Collendina kicks off its 2020-21 Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association campaign against A1 Grade newcomers St Leonards on Saturday, October 31.
Cobras co-coach Nathan Walter said his side had a practice match hitout against Geelong Cricket Association club Marshall on the weekend.
“It was played in good spirits,” he said.
“It was a bit of fun and it gave some blokes a go.
“(Andy) Higgins bowled well and Jack Doyle looked good behind the stumps. He might keep for us for the year I reckon.”
Walter said some of the new COVID-19 rules were difficult to adjust to.
“We sanitised the ball every 10overs, but the hard one was forgetting about the fact you can’t give your hat to the umpire,” he said.
“You’d finish an over and go to take your cap and then realise a teammate had it.”
Under new rules, the ball is not able to be shined using saliva or sweat.
Walter said it might benefit batmen this season.
“The ball is probably not going to do as much after the first 10 to 15 overs,” he said.
“It will be interesting to see what the umpires use whether it’s a wet wipe or sanitiser.
“It’s going to be different that’s for sure.”
Walter said his new co-coach Curtly Balshaw opened the batting in the practice match and “looked unbelievable”.
Star all-rounder Higgins and veteran pace bowler Charlie Lamb are also available for much of the season.
“The one-dayers will suit Higgo,” he said.
“He can steam in for eight overs and just let it rip.”
Walter said his pace attack of Higgins, Lamb, Jye Hearps and Craig Goodger will be complemented with spin from Jacob Gasior.
“We should have a pretty good team in for round one,” he said.
“Hopefully we will push for a top four spot and play finals.
“I think Anglesea will be a cut above but everyone else there’s not too much between it.”
Walter said the club will continue to push youth through the senior ranks with Doyle and young pace bowler Nick Gibbon, who will come into calculations throughout the season.
“Curtly has been great with the kids the last few months,” he said.
“It’s always been the way the club has liked to do it. Throw them in the deep end and get them playing top cricket.
“We’re tracking really well.”
The only real loss for the Cobras has been young gun Max Sutton who is playing football in the Northern Territory.
