Former Australian cricket player Damien Fleming has joined the Noble Park Cricket Club.By Glen Atwell
NOBLE Park Cricket Club looks set to swing into the Victorian Sub District Cricket Association season full steam ahead.
The club has secured the services of former Australian swing bowler Damien Fleming and has also added a new coach in batsman Rod Douthie.
After working as a bowling coach at Australia’s Cricket Academy in Queensland, Fleming recently returned to his native Victoria and was keen to return to playing.
Having been a local and playing football at Noble Park in his early years, it was an easy step back to Moodemere Street.
In a stellar career Fleming played 20 tests and 75 one-day internationals.
Often referred to as Australia’s last real swing bowler, Fleming is probably best remembered for his part in the memorable World Cup semi-final against South Africa, when after seeing the game slip through the power hitting of Lance Klusener, he calmly effected a run out when all seemed lost.
Douthie has been a star batsman in the Sub District competition for the past few seasons.
After crossing from Moorabbin to take up the coaching role, he is sure to enjoy the pitch conditions at Noble Park.
Douthie has a reputation for hard-hitting, game-turning innings and brings a wealth of experience having plenty of district cricket in his time at Hawthorn.
He has invigorated Noble Park in it’s preseason to date with younger and older players alike keen for a big year with some fresh faces at the helm.
With Fleming now returned from England where he was conducting an Ashes tour with Merv Hughes, expectations are high as preparations for the season reach a climax.
Both Fleming and Douthie are keen to have as many new faces as possible at the club this year with opportunities at all levels.
With the top-class facilities enjoyed at Noble Park including a magnificent ground and turf training nets, the club can offer an unparalleled experience for youngsters finding their way in the game and older players looking for rejuvenation.
The opportunity to train and play with someone who has represented Australia with distinction doesn’t come too often.
The club will field four teams in the Sub District competition.
Noble Park’s junior program, in which all four sides played finals last season, competes in the Dandenong District Cricket Association and also welcomes players in all age groups.
Those interested in playing can call Rod Douthie on 0416 178 003 or visit the club website at www.noblepark.cricketvictoria.com.au
