New coach Bacchus Marsh cricket coach Sam Crea said being able to coach in his home town was something he dreamt of.
Crea was announced as the coach of the Ballarat Cricket Association club, replacing Paul Baker who is now coaching close to his home.
Crea said he’s looking forward to the challenge ahead of him.
“When I moved to the area five years ago, I dreamt of coaching a club close to home,” he said. “I was approached by the club at the end of my season with Grand United and they were saying their senior coach might be finishing up and there could be an opportunity.
“My time at Grand United was ending. The direction of the club [Bacchus Marsh] wants to go and the strong core values and the community sits well with me.”
Crea spent two seasons at Grand United starting his coaching career at his junior club.
He said he learned so much in that time.
Coming to the Bulls, Crea has some connections at the club and the community as a whole. He has coached in the Central Highlands and Gisborne and District Cricket Association meaning he is familiar with many of the players.
“I play at the footy club,” he said. “During 2020, I trained with the club as I couldn’t train with Grand United [due to COVID].
“I’ve coached three of the boys playing this year. It’s a fresh start for me but I know enough people inside the club.”
Crea, who played Victorian Premier Cricket, said he would be a playing coach, with his best cricket still ahead of him.
The new coach said he didn’t know much about the Ballarat Cricket Association, but knows they are in a strong competition.
He and the club are keen to build on their first season in the competition.
“This year was more a developing year,” he said. “Many of them had not played turf before.
“They have put the right steps in place and we’re looking to bring some old players back to the club.”
