summer after retaining most of his squad.
“I know we were pretty close but I know we blew a chance as well,” Power said.
“We couldn’t get 160 in a semi, five of us didn’t get 30 between us and if we do we’re in a grand final.
“I think a few of the boys are pretty keen to make amends.”
One of those will be key all-rounder Kerryn Ball, who Power says has committed to the full season despite not being able to bowl in the opening two months because of a back injury sustained while playing rugby league for the Cessnock Cutters.
“That is massive for us,” Power said.
“Kez [Ball] has committed to the full season and even though he can’t bowl for six or eight weeks he is still handy enough with the bat.”
Power said he was also looking to Simon Marshall, who finished fourth on the district run list last season with 366, and Casey Capper and Josh Tuckwell to provide runs for Kurri Weston in the top and middle order.
Experienced campaigner Daniel Chapple has been earmarked to provide stability for the team in a new role as opener.
A new recruit will also help bolster the Kurri Weston willow wielders with Michael Heinrich, who also bowls off spin,
arriving from Toronto after a season off.
Power said this will assist with the loss of Jake Gordon (not playing), who scored 281 runs last year, and medium pacer Robbie Sidebottom (Wine Country – Cessnock).
In terms of the ball Brodie Roberts is expected to return along with left-arm opener Steven Abel, with the likes of Tuckwell and Chapple to support aspiring players such as Matthew Zechel and Sam Dalabozak.
“I think we’ll be there and there abouts,” Power said.
“Hopefully we are playing our best cricket by February and March.”
See the Mercury on Tuesday and Wednesday for previews with Raymond Terrace and Thornton Park.