PORTLAND Tigers will bring a largely similar outfit into the 2023-24 Hamilton and District Cricket Association season, with A grade captain Will Oakley saying the club is full of excitement at the prospect of a revamped Portland cricket landscape.

The Tigers will go into this season without their most impactful player of 2022-23, league best and fairest winner Will Hardie, with Oakley saying his side needs to be prepared to find ways to make up the difference elsewhere.

“We had a good season last time around, we were competitive every week and finished second on the ladder, unfortunately it all went a bit pear-shaped in that semi-final,” he said.

“Will Hardie was a massive part of the side last year, but I think him not being there this year gives way for some of the other guys to step up.

“There’s a couple that spring to mind, the first one is ‘Proc’ (Paul Procter), his pace has really picked up in the nets and I think his batting is ready to go to the next level.

“I’m hoping that the role as vice-captain gives him the chance to step up and be a really key player for us, he certainly has the talent to do it.

“The other one I’m looking at is Nik Oakley, I think he has kind of flown under the radar for a lot of people because he hasn’t converted his hard work in the nets out on the park, but his batting has looked really good for a while now.”

Oakley said his side “can’t wait” to get out there and get started with their season, adding that round one against Tyrendarra presents them with a great opportunity.

“It’ll be a good challenge for us, but I think what everyone has their eyes on is those games against Hamilton, and even the opportunity to play on some of their grounds,” he said.

“Our squad is looking pretty similar to last year, some guys will take on a lesser role or perhaps not be available every week, but they’ll be there.”

While the Hamilton move presents an opportunity, Oakley said it also presents a challenge for his group to play a sensible brand of cricket.

“Coming into those games there’s not going to be many preconceptions on either side about how they need to bowl to get someone out, so the challenge for our bowlers is to bowl tight areas,” he said.

“On the other hand, it’s a chance for our batsmen to make the most of the fact that their bowlers aren’t going to know their strengths and weaknesses.”

As for what he hopes the side will gain from the season, Oakley said the end goal is to be competitive each and every week, with an eye toward making finals.

“If we can get wins on the board before and after Christmas and be competitive every week, that’s something for us to build on,” he said.

Portland Tigers’ season will begin on October 7 with a home game against Tyrendarra at Flinders Park.

Portland Tigers Cricket Club

A grade captain: Will Oakley

Player gains: nil

Player losses: Will Hardie (overseas)

Most runs 22/23: Will Hardie – 344 runs at 43.00

Most wickets 22/23: Will Hardie – 15 wickets at 9.47