Central Park-St Brendan’s may have made the biggest splash thus far in the Cricket Shepparton off-season.
The Tigers have welcomed left-hander Connor Hayes back into the fold at Deakin Reserve following a fruitful spell in Melbourne.
Hayes, a former Haisman Shield premiership player at Central Park, had been busy assembling quite the credentials playing Victorian Premier Cricket with Greenvale and Essendon since departing the Goulburn Valley.
Hayes signs on not only as a player but also in an assistant coaching capacity to work alongside senior boss Tyler Larkin, as well as taking a development role with the club’s juniors.
Central Park president Darryl Butcher was thrilled to welcome home an accomplished former Tiger.
“That move has been in the pipeline for a little while,” Butcher said.
“He’s been doing a lot of travelling backwards and forwards while he’s been playing grade-level cricket in Melbourne, but now that he’s employed here, this was a chance for him to come home and reunite with the people he formerly played with.
“Most of the recruiting is handled by Tyler Larkin and I get involved if people want me to, but we were all on the same page with this one.
“It’s two-fold with what he brings, but the main goal is really to press on with the development of our younger people, and he fits all those categories.”
Hayes’ batting prowess will be welcomed with open arms into the Central Park line-up as an aside to his duties helping out the juniors.
Acknowledging that run-scoring had been a concern during the 2023-24 campaign, Butcher says he’s excited about the reinforcement Hayes can offer.
“We’re always looking to improve, and with his pedigree, it gives us the opportunity to take that next step, which we needed to do,” Butcher said.
“His arrival really strengthens our batting, which wasn’t up to scratch last year.
“If we can advance our good kids coming through quickly, it only serves the club well in the not-too-distant future.
“It fills a need; he’s a quality batsman and fielder who can bowl as well, so he adds depth to the strength of the team.”
Elsewhere, reigning Haisman Shield holders Kyabram also made a significant move in recommitting English import Louis Sabbagh-Holt to the club for next season.
Sabbagh-Holt starred as a premier bowler at the Redbacks last season, claiming 28 wickets at 17.61, including a terrific haul of 7-77 in a two-dayer against Central Park.
The destructive spinner claimed another five-for in the first week of finals, leaving with 5-48 in a victory over Mooroopna.