Andrew Trappel has put his hand up to skipper Western Suburbs once more.
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The experienced Plovers campaigner will wear the captain’s arm band in 2015-2016 with Tom Irwin stepping down from the role after two seasons.
Trappel has done the gig several times before, including the club’s last first grade premiership in 2011-2012, and has stepped up with Irwin possibly elsewhere for work after Christmas.
“It wasn’t something that I was planning on,” Trappel said.
“But with Tom possibly out of the loop for the second half of the season it was best for the club.”
Trappel said this decision may also afford three-time Emus representative Irwin the opportunity to concentrate on his batting role within the side.
Irwin normally takes the gloves for Wests as well, but this could change with Singleton and Hunter Valley representative Luke Knight arriving at Coronation Oval this summer.
This call will be made with fielding in mind, an area identified by Trappel as crucial for Wests in the upcoming campaign.
“Our fielding hasn’t been good the last couple of years and we need to improve there,” he said.
“If we field well then the bat and ball will take care of itself.”
Returning to the top of Telarah this season will be Aaron Mahony (University – Newcastle) and Rob Wheildon (work commitments), who both tasted success with Wests four years ago.
Right-hand batsman Mahony will add stability at the top of the order and all-rounder Whieldon will provide a slow bowling option as a left-arm orthodox spinner.
The pair will join the existing squad, which took out the inaugural Maitland twenty20 title and fell one short of the two-day grand final.
“It was disappointing last year because we saved our worst game for the semi-final,” Trappel said. “Our goals are small, but we want to make the top four and go from there.”
Michael Rees, the district’s leading run scorer last season, comes back for another whirl with Wests along with all-rounder Luke Merchant, opening bowler Mitch Fisher and veteran Tim Clarke as well as Tom Rumble and Blake Walmsley.
Callen Edwards, who made his first grade rugby league debut with the Maitland Pickers in 2015, has indicated he won’t play cricket this summer.
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