Sharks on the hunt for women’s coach

JAN Juc Cricket Club are on the hunt for a new female senior coach, with club life member Denis Bilston standing down from the role after four seasons.

Bilston, who has been the Sharks’ only female senior coach since its inception in the GCA Women’s League, has decided to step away due to additional BPCA board responsibilities.

He expressed his gratitude for the club, celebrating their success since entering the league.

“Forming and coaching our women’s team has been tremendously fulfilling both personally as well as for the club,” Bilston said.

“We’ve played four seasons playing in two finals and won a premiership in our third season.

“We won the grand final in the 2023/24 season which was terrific given it was only our third year playing as a group.

“Unfortunately, I cannot continue as coach this season and hope that someone else can take on coaching our women.”

Additionally, the Sharks will also enter sides across the GCA junior competition and BPCA senior men competition.

Former Grovedale Cricket Club legend Gareth Yelland will join the Sharks as an assistant coach and potential player in the coming 2025/26 season.

Yelland boasts nine Grovedale club championships, four premiership and three GCA league medals.

Sharks senior men’s coach Peter Buszard explained his excitement for Yelland joining the group.

“I am personally looking forward to working with a GCA star like Gareth,” he said.

“He brings a tremendous amount to the table, has a cricket brain which is second-to-none and a fantastic appreciation of the game of cricket.

“He will be an invaluable asset and will be a wonderful mentor and example to our up-and-coming junior players, who hopefully will take the next step up this season and contribute strongly to our club’s success.”

The Sharks welcome anyone interested in taking on the women’s coaching role, and all players of all levels and abilities.

For more information, head to janjucsharks.cricket or email [email protected]