BELVOIR has received a mid-season boost with North Albury run machine David Farrell signing with the Eagles.
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Farrell, who has made two second grade appearances for the Hoppers this season, is a chance of lining-up against East Albury at Kelly Park on Saturday.
Since debuting as a 16-year-old at Bunton Park, Farrell has scored over 5000 runs and made eight provincial centuries.
Belvoir coach Josh Warren said Farrell would be a huge asset as the Eagles chased a strong finish to the season.
“I couldn’t believe it when he sent me a message the other night saying he wanted to come on board,” Warren said.
“We’ve had a good relationship for the past 10 or 12 years including playing in the 2008-09 premiership together at North Albury.
“One thing led to another and the clearance was granted by North Albury late last week.
“He’s gone with North Albury’s blessing too which is great because he’s been a part of the fabric at the club for a long time.”
Farrell’s best knock came in the 2008-09 grand final against Wodonga when he made 167 not out to steer North Albury to a six-wicket victory at Xavier Oval.
Warren said Farrell, 26, had a strong connection with Belvoir after playing alongside several Eagles in CAW’s victorious under-23 representative side in the NSW Shield at Cowra in 2011-12.
“Drew Cameron, Nat Sariman, Zac Simmonds, Mick Russell, Michael Booth and myself were in that side which we called the under-23 GOATS,” Warren said.
“He’ll fit in really well.
“I’m not sure where he’ll play this week.
“He’s obviously a class player and deserves to come straight in but we just don’t give away games so we’ll take a look at it.
“It’s about team selection and balance.”
Belvoir is languishing in eighth position on the ladder with two wins and five losses and face season-defining matches against East Albury and Wodonga before the Christmas break.
“We have dropped a few games we shouldn’t have and need to get a move on,” he said.
“But we’re only four points outside sixth spot so it’s pretty tight.
“Hopefully we can start putting it together against East Albury on Saturday.”
In this weekend’s other matches, Tallangatta take on Lavington.
Like Belvoir, the Bushrangers are yet to find their best form and skipper Matt Armtrong will be eager to inflict the Panthers’ first loss.
Albury do battle with Wodonga, Wodonga Raiders host St Patrick’s and New City play North Albury.