We are pleased to announce our senior men’s coaching team for the 2024-25 season.

Damian O’Brien has been appointed as Senior Men’s Coach, and will be supported by assistant coaches Darcy Thomson, Wayne Richard and Daniel Emmerson.

Entering his seventh season at the Tigers, Damian moves into the coaching role after captaining the First XI to the Grand Final in 2023-24.

An opening bowler, he won the GCA2 First XI league bowling award in 2022-23 and has taken wickets consistently throughout his time at the club.

Club president Tim Humphries said it was exciting to see Damian stepping up as coach.

“Damian’s ability to relate to all members of our squad places him in a position to further the success of the Torquay Cricket Club,” Tim said.

“Our previous coach Leigh Kentish was fantastic in elevating our program over the past two seasons and has provided a platform for Damo to continue to build on this year.

“We’re looking forward to a positive season under Damian’s leadership, supported by a very strong group of assistant coaches.”

Damian also acknowledged the efforts of Leigh Kentish, who stood down from the coaching role at the end of last season.

“Thank you to Leigh for the work that he did over the past two years,” Damian said.

“I’m looking forward to continuing a lot of that work.

“The club is now in a great position to reach for promotion to Division One, with a lot of good people aiming to drive us toward success.

“I’m excited to get stuck into it all.”

Darcy Thomson moves into an assistant coaching position in his third season at Torquay.

Prior to joining the Tigers, Thomson captained Mt Clear in the Ballarat Cricket Association through a successful period that included a state T20 title on the MCG.

A former opening bowler turned spin-bowling all-rounder and an outstanding fielder, Darcy brings strong knowledge across all facets of the game.

Wayne ‘Trussy’ Richard is a champion off-spinner who played a key role in Torquay’s 2003-04 First XI premiership.

A significant on- and off-field contributor to the club over many years, he returned in 2023-24 as net manager and will expand his duties to assistant coaching this year.

Daniel Emmerson is a selfless and committed club person who has performed multiple roles during his time at the Tigers, including assistant coach under Leigh Kentish last year.

His coaching experience also extends to junior cricket and football.

“I’m excited to be working with Darcy, ‘Trussy’, and Dan,” Damian said.

“Between them they bring a wide range of knowledge and experience to help our entire playing group grow.”

Torquay Cricket Club welcomes new men’s, women’s and junior players of all standards and levels of experience for the season ahead.

To get in touch, please email torquaytigerscc@gmail.com. Prospective men’s players are invited to call Damian O’Brien on 0498 492 376.

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