‘We’re sick of being bridesmaids’: Hurley’s Hotel Hounds determined to go one step better this GVBBL season

The Hounds have been a consistent force in the competition’s brief history, winning their way through to both deciders.

The problem is that is where their success story ends, with a pair of grand final losses to SRP Mud Dogs in 2020 and 2021 leaving a sour taste in the mouth of all involved in the franchise.

But now after a year off the Hounds are back and better than ever, with an exciting mix of local favourites and big names set to thrill the Kyabram faithful this summer.

“We’re really excited to get started this weekend, we think we have put together a pretty strong side,” Sheppard said.

“Our list is one filled with some exciting local talent and topped up with a few boys from Bendigo and some premier boys from Melbourne, so it is all shaping up pretty well.”

Led by former Australian Test quick James Pattinson, the Hounds will embark on their quest for glory with an imposing cast of stars.

Ex-Melbourne Renegade Cameron Stevenson, premier talents Joshua Trembearth and Jack Potticary and Bendigo star Jack Neylon headline the next rung of inclusions from beyond the region.

Tatura captain now Greenvale Kangaroos star Michael Archer will return to the Hounds squad and be a major presence with bat and ball.

While much-loved locals Kyle Mueller, Jedd Wright and Paul Newman will be back in light blue and eager to add a GVBBL title to their sparkling cricket resumes.

Sheppard said he was excited to bring such prominent star power to the competition and hopefully draw big crowds to all three of the match days this summer.

“To have the likes of Cameron Stevenson, Josh Trembearth and Michael Archer in the side from town it is super exciting,” he said.

“Patto (James Pattinson) will miss the first game, but hopefully will be on deck in the new year, so for fans of cricket in the region I think we will be a very exciting team to watch.

“Kyabram and surrounds probably deserves to show the quality and the talent they’ve got, so that’s why we’ve kept probably half the side as local boys which is great.

“There is a fair bit of buzz around, not only our team, but the whole league and we can’t wait to put on a show for our local community with our exciting list of players.”

Now just days away from the first ball being bowled, Sheppard said the fire burned deep in the belly as the franchise sets its sights on a successful campaign.

“We are really keen to take that next step this year, we are pretty sick of being bridesmaids,” he said.

“I’d like to think we are a team that enjoys getting together and playing cricket and the game is a lot more enjoyable when you win, so we’ll be doing all we can to make that happen.

“Most of the boys are really performing well at club level this season, so I’m looking forward to seeing them all fire at the same time and flex our muscles a bit this weekend.”

Hurley’s Hotel Hounds will begin its campaign against CPW Panthers in the 2pm timeslot at Deakin Reserve on Sunday.