ADCA 2023-24: Young guns to be given more opportunity as Regan Poett takes over as Manypeaks captain

There will be a changing of the guard at Manypeaks with the side under new leadership in the 2023-24 Albany and Districts Cricket Association season as Regan Poett takes the reins as captain. Poett is among several big changes for Peaks, who missed out on playing finals last season and have lost a number of key players in the off-season. Strong top-order batter Seb Stanton is a big loss having moved to Perth while talented Englishman James Bottomley has returned home. An Achilles injury will keep veteran Warwick Durack on the sidelines while youngster Jakeb Douglas has moved to Kendenup and Kieran Howie will not play this season. Bottomley was vital with the ball taking 25 wickets across all formats last season while Stanton scored 254 runs for the club, only bettered by Poett (307 runs). Poett has taken over as skipper from Aran Tilbury and new English import Ben Southern has arrived ready to make an impact. The loss of several key players will give greater opportunity to a host of Peaks youngsters that are coming through the ranks, something which is exciting for Poett. “We’ve still got a good core of senior players that have proved they are good enough to compete with anyone in the competition,” he said. “We also have some good, young kids coming through and I’m excited to see what they can bring. “Some will get an opportunity with the new ball and we’ll have some young guys in the top five or six, but overall I think we will have good balance between the young guys and seniors.” Poett said they were expecting Southern to fill the role of last year’s international player Bottomley and be a vital seamer for their side. He was also bullish about a trio of younger players who have already had a taste of A-grade cricket. “Ben is a bit of like for like with Botts, he is a seam bowler that can hopefully take a few wickets up front,” Poett said. “Cam Walsh has played two or three games for us for a couple of seasons now but he will have a full season with us and with the ball is really exciting so one to watch out for. “Regan (Christensen), Ollie (Douglas) and Angus (McSweeney) have had good preseasons, they have all played before and shown a bit but they will get a lot more opportunity.” Peaks are confident experienced all-rounder Paul Donaldson will play some part in their campaign and Poett says the competition is shaping up to be an interesting one. “Not long ago we were playing in grand finals and we still have got some of those guys playing,” he said. “I’m very excited to be leading the boys this year, Tillers has done it for a number of years and I’ve learnt heaps from him. “I’m excited for what the season holds.” Peaks will start their season with a clash against Collingwood Park at Turf North on Saturday. MANYPEAKS Captain: Regan Poett Last season: Fourth Most runs: Regan Poett (307) Most wickets: James Bottomley (25) Inclusions: Ben Southern (Oakham) Omissions: Seb Stanton, Warwick Durack (injury), James Bottomley, Jakeb Douglas (Kendenup), Kieran Howie