Pitts aiming for success

By John Stanley
UPWEY-TECOMA Cricket Club hopes champion batsman and club stalwart Ryan Pitts will help it skittle the opposition this season.
Pitts has been appointed club coach and captain for the upcoming season, which for the seniors begins on Saturday, 7 October.
A Feaver medallist and regular FTGDCA representative, Pitts is primed for success.
“The year ahead has huge challenges for us, from the five senior sides through to the junior sides and the committee, to get Upwey-Tecoma back to being a powerhouse in the FTGDCA again,” Pitts said.
He said one junior premiership and two for senior sides last season had given the club something to aim for.
“The success of those teams will be a target for all our teams to aspire to this season and into the future,” he said.
“We’ve already had a great start with good numbers at pre-season training, but we always welcome new players, families and friends into our club.”
Club president Graeme Tuplin sees Pitts’ appointment as an investment in the club’s future.
“Not only is Ryan an excellent cricketer and leader, he is committed to the long-term development of our club,” Mr Tuplin said.
“We are seeing an extraordinary rise in the number of juniors coming through the ranks and Ryan, aside from his senior responsibilities, is determined to encourage their development. He has both the knowledge and the support in place to create a path for them to realise their potential, whether it be here with us or on to a higher level.”
Mr Tuplin said the club, now entering its 75th year, had been encouraged by support from the local community, including the addition of Ray White Real Estate as a major sponsor.
“This support allows us to provide an environment where our youth can learn, not just to play cricket, but also how to integrate with and contribute to the community,” he said.
Aside from the regular FTGDCA competitions, the club will again conduct the very successful and popular Milo ‘Have-A-Go’ program on Friday nights at the Upwey Recreation Reserve in Chosen Avenue.
The program teaches boys and girls aged five to 10 the basics of cricket in a fun and enjoyable way.
It has also become a social event for parents and carers to unwind after the hectic working week.
As a result of the ongoing success of the program and its natural progression, the club will field six junior sides in 2006-07, ranging from Under 11 to Under 17.
Upwey-Tecoma Cricket Club’s juniors kick off their premiership bid on Saturday, 14 October.
Go to www.upweytecoma.cricketvictoria.com.au for further details on the club.