Kyabram Cricket Club has boosted its chances of winning its first Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield with the recruiting of star Tongala veteran all-rounder Darin Ohlsen.
Ohlsen made his debut for the Redbacks in Saturday’s clash against the unbeaten Central Park-St Brendan’s and gave a hint of what could be to come.
He was the pick of the Kyabram bowlers with his left-arm off-spinners reaping 2-23 off nine overs and was then involved in a late-order batting stand with Kyabram's skipper which almost pulled off an unlikely come-from-behind win.
Ohlsen is also an accomplished batter who has done well as an opener over many years with Tongala.
Ohlsen said on Sunday he had ‘‘pulled up a bit stiff’’ from Saturday’s game but had really enjoyed the experience.
He said he wasn’t intending to play this season when Tongala pulled its A-grade side out of the Goulburn Murray competition but succumbed to some persistent persuasion from Paul Newman and Kyle Mueller (Kyabram players).
Ohlsen said he was unavailable for the next two days leading up to Christmas but would be available for all games in the new year.
‘‘I feel a bit refreshed to be among new teammates and think I’m going to really enjoy it.’’
But Ohlsen ruled out playing in this season’s Bush Bash League in which he starred last year, playing with the Kyabram Hurley’s Hotel Hounds team.
Ryan flying back to Kyabram
Kyabram Football Club has lured Billy Ryan back to the club in a coaching role.
Ryan and Tom Curnow will share the coaching duties with the Bomber reserves next season and will have club stalwart Brenton Shepherd and Abikhair Medalist Sean Dillon in supportive roles.
Ryan has spent the last three seasons with Kyabram League club Lancaster where he established himself as one of the premier key forwards in the league.
He and Dillon will also be in mix to play the seniors if their form warrants it but Curnow will be on the sidelines after undergoing another major knee operation last week.
Echuca fancied
Echuca Football Club is firming in the betting for next year’s Goulburn Valley League flag after a marquee signing recently.
Sam Reid has conceded his AFL days are now over with his decision to join the Murray Bombers based around wanting to play with his younger sibling Ben and spend more time with his Echuca-based family.
Sam chalked up 108 games with Greater Western Sydney in a 14-season career with the club but the family’s connection with Echuca goes back to the early 1980s when Sam and Ben’s father Jeff played in Echuca sides coached by former Tongala premiership star Mick Lovison and club legend John Haw.
Ben spent five seasons with Geelong’s VFL side before returning to play with Echuca last season.
Sam was used in several roles in his days with GWS so his versatility is going to make him a huge asset in Echuca’s premiership drive.
Murray Bombers co-coach Simon Maddox said he would initially be used in the midfield but was a player who could adapt to any position.
He is the second major signing by a GVL club in the last two weeks with Rochester luring Shaun Atley back to his home club after a 214-game career with AFL club North Melbourne.
Hamilton heads to Harbour City
Corop boy Cooper Hamilton wasn’t confident it would happen but he is now heading to the GWS Giants next season courtesy of the AFL Rookie Draft.
After being told GWS was taking only three players in the national and rookie draft Hamilton thought his aspirations to play AFL had to be put on hold for the time being.
Hamilton’s drafting was somewhat bittersweet as he admitted being bitterly disappointed that his brother Hugh, who plays for Rochester, missed being picked up in the draft along with some of his Bendigo Pioneers teammates.
Hamilton is now keen to make his already-proud home club Colbinabbin even prouder, saying it has always had his back in his footy journey so far.
Payne train
Kyabram trainer Gary Payne enjoyed a win with pacer El Boston at last week’s Shepparton meeting.
The five-year-old gelding by Union Guy had to do some work early to find the lead but then kept all challengers at bay over the 1690m trip to record his sixth career win and second success within six starts for Payne.
Tongala trots trainer Michael Watt struck again last week with the trotter he trains Patchwork winning at the Charlton meeting.
With the win the five-year-old Stonebridge Regal mare made it two wins from the six starts Watt has given the trotter since taking over her training. She has also had three top-four placings in those six starts for Watt.
Owned by Echuca-Moama trots stalwarts Norm and Joan Visca and driven by James Herbertson, Patchwork led from pillar to post over the 2100m trip in recording an impressive win in slick 2.01.7 mile-rate time.
Patchwork’s career record now stands at three wins and three placings from 23 career starts.
Season opener
The Heathcote Football Netball League will launch its 2022 season with a night game on Saturday, April 2.
Colbinabbin will meet Elmore in the opening round clash originally listed as a round 12 fixture.
The official opening round will be played on April 9 with this year’s minor premier Lockington Bamawm United clashing with White Hills.
Leitchville-Gunbower will host its home games at Leitchville in the first half of the season and at Gubower in the second half.