GSCA 2024-25: Australs North to benefit from English influence in push for elusive finals berth in new season

Australs North are eyeing a long-awaited finals berth after snaring the crucial signatures of two Englishmen ahead of the new Great Southern Cricket Association season that starts on Saturday. The competition will be brushed with a flurry of English talent this season, with four overseas players making the journey to the Great Southern for an Australian summer of cricket. Fresh off their English season, Archie Atwell and Kane Scott will play in Lions colours for Australs North, reigning premiers Broomehill gain the acquisition of Max Jordison and Katanning Wanderers receive the services of Joe Raynor. The Lions have struggled in years gone by, finishing last on the ladder in the past four seasons. Swindon Cricket Club product Atwell is determined to help develop a winning culture at the club which has been starved of success while hoping to create a bit more buzz around cricket in the community. “Initially it’s just going to be about getting some more excitement back into the club,” he said. “There’s some quality there, but it’s about creating a habit of winning because creating a winning environment is what me and Kane (Scott) will set out to do. “And getting a bit of excitement around the team, a bit of belief . . . I don’t see any reason why we can’t go on and at least make a run for the playoff spots and hopefully get ourselves into a final. It’ll be really good for the club.” A left-arm pace bowler with pinch-hitting stints with the bat, Atwell will add another dimension to their fast-bowling cartel that includes Holly and Axle Pearce and provide stability at the top of the batting order. The 21-year-old elected to come to regional WA for an Australian summer, drawn by the appealing romance of the State’s history of producing talented quicks. “Playing on the synthetic decks, you can push it through a little bit quicker so it’ll be a good challenge for me bowling a heavier length and attack the batsman a little bit more, rather than swinging it. “Living in a bit more of a rural area in WA . . . it seemed a lot more of an inclusive family atmosphere for the league. “I think I’ll end up opening or batting relatively high up as well which will be another new challenge.” Atwell said it felt comforting to be joined by three other fellow UK players for the upcoming season. “That’s a massive positive; we’re all from similar backgrounds at home,” he said. “It’s really nice because we come as a little bit of a (package) at social things, around the club and around the area. “It’s exciting for the league.” GSCA president Jack Batchelor is tipping this season to be one of the best in recent memory, with the addition of the international talent and T20s. “I think the main thing is just trying to add a bit of class, just to our weekend club cricket and a bit of professionalism,” he said. “This season is going to be the most exciting year in the GSCA we’ve had for decades with the introduction of T20 cricket, coloured clothing, internationals and good quality cricketers in the comp. “I’m expecting some of the best cricket we’ve seen in the GSCA in a long time.” The Broomehill Bandicoots play Kojonup Cougars, the Australs North Lions lock horns with Katanning Wanderers Tigers and Kendenup will take on Tambellup in round one. All opening round games are T20s and start at noon on Saturday.