Tara Murray
After learning the ropes for a number of seasons, Dean Pirro is ready to take on the coaching role at Melton South Royals.
Having played at the Victorian Turf Cricket Association club his whole life, Pirro said he couldn’t think of a better club to coach.
He gets his wish, having been appointed the club’s coach for the upcoming season. He replaces Leigh Wilson.
“I guess I’ve always been waiting in the wings,” Pirro said. “Learning from the previous coaches who were doing the job.
“It’s five years in the making. I’m ready to step up.”
Pirro said having learned so much in recent years, he thought he had matured enough in life and as a cricketer to step up and take the role.
He will combine the coaching with the captaincy of the division 5 side, a role that he had last season.
The group has high expectations heading into the 2022-23 season after a disappointing end to the 2021-22 season.
“Being top of the table for most of last season and losing in the semi final, it stings a bit,” he said.
“There’s a fire in the belly to come back even stronger.”
The Royals haven’t rested on their laurels recruiting a number of players. There’s a couple of players from Sri Lanka to join the side.
They also announced the signing of Sameera Vithana, who has played the last two seasons at senior division club Haig Fawkner.
He has also played at Jacana, Moonee Valley and West Coburg in the VTCA.
“Sameera is a quality all rounder with his off spin bowling taking more than 30 wickets in five of his seven seasons (another year was 28) between 2013 and 2020,” the club said in its announcement of the signing.
“He will slot into our top order as he also made in excess of 300 runs in six of those seasons as well.”
In another bonus for the club, they will have a turf wicket at there home ground, Melton Recreation Reserve, this season. It means they can play at home for the first time in a number of years.
“To get our own turf wicket and upgrades to our club rooms is really good,” he said.
“People can use them and we want people to come and be involved at Melton South.
“We have been sharing with Melton Centrals for a number of years and we’ve been very appreciative of them for that, but nothing compares to having your turf wicket.”
