Spiros Goustis sends one down for Greece in the ICC European League. 71259
SUNSHINE Heights Cricket Club has added an intriguing recruit to its line-up – Greek international cricketer Spiros Goustis.
Goustis learnt to play cricket on the Greek island Corfu, which has a 100-year history of cricket due to the English influence on the island. Greece competes in the International Cricket Council’s European League.
Goustis, a fast bowler, arrived in Melbourne last week, ready to fulfil a lifelong dream to play cricket in Australia.
He hoped to enhance his cricket knowledge on and off the field so he could help develop the game of cricket in his home country.
Sunshine Heights president Chris Hatzoglou said the club prided itself on its inclusive outlook and continued to provide a pathway into cricket.
“We are managing to make a positive contribution to social inclusion and the development of young people from all backgrounds, particularly culturally diverse backgrounds,” Hatzoglou said.
Cricket is an effective vehicle that brings people together in a warm and friendly environment where the community benefits.”
Club coach Matthew Shawcross said while the club’s bowling stocks were strong, the club needed improvement from its batsmen.
“We are a very strong bowling club. To play regular finals cricket, we need a more consistent output from our top-order batsmen. I want our club to develop a reputation throughout the competition as having the most difficult batsmen to dismiss,” Shawcross said.
Hatzoglou added: “Our recent success has taken years of hard work and the best years are ahead of us. Many years have gone into nurturing our young players and the results are starting to show”.
Sunshine Heights’ First XI side will play in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association’s West B1 competition.
