James Wills sends down a ball for Footscray ANA. Picture: EMILY LANE
By Liam Twomey
FOOTSCRAY ANA is in prime position for a tilt at a premiership in the Williamstown and District Cricket Associations’ A2 Turf Division.
The club sits on top of the ladder, and will be looking to cement that spot just a few weeks out from finals.
President John Wetzler was happy with the even spread of contributions from both the experienced and younger players in the side this year.
That was highlighted in round seven, when 38-year-old Daryl Veteha and 18-year-old Daniel Nightingale combined in a 268-run partnership on the way to one of many impressive victories.
“They are at different stages of their careers. One of them is 38 and the other is 18 and they combined for a 250-run partnership, which was great to watch and a season highlight for the club,” Wetzler said.
“The guys in general are all batting and bowling really well, and we think we are ready to take the next step this year. We also know that there is some very good competition out there, but we are happy with the way we are going at this stage.”
Wetzler is now entering his third year as president of Footscray, and he believes providing a good culture at the club is just as important as on-field results. “We are a very family friendly cricket club, and we have that atmosphere right the way through from juniors to seniors,” he said.
“We have done several things this year to improve that including a complete refurbishment of our kitchen and meals area. We have employed qualified kitchen staff who are putting out good priced and good quality meals on a Thursday and Saturday night.”
On field, the club is looking to expand its junior and senior cricket programs.
Jamie Wills signed on as general manager of cricket operations this year. He will be joined by a junior co-ordinator next season to help run the Milo Cricket program. “The club always has a big emphasis on the juniors, and we will be looking to help them in their development at an early stage of cricket. Any juniors or seniors interested in playing cricket here are welcome.”
In the lead up to finals, Footscray will be holding a number of functions including a $1000 draw on 4 February and its 80th anniversary celebrations on 26 February.
