Outgoing skipper Troy Mason has labelled 2014-2015 a rebuilding season for Raymond Terrace with more than half of last year’s squad parting ways.
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Mason, who retired at the end of last summer but will fill in when required, is one of eight top grade players sitting on the sidelines or travelling further afield for this season’s Maitland and District Cricket Association first grade competition.
Veteran opening bowler Mason (retired), opening batsman Giles Manley, experienced batsman Mick Akerman (not playing) and medium-pacer Andrew Hughes (work commitments) are all out of action while wicket-keeper batsman Jaymes Thomas (Stockton – Newcastle), Jono Moloney and the Bills brothers, Shannon and Aaron (Northern Districts – Sydney) have gone elsewhere.
“We have definitely lost a few from last year,” Mason said.
“It will definitely be a rebuilding year for us.”
Mason, who led Raymond Terrace to grand final glory only two seasons ago (2012-2013), has been replaced at the helm by returning club junior Nick Savage.
The Raymond Terrace product and former Belmont first grader in Newcastle has been in South Australia for the last two years, which included a stint as captain of the country side at the National Championships.
Mason said he felt it was the right time to hand over the reigns and Savage was the man for the job.
“He [Savage] is a Raymond Terrace junior and it will be good for the club,” Mason said.
“He will bring a new perspective and a new keenness.”
Savage, who will get through plenty of work with his right arm deliveries, will have a bunch of talented juniors at his disposal.
All-rounder and Central North under-16 representative Brandon Smith played most of last season in the top grade, left-armer Henry Beverly finished the year in the first XI while Aaron Sherritt has shown much promise with the bat in the junior ranks.
“We have a lot of good young juniors,” Mason said.
“We have seven or eight that have made the rep squad in 15s and 16s and they will start progressing this year.
“We will take stock and then go from there.”
Raymond Terrace also welcome the return of all-rounder Bryce Smith to the club’s senior ranks this season.
