O’Brien locks in coaching role for 2024-25

TORQUAY Cricket Club has named First XI captain and on-field leader in Damian O’Brien as its new senior head coach, with the all-rounder taking the reins over from outgoing coach Leigh Kentish.

The club made the coaching announcement this week, with the club’s pre-season preparations set to begin in the coming months.

O’Brien, who has been at the club for the past six seasons, said it was an honour to take on the role.

“Leigh isn’t planning on playing this season, which he let us know about in January or February, but he’ll be floating around the club as far as I’m aware.

“I’m excited to learn a new role. Being captain, the role is primarily revolved around the team itself, but as coach I’ll be a lot more involved with the club in general.

“The plan right now is that I’ll still be captain, but we’ll figure out vice captains and assistant coaches in due time as the season approaches.”

Torquay is fresh off a second place finish in the Geelong Cricket Association’s (GCA) Second Division Club Championship and a Grand Final loss in the GCA2 First XI competition, finishing both behind St Peter’s.

With St Peter’s moving up to GCA1, Torquay is a frontrunner to secure the club championship.

O’Brien said he learnt a lot off Kentish, citing a lot of lessons taught during the latter’s two seasons at the helm of the Tigers’ seniors.

“I loved working with Leigh. He’s a good friend and taught me a lot about being captain and showed me a little bit of the behind the scenes work that comes with coaching.

“He did a great job of bringing the club together. He did a lot of work on making sure all grades were strong, not just the First XI, but all four captains at the senior level.

“They’re definitely the things that I’ll aim to keep going while taking on the head coaching role.”

Any interested cricketers looking to play during the 2024-25 season are encouraged to email the club at [email protected]