WODONGA Raiders president Steve Jennings has hit out at suggestions the club’s promotion to Provincial cricket is a waste of time.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Raiders and New City, who spent last season in Cricket Albury-Wodonga’s District competition, will play in the Border’s top grade this summer after a board meeting on Monday night saw their bids to join granted.
But it stirred a mixed response, with CAW representative coach Trent Ball labelling the move a “complete waste of time” and not in the best interests of cricket in Albury-Wodonga.
Ball said neither club would be competitive.
But Jennings disagrees.
“I think we will be competitive,” Jennings said.
“As long as nobody keeps poaching our juniors, which will hopefully stop now we’re back in Provincial.
“We’re under no illusions about how tough it will be but if we can add a couple of players, which we’re hopeful of doing, then we’re confident of being competitive.”
Jennings said the Raiders had planned their move back into Provincial for the past five years.
“Pretty much ever since we were relegated,” he said.
“When that happened, we had blokes leave and it really set us back.
“So when the chance to go back came up, we jumped at it.
“It will be a tough initiation for the guys but their cricket will be better for it in the long run.”
The Raiders have spent thousands on updating their turf wicket and been active in attracting sponsors to the club.
Now, they just need a coach.