Tyson Windus returns to Torquay CC

TORQUAY Cricket Club has made its first major player signing of the off-season, with talented former junior Tyson Windus committing to a return to Spring Creek Reserve this summer.

Although the 20-year-old has made occasional appearances for the Tigers during the past four seasons, he has played primarily for Geelong in Premier cricket.

A wicket-keeper/batsman, Windus highlighted his ability during one of those Torquay cameos in 2019-20 when he scored 170 in a First XI match against Bell Park.

A former Barwon Rockets under-18 representative player, Windus made his first grade debut for Torquay as a 15-year-old in 2016-17.

He said he looked forward to hunting success with his home club as it aims to improve on a semi-final exit last season.

“I’ve always stayed closely connected with Torquay and I think the club is in a strong position both on and off-field at the moment, so it’s a great time to come back,” Windus said.

“I learned a lot during my time at Geelong – it was a fantastic experience, and I’m now really excited to put the Torquay cap back on and hopefully contribute to a winning side.”

Tigers coach James Fisher said Windus’ signing would add immediate strength to the club’s top order.

“We know Tyson has the ability to make big scores at GCA2 level, and we think he’ll be one of a number of batsmen who’ll be capable of steering us to some solid totals this year,” Fisher said.

“He’s a passionate Tigers person and a very talented player, so we can’t wait to slot him into our team.”

Windus’ move back to Torquay will also reunite him with twin brother Josh, a regular in the Tigers’ first grade side for several seasons.

Fisher – entering his second season as coach – said the club would retain almost all of its core group of First XI players from last season but was still looking to add further depth.

“We have some really talented young players coming through, so we think we will have some significant improvement from within,” he said.

“But we are also actively recruiting because losing the semi-final really hurt and we desperately want to achieve success.

“We will be setting high expectations for ourselves.”

The Tigers welcome new male and female players of all ages and abilities for the 2021-22 season. Anyone interested can phone club coach James Fisher on 0406 317 697.