Sydenham-Hillside isn’t daunted by the new challenge that faces it in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 1.
The Storm has gone from division 4 when they joined the competition in the 2016-17 season to being in the second top flight this season.
Coach Geoff Pretty said the group was confident they could continue their good run in the higher grade.
“We’re looking okay again,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll challenge ourselves in the higher division.
“We expect to be very competitive and challenging at the business end of the season.
“You don’t know the opposition but everyone has a fair idea what to expect at that level.”
The core of the Storm’s division 2 premiership side has returned this season.
Those who have departed are Liam Richardson has moved to Bendigo and isn’t playing this season, while Andrew Reid-Dick has joined Melton.
On the other side, the Storm have bought in three players who will step into their first XI.
South African-born Jared Wilson has been playing first class cricket in Ireland and is expected to provide plenty with the bat and ball.
West Indies duo Kadeem and Anthony Alleyne, who are not related, have both also joined the club.
Kadeem is a talented all-rounder, while Anthony, a former West Indies under-19 player is a top order bat.
Pretty said they were happy with the squad.
“I think we’re still looking fairly strong, as strong as last year.”
While the three internationals are set to help the Storm, Pretty said the growth within the club would also help them make the step.
He said it remained a big focus of theirs.
“There’s always a lot of talent as we live in a fairly big growth area,” he said. “ We have a big under-16 contingent that is looking pretty well.
“We’ll be looking for a few to step up this season across the grades. The younger guys are another year older and a bit bigger. We’ll be looking for them to improve even further.”
The Storm will have to wait another week to kick off its season, with round two not going ahead to not enough grounds being ready for play.
The Storm are set to play Tullamarine in round three in a two-dayer starting next Saturday. In other round three matches, Sunshine is set to host West Coburg, Altona North is set to play Airport West St Christophers, Doutta Stars and PEGS is expected to face each other and Seddon is set to play St Francis de Sales.
Tara Murray
