Fisher and Hill to again lead Torquay CC

JAMES Fisher and Terry Hill will again lead the Torquay Cricket Club this season.

In a change from last summer when he was the assistant coach, Hill has been handed increased responsibility as men’s First XI captain for 2021-22.

This will allow Fisher, who shouldered a heavy load as captain-coach, to turn his focus exclusively to coaching and playing.

Fisher joined the Tigers from Division 1 side Grovedale last year, leading the First XI to the finals and producing a vastly improved fourth-placed finish in the overall club championship.

The opening bowler led the competition for wickets at the mid-point of the season, before injury curtailed his influence with the ball after the Christmas break.

Fisher said the adjustment in roles would achieve the best outcome for the club.

“The change will allow me to have a greater focus across the entire playing group, putting more energy into developing our young cricketers and giving more of my time to players in all grades,” he said.

“The ultimate aim is to help every senior side perform as strongly as possible to give us the best chance of winning the club championship.

“Terry’s leadership and tactical knowledge is first class, so the First XI will be in great hands with him as captain.”

Hill, a former Torquay junior who returned to Spring Creek Reserve last year, has previous captaincy experience at Division One clubs Murgheboluc and South Barwon. The star left-arm spinner led Murgheboluc in the last of his three seasons at the club in 2017-18, before crossing to South Barwon as skipper for two seasons.

In his first summer back with Torquay he won the competition bowling award, taking 29 wickets at an average of just 14.

Hill said he was honoured to be named captain of his junior club.

“This is a great thrill and I’m really excited about the season ahead,” he said.

“We have a strong playing list that gelled very well under James’ leadership last summer, and I’m looking forward to working alongside him to get the best out of ourselves and the group this year.”

Torquay CC president Rob Dunne said the appointment of Hill as captain would allow both leaders to have maximum impact on the club’s fortunes.

“James did an outstanding job as captain-coach last season, supported by Terry as assistant coach,” Dunne said.

“This change will mean both have a clear set of roles and responsibilities, giving Terry the opportunity to put his stamp on the First XI while James works to improve the entire group.

“It’s a great arrangement and we are optimistic this pairing can take our club a long way this year.”

Torquay Cricket Club welcomes male and female players of all ages and abilities for the 2021-22 season. Anyone interested is invited to phone Rob Dunne on 0413 405 399.