By Tara Murray
Melton Centrals are keen for the new challenges that await in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 4 Charles Clark Shield competiton.
Having won the division 5 premiership last season, Centrals have gone up a grade and now face some new opposition.
Centrals skipper Adam Hulett said it would be a good challenge for the group.
“We might have played three of the teams before,” he said. “It leaves six that we haven’t played before. We’re actually looking forward to it.”
Most of Centrals premiership side has returned, with only two confirmed outs.
Youngster, and grand final man-of-the-match, Connor Poulton has moved to VTCA powerhouse Yarraville Club.
“We knew we were never going to hold onto him forever,” Hulett said.
“He’s gone to a higher level and we wish him the best.”
Centrals have added an opening bowler to their squad. Chris Willoughby has shown good early signs.
They were also looking at reshuffling their batting order.
Across the board, Hulett said numbers were looking good.
Off field, they have a new coaching set-up with Hulett stepping back from coaching due to work commitments.
A number of people are sharing the role, with it working well so far.
Hulett, who captained the premiership side last season, will remain as captain.
He said they didn’t think it was worth changing something that was working.
Having gone up a grade, Hulett said they weren’t looking too far ahead.
“We have not really set any expectations,” he said.
“We’re not familiar with a lot of the opposition. As long as we’re playing good cricket, it will take care of the rest.”
Centrals started their season on Saturday against Grand United.
The match went down to the final over, with Grand United getting over the line.
Melton Centrals were bowled out for 179 in the final over of their innings.
Grand United made the runs with three balls to spare, finishing 9-180.
In division 5, Melton South Royals defeated Williamstown Colts. After restricting the Colts to 9-84, the Royals made 5-89 to come away with the points.
