Season preview: Manypeaks confident they can cover the loss of key duo as they look to go one step further

Manypeaks are confident they have the depth to cover the loss of top order batsman Jack Dawson and opening bowler Myles O’Meehan in the new 2020-21 Albany and Districts Cricket Association season. Dawson was a revelation at the top of the order for Peaks, finishing as their leading run scorer and fifth in the competition with 470 runs while O’Meehan played a vital role as swing bowler up front, taking 11 wickets. However, Peaks have recruited former Claremont-Nedlands first grade cricketer Daniel Rees along with South African Nathan Poole in their bid to win their first premiership since 2010-11. Peaks were set to play Railways in the grand final for a fourth time in five years back in March before the decider was cancelled due to the rising COVID-19 pandemic, with the Tigers awarded the A-grade title as a result of being the first team through to the decider. On the eve of the new season Peaks captain Aran Tilbury said his side must not be complacent. “Every year you want to win a premiership, Mt Barker look very strong and like the favourites this season, they have recruited some quality players,” he said. “We have some really good kids, Charlie Walters and Jack Stephens will have a lot more opportunity this season. “Hopefully we can play finals and then try and go one step further than last season.” Tilbury said his team needed to keep improving in their batting especially without Dawson. Seb Stanton was a big improver last season scoring 378 runs and opener Regan Poett contributed 302. “We need to get the basics right, down here fielding is a major key along with batting our overs out,” Tilbury said. “We need to put more runs on the board this season to help us improve. “That let us down in the big games against Railways last season. “I think it will be a pretty even competition, there is plenty of talent spread around. “There will be no easy games and we won’t take any teams or games lightly.” Peaks face the highly fancied Mt Barker in round one this Saturday. Manypeaks Captain: Aran Tilbury Last season: Second Most runs: Jack Dawson (470) Most wickets: Ryan Kinnear (30)