By David Nagel
CCCA PREMIER DIVISION – SEASON PREVIEW
PAKENHAM
2022/23: 1st – 10 wins
President: Phil Anning
Coach: Rob Elston
Captain: Dale Tormey
Ins: Dom Paynter (All-rounder), Jackson Luka (Middle-order bat).
Outs: Sean Gramc.
Leading run scorers: Robert Elston (491), Dale Tormey (469), Jack Anning (385), Chris Smith (297), Jason Williams (198).
Leading wicket-takers: Dale Tormey (33), Jason Williams (30), Tommy Tyrrell (18), Marcus Martini (14), James Close (13).
We Say:
Pakenham is hoping the return of a favourite son will provide the impetus to propel it to its first premiership success since 2018/19. Former star all-rounder, and Country Week captain, Dom Paynter is padding up again after a lengthy hiatus from the game due to injury. Paynter won’t be the game-changing all-rounder that he once was, or the best fielder in the competition that he has been, but his batting skills will certainly be a handy acquisition for skipper Dale Tormey and his Lions. Paynter made 75 in a recent practice match and looks in fine touch ahead of his return. Jackson Luka is another to return to the Lions, and will add depth through the mid-to-lower order. Pakenham’s top-order was in dominant touch last season, with Rob Elston, Jack Anning, Chris Smith and Jason Williams joining forces with Tormey to lead the Lions to the top of the ladder. The Lions looked the best team all year, but were knocked out in week one of finals after surrendering 9/371 against Cardinia. Tormey and Williams bowled 373 overs between them last year, with two-to-three minute overs a common theme as the pair applied time pressure to opposition batters. Nick Sadler, Tommy Tyrrell and youngsters James Close, Jordan Seers and Marcus Martini are others who will share the ball around.
Prediction: 2nd – Tooradin, PAKENHAM, Kooweerup, Devon Meadows, Cardinia, Merinda Park, Clyde, Carlisle Park
