Catani confident ahead of first ever division match

Due to heavy rain on Saturday, Catani’s first ever match in the top division of the WDCA was abandoned.

But despite the bad weather, the side couldn’t be more enthusiastic to prove themselves amongst the best in West Gippsland.

“Everyone’s really excited, it’s a really young group so everyone’s a little bit too enthusiastic at the moment, but I’d rather that and have a glass half full kind of attitude,” Catani coach James Vela said.

Catani dominated last year’s division two competition, winning the grand final against Drouin comfortably.

But as the only division one club to fall under Melbourne’s restrictions, the side has faced difficulties getting back to top shape before their first match.

“We’ve only been back for two weeks trying to get a little bit more time for blokes in the middle, but it is what it is,” Vela said.

Last weekend’s rain will give them a bit of extra preparation before their first match against Yarragon this Saturday.

The division one coach said the boys were confident, but they’ll need to prove themselves against the likes of Hallora and Western Park before getting carried away.

“Now we’re into division one, it’s a whole different fillet of fish, it’s a big step up, hopefully we can be competitive at least,” Vela said.

The coach said it’s exciting to have a list of young players on the rise, such as fast bowler Lachie Gregson.

“He’s an up and coming quick, and I reckon he’ll be one of the fast bowls throughout the league in my opinion.

“And Ned Harrison has come from Tooradin, he probably didn’t get as much of a go as he deserved but he’s a very talented player, so it’ll be nice to see him grow and see if he can come across and do a good job for us this year,” Vela said.

And Catani loyalist Liam Adams will start as vice-captain this year.

“He probably hasn’t had much of an opportunity to play in the highest division he possibly can so it’ll be nice to see how he can progress as a player under these circumstances,” Vela said.

For Vela himself, he has another season with his younger brothers to look forward to.

“I decided to make the switch to a young and up and coming club like Catani to play with my younger brothers.

“It’s literally been the most fun I’ve had throughout my whole entire career as a cricketer, some people get to do it throughout their entire career but now we’re doing it, it’s been pretty rewarding as well,” he said.