Former Flame returns to salvage season

By Gus Underwood

Jan 4, 2022

Mr Fix-it: Kyabram FNC president Peter Learmonth has returned to coach Kyabram Fire Brigade Cricket Club after its shaky start to the season. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

Dual premiership coach Peter Learmonth has answered an SOS from Kyabram Fire Brigade Cricket Club to return to try to get its season back on track.

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Learmonth has taken over the coaching reins of the club again after leading the club to the last season’s Goulburn Murray Cricket premiership.

He stepped down at the end of last season but has been persuaded to return after the Flames dropped successive games to Rochester and Cooma before resting with the bye leading up to the break for the festive season.

‘‘I just think they need some direction and I’m happy to help out although I admit I did enjoy the spell,’’ Learmonth said at the weekend.

“I’m sure Brenton (Campbell, captain of the side) will appreciate some assistance. He is an elite player.”

Learmonth said he would continue to nurture the club’s younger players, just as he did in his previous two seasons as the club’s coach.

‘‘We have some really good young players coming on, with a mix of some experienced players, so there is no reason why we can’t get back on track,’’ Learmonth said.

Learmonth will be familiar with this Saturday’s venue when the season resumes, as Fire Brigade makes a road trip to take on Nondies Cohuna in a one-day game at Cohuna. He originally hails from Cohuna and his parents still live there.

The young Cooma side will be chasing its second win for the season on Saturday but it faces a big challenge when it takes on the in-form Rochester at Rochester.