PREMIUM
Sport

Reilly replaces D’Elia in Cricket Shepparton presidency role

author avatar
New president: Brandan Reilly has been elected president of Cricket Shepparton. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

He may have only been elected president of Cricket Shepparton a fortnight ago, but already Brandan Reilly is up to his eyelids in work.

And he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Although the season is months away, Reilly has been busy planning and working with the executive committee ahead of the October start date.

There is an upcoming rule change meeting, deep discussions with club delegates as well as preparations for the upcoming Team of the Century celebrations later this year.

Reilly was ratified into the role at a recent Cricket Shepparton annual general meeting and fills the gap left by David D’Elia — who stepped down after more than a decade as president.

Reilly, who held the role of senior cricket director, said he was eager to sink his teeth into the new challenge.

Yet to reach 30, Reilly is one of the youngest elected presidents in recent memory and despite not having the experience of former chiefs, you can guarantee he shares the same enthusiasm.

“I am very excited to be in the new role and I am looking forward to the challenges and the days ahead,” he said.

“I have got a great team around me which is fantastic, I know I am in safe hands with who we have on the executive committee.

“I do want to say thanks and congratulations to Dave for the amount of work he has done for Cricket Shepparton in his time as president. You won’t find a more hard-working and dedicated person and you won’t find anyone who has a bad word to say about him.

“And I would like to wish Jenny (Mears) all the best and thank her for everything she has done in the role as secretary.”

The recent AGM was a chance for a number of roles to be filled for the upcoming season.

Butch Scott has been elected director of senior cricket, while Steve Dalitz is director of junior cricket.

Narelle Claney is the new secretary and Andrew Porch is treasurer.

The general committee welcomes Paul Tricarico, however, Reilly hoped more players or club members would put their hand up to join.

“The more clubs and representation we have on the committee the more varying advice we get,” he said.

“Because the problems or issues that Numurkah face may be different to what Nagambie face, so the more faces the more proactive discussions we can have.

“There’s good cricket minds out there and we want their opinions to help improve the game.”

Reilly said it was full steam ahead for a women’s competition.

“Cricket Shepparton is looking to push ahead with a women’s competition and get one up and running,” Reilly said.

“We know Shepparton United and Waaia are keen to field sides, but we still need three or four more clubs. We are definitely wanting to forge ahead in this space.”