Mornington captain Jason Rose has proposed using Gunnedah senior cricket as a feeder source for Tamworth clubs, in a bid to attract players to Gunnedah and provide a much-need boost to the sport.
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Rose believes that a revolutionary approach is needed to not only improve Mornington – who are struggling to field a first-grade side – but Gunnedah senior cricket in general.
He has bemoaned what he says is the lack of a plan to address the player participation dilemma.
He plans to reach out to Cricket NSW in the hope the governing body can help.
“We could use Gunnedah as a farming outlet to bring along the development of players who want to make their techniques stronger for Tamworth,” he said.
“I believe that what we’ve got in first grade is quite reasonable and strong.
“For anyone who can’t get a break into first grade in Tamworth because it is so strong, why not consider Gunnedah as an option.”
Rose’s desire to strengthen Gunnedah cricket is largely rooted in Mornington’s malaise.
The club required last-minute second-grade reinforcements to play a two-day match against Albion last round that ended on day one when Mornington was skittled for 24 and 36.
So desperate is the club’s situation, Rose asked that his phone number (0406 791 185) be shown in this article as part of the hunt for players.
He said the player issues Mornington faced last season had worsened this season.
“I’m certainly going to be reaching out to Cricket NSW … come along and have a look at the [Gunnedah] association and have a look at how to combine forces with the surrounding towns,” he said.
“Try and strength it up that way.”
“Put some steps into place, some pillars, that we can rely on as a good foundation for the next two or three years.
“We’ve got to have a plan in place. I’m not seeing a plan in place going forward.”