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WACA Premier Cricket: Gosnells feels its swagger is back

Elliot RaiterComment News

A SENSE of confidence and belief has returned to Sutherlands Park, with a galvanised Gosnells beginning its season with a point to prove; finals cricket is firmly on the agenda.

The Hawks sit in third position after five rounds following crucial wins over reigning premiers Rockingham-Mandurah and finalists Joondalup, with a united group not just making up the numbers.

“This season a lot of people, particularly a lot of the bigger clubs, have written us off,” vice captain Alistair Bivens said.

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“They have done that at their own peril.

“The aim is to play finals, that’s always the goal.”

Bivens credits an outstanding pre-season for early success.

“I think we had one of the best pre-seasons this year,” Bivens said.

“This year the culture has been really great and we have boys that really want to buy in and put effort in.

“The president Ross Leipold has been around the club and at every training session. He is there to help all of the boys.”

Along with Bivens, two new faces have made an instant impact for the club, with the bowling stocks strengthened by an experienced campaigner.

“The addition of Chris Prescott has been really important for the club, he adds plenty of experience to our bowling attack,” Bivens said.

“Jonathan Crowe coming onboard this year full-time has been really good. He has shown his own leadership and has been fully committed with his effort.”

Just two seasons ago, Gosnells played in a Premier Cricket grand final.

That year, Luis Reece collected 56 wickets.

The Englishman has returned in ominous form with 10 wickets in three games.

“He brings vast experience from the England set-up,” Bivens said.

“The way he just knows the situation of the game; he really looks to provide a lot of experience to our young guys. He is just instrumental.”

The season may only be a month old, however the Hawks continue to defy the doubters, with the club putting no restriction on the success it can achieve.

“We are really ready and a good chance of playing finals cricket, like we did two years ago,” Bivens said.

“Everyone wants to be here and wants to win games of cricket, we are all enjoying it.

“I don’t see anyone stopping us from going all the way this year; we have to keep pushing hard.”