Sharks in the water again for 2023

AN EXCITING 2023 is on the horizon at Bob Pettitt Reserve as Jan Juc Cricket Club continues to reach its objectives, re-establishing it as one of the of the most competitive clubs across the Surf Coast and Bellarine.

New Jan Juc president Amber Heath, who was appointed to the head of the committee back in June, acknowledged the challenges Jan Juc and other clubs had endured over the past few years, but ensured the Sharks has remained as strong as ever.

“Over the last few years the world has changed, we have had to adapt, and modify the game we know and love,” Heath said.

“The resilience we have developed, combined with our focus on welfare and wellbeing of our communities are now the cornerstone or the ‘norm’ of where we are today.

“Local sporting clubs provide an invaluable and important role in providing a safe place to socialise, be healthy and active, meet new people and enjoy the best of what the current times allow us.

“Life is a little different now, but the club provides a growing family-based environment, on field success and importantly a club for all.”

Jan Juc is fielding five senior teams in 2022/23 – a women’s side in their second season, A Grade, B Grade, C Grade and D Grade – and at least nine junior sides in the BPCA and GJCA.

The Sharks attracted more than 80 junior players and 30 Woolworths Blast kids to its ranks in 2021/22, the growth and development of the juniors has been the most satisfying aspect of the club’s bounce back, according to Heath.

“We always endeavour to keep our membership prices as low as possible and this year is no different. In fact this year we will again commit to our junior membership to just $80 in the hope to get as many kids on the park as possible,” she said.

“Senior membership will also remain one of the lowest in the league. Pre-season training is in full swing to prepare the senior players for the coming season.

“We welcome new captain/coach Nick Hyden from Grovedale, and our overseas player Luke Edwards from the United Kingdom is arriving any day now. Denis Bilston is back as the women’s coach, alongside Cara Powers as captain. Jordan Graham will still be seen in A Grade matches and also stepping up as a junior coach to one of our U15 sides.

“Last year the club saw our women’s team in a semi-final, a remarkable achievement clearly identifying the level of progress and development from the start of the season. More than half of the team had never played cricket before, including myself.”

All updates about the Sharks can be found at janjucsharks.vic.cricket.com.au