Rowan Hamman and Josh Petersen have stepped up for the Waratahs for the coming 2014/15 season with their appointment as captains of 2nd grade and 4th grade respectively.
Both Josh and Rowan returned to the club last year after a period out of the game and combined to drive 4th grade to a Grand Final berth. Both had record season’s, with Rowan breaking the 4th grade run scoring record and Josh equally the 4th grade catching record. However neither were content to keep rolling on and both are looking forward to stepping up into leadership roles.
They join Warren Evans, who has been appointed skipper of the 3rd grade side (stepping up from 4th grade), and 1st grade skipper Tim Cruickshank as the confirmed captains for the upcoming season. Click here to view Tim’s captaincy announcement.
There is a huge amount of experience between the 3 players and they will undoubtedly provide the leadership and experience needed to drive our lower grades towards premiership success. The club is confident that they will provide our players with the platform to succeed.
A former Manly 1st grade player with 2,500 runs at the club to his name, it was especially pleasing to see Rowan in his new role. After his amazing season last year (672 runs at 61.09), both his batting ability and tactical mind will help drive our 2nd grade side to greater success. Rowan is really pleased with his appointment.
“I have been chatting frequently to Winga (Club Coach Shawn Bradstreet) so it’s something that has been rolling around in my head for a while”, said Hamman. “Working with Shawn and Phil Marks will be fantastic, and I’m really looking forward to 2nd grade leading the club.
“Last year it was the only grade that didn’t make the finals, but this year I want our 2nd grade side to dominate.”
Rowan also has more time on his hands this year, being available all year bar maybe one or 2 matches due to work commitments. The fact that he has committed to the Waratahs for the season shows his love for the club and the culture.
It’s also great to see Josh Petersen return to the skippering role. A former skipper of 3rd grade, Josh will bring a cool head and an calm mind to skippering while behind the stumps. And what do we need to say about Wazza. The great man is lining up for his 237th season, and we are all glad to see his return. Let’s hope he can also break that magical 5,000 runs mark after all this time.
Our 5th grade skipper will be announced shortly. Dave Farrell was locked in but has now been informed his knee will require surgery, and so due to injury is unavailable for the season.
Go Manly
