There is plenty of positivity coming out of Melton in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association off season.
Coming off a tough season results wise, the Lions feel like they are heading in the right direction.
Coach Damian Costigan knew heading into last season it was a matter of patience.
“Last year was a lean year especially in the top grade in terms of success,” he said.
“We see a lot of potential in the group that we already have and the biggest thing was the retention of most of the squad and wanted to build on that.
“We’re keen to see what we can do.”
The Lions recently announced their first new signings for the new season. He said himself and Joel Mitchener had done a lot of working looking to bring in the right players.
David Mansfield and Archie Cairns are both joining the club from England.
“We think the two overseas guys offer something different with the bat and ball,” he said.
“David is a bowling all rounder. He adds experience in the middle order and offers some off spin for us.
“Dylan [Jobson], one of our quicks, is over there and playing with Archie. He bowls a heavy ball and will add to the depth of our quick bowlers.
“We’re looking forward to seeing both of those guys.”
Prabjot Singh Gill will bring some Victorian Premier Cricket experience to the side having played at MCC.
The Lions have also looked locally, adding Max Howell, Alex Nichols, Jayden Schwarze and Spencer Paton all joining the club from the Gisborne and District Cricket Association.
Costigan said they were keen to target some experienced players with a young list throughout all the grades.
Last season’s skipper Brenton Cook has left the club to join Gisborne, while their two imports from last year are also not returning.
As well as the new recruits, Costigan said they were hoping that the current playing group would step up.
Jobson, Mitchener and Jason Hibbert are all playing in England in the off season.
“It’s the first time they’ve done that and the feedback is that they are learning a lot about themselves playing in different conditions,” he said.
“Those three will be better coming back to us.
“Speaking to a lot of other guys they are already putting in a work which excited me as a coach.
“In their own time they’re doing the hard work now. Some young fellows are trailing for rep sides.
“I’m excited to see that they are working hard and what they will produce.”
