Captains Appointed for 2009/10

The Stingray coaching team are pleased to announce that Captains for the upcoming season have been appointed. Captains take a greater role this season, responsible for guiding players within their respective squads on both match days and at training, and working closely with skills coaches.

Simon Roberts will lead the A grade this season in both one and two day matches with Shaun Tanner as his vice-captain. Simon's position in the A grade team is unquestionable, after leading both runs and wickets last season, his appointment reflects a passing of the baton to the next generation of Stingray players.

Shaun has been given the opportunity to captain the club in the shorter T20 version of the game. Shaun was a Stingray junior player before spending several successful seasons playing and captaining at Port Noralunga CC. He returned a more mature player and his all-round ability and leadership qualities make him an important part of the A grade team this season.

Jason Riley has returned to the B grade captaincy after a 2 year break. A playing life member, Jason is the clubs longest serving A grade skipper, and is a highly respected leader at the club. His last stint as captain resulted in a grand final appearance in 2006/07, and he will be keen to perform in a team featuring a strong mixture of senior players and developing youth.

The ever reliable Joel Ashforth returns as captain of the D grade this season after narrowly missing finals last season. Joel is coming off a standout season with bat and ball, and will be keen to take his developing side to the top four this season.

The C grade leadership will be announced shortly, with previous captain Abe Moore standing down to take up the senior coaching role as a non-playing coach.

Season 2009/10 Coaching Update

There has been plenty of movement during the off season in preparation for season 2009/10 at Southern District Cricket Club. New committee, coaches and captains are in position to lead the club into the new season.

With Scott Heywood stepping aside as senior coach, former assistant coach and C grade skipper Abe Moore has been appointed as his successor, in a non-playing capacity. Abe has previously worked as a game development officer for the Tasmanian Cricket Association; coached provincial teams in Alberta, Canada; and played and coached at the Mowbray Cricket Club in Tasmania in a variety of roles; He has been an assistant at the club and BankSA U17 squad coach for the past two seasons.

A change in the coaching structure sees Abe surrounded by a team of (new and used) skills coaches who will work with teams and individuals throughout the season. They include:

John Roberts: Batting skills coach - The former Sturt and SCA batsman brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his new role with SDCC. He is highly respected in the the Southern Cricket Association where he has previously worked in various coaching roles. A very successful batsman in his playing days, John fills an important position providing guidance for senior stingray batsman.

Bob Lisle: Batting/Development coach - Former SACA coach of the year, Bob returns in his role as the clubs development coach which will see him guiding transitioning players between junior and senior ranks. His highly regarded batting expertise will also be invaluable for the senior group.

Harvey Jolly: Spin coach - With experience at 1st class level (8 matches for SA), the former Northern Districts and SDCC captain and coach will focus more of his time on the development of spin bowling squad.

Emily Moran: Fitness trainer - Emily joins the stingrays coaching team as the clubs new fitness trainer. Currently studying Nutrition and Sports Massage at University, Emily will be a regular at training working with individuals and squads with their cricket specific fitness needs.

Russell Vincent: Keeping Skills coach - The current club president and former 1st class SA wicketkeeper will be a notable presence at training. One of the finest gloveman of his generation, Russell will work with a variety of stingrays throughout the season as a coach and mentor.

Paul Charman: Bowling Skills coach - The club founder and current cricket committee chairman will be one of several bowling coaches called upon to guide stingray quicks this season.

More announcements will be made closer to the season as more appointments are confirmed.