Three premierships and some pretty impressive performances. You would think that would create a certain amount of self satisfaction.
However Upper Beaconsfield Cricket Club is about to embark on an ambitious change of direction to boost its level of contentment.
After three years as the Maroons’ coach, Bathiya Perera has accepted a batting consultant position with Frankston Premier Cricket Club for the next season.
He will continue to administer the Maroons Junior section but will no longer organise the senior club.
As a result, Upper Beaconsfield is now searching for a coach, one that will lead them into a new era.
A consistent star after joining the club for the 2015/16 Premier season after a three year stint with Berwick in the DDCA, Perera crunched 1,288 runs at the level in 39 matches, at an average of 35.77. With the ball, he was more than handy, picking up 30 Premier wickets over the three years.
In total, Perera made one Premier hundred and a Twenty20 hundred, and 11 half centuries – including four in his first season with the club.
“The Maroons have really appreciated the efforts of Bath Perera in driving a level of professionalism and lifting the standards to which the club has aspired, however we still have gaps to close on our measure against the successful WGCA clubs,” Maroons Life Member and secretary Rob Hansen said.
“We are looking for someone to lift that output and lead us to even greater success. We also would like to increase the number of teams we field and provide opportunity for people to enjoy their cricket more.”
The club has already recruited enough players to field a One Day cricket team next season and it is also looking to provide the chance for players to join their mates in the grade of their choice with the emphasis upon more social cricket.
Potential candidates for the Senior Coaching Role should contact the Club secretary Rob Hansen on 0412080592 and be prepared to submit an application.
