Kerryn Ball won’t play with Kurri Weston this summer.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The talented all-rounder has indicated his intentions in the lead-up to the 2015-2016 campaign, which starts on Saturday, after helping the merged club to within seven runs of a grand final appearance last season.
Ball scored 431 runs, including two centuries, and took four wickets for Kurri Weston last year, which means it will be up to the rest of the squad to cover the loss according to skipper Tyler Power.
“Without doubt it is a big loss,” Power said.
“Now it will be up to everyone else to step up and hopefully we can be a lot more consistent and steady.”
Outside of Ball, who has yet to officially sign with another club, Power takes back the reins with the rest of the Kurri Weston squad intact.
All-rounders Michael Heinrich, Steve Abel and Jack Bennett all return, along with top order batsmen Simon Marshall and Casey Capper.
Pace pair Hayden Fox and Cameron Bates and will also go around again at Kurri Central.
Experienced campaigners Josh Tuckwell and Daniel Chapple will also fit into the picture for Power along with local juniors, including Sam Dalabozak.
Returning for Kurri Weston this summer will be familiar faces Jake Gordon and Justin Kavanagh, while batsman Billy Jack arrives from Ipswich.
Power said attitude was more important than personnel.
“We have 11 or 13 blokes that are keen to play,” Power said.
“They all want to be there and that is the main thing.”
Kurri Weston are attempting to claim their maiden premiership since the Maitland and Cessnock clubs merged in 2010-2011.
They made the grand final in their debut season as a joint venture but were defeated. They have featured in semi-finals in three of the following four summers.
“We will be there and there abouts again,” Power said.
“We will probably blood a few younger guys this season, but hopefully we can make the bottom half of the four.”
ROUND ONE DRAW
Saturday, October 10
City United v Northern Suburbs at Robins Oval
Western Suburbs v Kurri Weston at Coronation Oval
Eastern Suburbs v Thornton at East Maitland Park
Raymond Terrace BYE