Tara Murray
New Melton Centrals Kieran Bensley is hoping a bit more consistency will help the side get back on track in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association.
After a winless season in division 4, Centrals are keen to get back on track and help build the confidence back up.
The club announced the appointment of Bensley this week.
“Kieran is a player who leads by example, his efforts on both training and game day speak for themselves and he thoroughly deserves the opportunity to lead our great club for the 2022-23 season and hopefully beyond,” the club’s social media post said.
Bensley said he was excited to step up and coach the club. He has been through the ranks at the club and played in the first XI side last season.
“I’ve helped out the last couple of years as something new,” he said.
“I was helping out with training and last year I was an assistant coach. They offered me the role and I decided to take it.”
Bensley takes over the coaching role from long term coach Adam Hulett, who will remain on as captain.
Bensley said he would turn to Hulett during the season when needed.
“Ads was my coach in under-12s,” he said. “I’ve known him since I was nine.
“I’ve now played with him as well. He’ll still be around if I need anything along with the other senior players.
“Ads will remain captain and I’ll do the coaching and whatever needs to be done.”
Centrals are expecting to be in division 5 this season, after the poor results of the previous season.
Bensley said the biggest thing that will help them this season is some consistency in the playing group.
“Hopefully we will be stronger this season and start the season with a bang,” he said.
“We had only a couple of consistent players playing last season with players in and out with family things and holidays and more travel.
“Hopefully we’ll be a bit more consistent this year and hit back.”
Bensley said all new players were welcome to join the club and they were hoping to add a couple of players to their first XI.
He said the development of the younger guys coming through was also important.
“We’ve got a few young kids in the lower grades, all through the grades,” he said.
“We’re hoping to see them keep on improving themselves and pushing up. We want to see players wanting to play higher and pushing through the grades.
Centrals’ pre-season will get underway during August.
Tara Murray
