Pride at stake

Horsham association president Howard Schier said Horsham needed to lift its standing in western Victorian cricket, and winning its division in country week was a way forward.

He said victory in a combined fourth and fifth division in Warrnambool district would light a path towards the competition's elite provincial division and send a message Horsham was serious about its cricket.

"Our experience is that perception is important. If we're not well respected we will always have limited opportunities to develop and promote the game in our region," he said.

"If we're seen to be having a dip, more doors tend to open and it becomes easier to bring big games and big players to our area. That, in turn, generates interest and intensifies competition throughout the association.

"An opportunity exists for our players to reach an elite level and the more we keep winning the more enthusiastic our cricket and our cricketers will become.

"If we foster this attitude, Horsham could build on its involvement in inter- association cricket and that would include a return to other competitions such as Bendigo Country Week."

Horsham team organiser and long- time representative Marty Knight backed up the claims, adding Horsham had its best chance in years to make an impression in representative competition.

"We have as good a side as I've seen in years. It's very strong," he said.

"It's well balanced with plenty of variation and quality in the bowling and talent in a batting list. And the inclusion of Lachie Jones has added a regional dimension to the campaign."

Jones, from Rich Avon-Services club, is Wimmera-Mallee Association captain and has scored more than 500 runs this season. Country week rules allow associations to include up to three import players.

Knight said Homers teenage finger spinner Jason Kannar was also an exciting inclusion in the team.

Drought conditions forced Melbourne Country Week organisers to switch games to regional areas this year.

Horsham had been drawn to play in division five but will now play in a combined fourth and fifth division.

Horsham team: David Puls, Andrew Gunning, Jung Tigers; Jason Templeton, Chris Hopper, Simon Hopper, Ash Hopper, Travis Hair, Justin Kannar, Homers; Tim Bell, Horsham Saints; Lachie Jones, Rich Avon- Services; Glenn Morgan, Rup-Minyip; Damien Bunworth, Laharum; Marty Knight, Brent Penny, Toolondo-Clear Lake; Wayne Farr, manager.

•Don't miss Friday's Mail-Times for a special two-page feature on the Horsham team.