With their debut fixture rapidly approaching, the newly formed SACA Premier Cricket Under 19’s team has selected their leaders for the 2023/24 summer.
Jack Matchett and Hamish Case will lead the side in their maiden season, taking on the roles of captain and vice-captain respectively.
Head Coach Luke Butterworth, who has taken the reins after his tenure as West End Redbacks bowling coach, is thrilled to announce his leaders as excitement builds for the Premier Cricket First-Class season.
“We’ve picked Jack as captain and Hamish as vice-captain, and I’ve been really impressed by their natural leadership and willingness to speak up in the group and identify things that the team can improve on,” Butterworth said.
“Even more than that, it is fantastic how they are also the first to put their hand up to recognise what they can improve on too. That leadership around the group is something that has stood out for me.”
In addition to the standard challenges of a cricket season, the Under 19’s team will also be faced with the additional difficulties of navigating a summer with a team of young cricketers who will split their time with their Club sides in limited overs cricket while looking to build a foundation for a professional career in the game.
“It’s important for the young kids to have someone they can go to, obviously we work closely with Jack and Hamish because they are learning every day as well, but to have strong leaders at the top, someone the players can come to and help them along the way is going to be really important.”
Jack couldn’t be prouder to be chosen as captain of the new side.
“To be appointed captain is a huge honour; being elected to lead this team alongside my good mate Hamish is very exciting,” Jack said.
“I couldn’t be more keen and ready to go. There’s been a real buzz around the group over the last few weeks. We have been training very well and everyone’s ready to go leading into our first game.”
“I’ve been really fortunate to play for Kensington where I have played with so many leaders and experienced players. So for me it is all about backing in what I’ve learned and hopefully applying it successfully.”
Hamish is thrilled at the prospect of the season ahead.
“To be appointed as vice-captain is very rewarding and I am honoured to be known as a leader within the team,” Hamish said.
“The feeling is even better knowing that Jack and I are the first leaders of this team, hopefully helping start something that will run well into the future.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to get the season underway, we will be going out there playing with 12 of our best mates every week. If we are able to stay strong and work hard, it will give us the best chance of winning games.”
For Butterworth, the adjustment from coaching State cricket to player pathways has been a rewarding challenge.
“I have really enjoyed it. The difference is probably just remembering that they are not full-time cricketers, they have school and work and it is such an important time in their lives with study. We need to find that balance of training strongly but also remembering they have important things going on outside of cricket as well.
“We’re obviously looking to win, but we understand young players will make mistakes and they are still very early in their careers. Our job is to identify how they can get better but also create an environment where they have the freedom to express who they are, play their way and enjoy their cricket.”
Several current and former First-Class cricketers have joined training sessions with the squad to offer advice, something that Butterworth believes will help strengthen the resolve of the group.
“We have had a few players in to talk with the group; we’ve had Alex Carey, Mark Cosgrove, Ben Manenti and Travis Head come in and to have cricketers that the players look up to, sometimes their messages carry even more weight than what we as coaches deliver each day.”
The Under 19’s team will face Prospect in the maiden Premier Cricket fixture, with first ball scheduled for 10.30am Saturday 28 October.