The invitation to coach Diggers Rest Bulla Village Cricket Club was too good to refuse for Kevin Barker.
Having begun his cricket career in the Gisborne and District association with Rupertswood, Barker left the competition to play at a higher standard.
He spent two seasons at Premier Cricket club Footscray Edgewater before playing the past three at Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association club, Brunswick.
Barker, who lives in Sunbury, said his ties with many of the committee members of Diggers Rest Bulla Village, including president Sean Fitzpatrick. played a major part in his accepting the role.
“I have played with and against a lot of the guys at Diggers Rest Bulla,” Barker said.
“I played half a season of footy with Diggers Rest and the job came up in conversation.
“I had a few personal things come up and I actually wasn’t going to play this year, but when the offer just came up I couldn’t say no.”
This is the Burras’ first year back in the McIntyre Cup after winning the B-grade competition last season.
“I see it as a really good opportunity and I can see us being competitive in McIntyre Cup.
“The club has a bright future and I wouldn’t have taken on the role if I didn’t think we could be competitive,’’ Barker said.
“Finals is the goal. From there it’s two matches and anything can happen.”
He said the line-up would be similar to last season. “I’m going to try and do what I can over the next few weeks to strengthen the side and will use some of my contacts to do that.”
Barker said former coach Rhys Berry was still playing an important role at the club.
In Berry’s three years as coach, the Burras played three grand finals and won two flags before he stepped down due to other commitments.
“What I’ve seen already is his leadership off field. I’m excited to work with him and the other leaders of the club,” Barker said.
For Barker, who is an opening batsman, the focus isn’t just on the McIntyre Cup side.
“We want to get all our other sides going up the grades. There’s a bit of a gap between them. “We want to get them up into B and C grades and expand from three sides to more.”
The Burras kick off their McIntyre Cup season on Saturday against Riddell in a one-dayer.
