If there was anyone you could ask to have replace club legend Tim Cruickshank as 1st grade skipper, Adam Crosthwaite would have to be near the top of that list. Having been apart of the club’s drought-breaking premiership last season and smashing all sorts of run scoring records along the way, ‘Crossy’ is now looking to make further history and take our star-studded 1st grade side to back-to-back titles. Nobody more than the man himself has emphasised the hard work and determination that will be required to achieve this, but no one would dare to put it past him after all he has achieved for the TravelSim Waratahs in his career thus far.
Leading 2nd grade once again this season is Rowan Hamman. After marching his side all the way to the final last year, Rowan will be looking to go one step further and take down the dominant Sydney University outfit which has led the competition for nearly 5 seasons. Having been within touching distance of a premiership in his previous two seasons, a title is only around the corner for Rowan and with some bright talent continuing to rise through the club it’s going to be another strong year!
What needs to be said about Warren Evans. After playing grade cricket for nearly 30 years and enduring a number of close shaves and heartaches, he finally picked up his first premiership last season and is as hungry as ever to continue leading his 3rd grade side. With unrivalled experience in the game and still picking-up more than enough handy wickets along the way, ‘Wozza’ is charging towards the all-time wicket-taking record for the club and will looking to go back-to-back in 2015/16.
4th grade is the second change to the Club’s leadership with former captain Max Burgess returning to lead 4th grade once again. Having previously led this side to the grand final a few seasons ago, ‘Maxy’ will be looking to go one better with a team that’s coming off a successful season with the retiring Josh Peterson. While it’s always difficult to lose someone of ‘JP’s’ experience and quality, Maxy will bring out the best in his young men who once again will be challenging for silverware this season.
Finally, Simon Waddington will lead our youngsters in 5th grade after falling agonisingly short of a premership last season. ‘Waddo’ led his side with distinction last year and the club is lucky to have a man of his experience once again leading our 5’s. The club is ‘oozing’ junior talent thanks to the success of the Pathway Program, so Waddo will once again have a number of talented young players to call upon throughout the season.
So there they are, our leaders for the 2015/16 season. With preseason now in full swing it’s time for the kits to be dusted off and for the club to get back into the swing of things. It’s sure to be another successful season! Go Manly!
