The Campbelltown Camden Ghosts have tonight launched their 2014-15 season with a pledge to make the semi finals.
Both the club president Mick Shanahan and coach Neil D’Costa urged the players in all grades to give it their all this season, the 30th year the Ghosts have been in existence.
“It is time we played semi final cricket,” Mr Shanahan told players and guests at the official launch of the season at Raby Sports Complex.
“We’ve had a three year plan and we have performed very well over that period, but it’s time to build on that. It’s time we made the semi finals,” he said.
The club coach shared the president’s sentiments in his speech to the players, saying that a semi final goal was a “realistic one”.
“Actually, our aim is to make the top six in the club championship, and if we achieve that then we will be playing semi final cricket for sure,” Mr D’Costa said.
All teams selected were presented on the night, with Scott Coyte named as captain of first grade. Claire Koski has been named skipper of first grade in the women’s Ghosts team.
In addition to club sponsors such as Wests Leagues, Paul Wakeling and McDonalds being represented on the night, the two local members of parliament were also there.
Chris Patterson, the state member for Camden, and Bryan Doyle, the state member for Campbelltown, were asked to say a few words of encouragement to the players.
“As well as wishing you good luck in the season, I would like to remind you all that you are part of a fantastic club, it has a great committee, and a lot of experienced players who are happy to pass on their knowledge,” Mr Patterson said. “Take advantage of that if you are a young player. And also remember that you are also playing in the best facility in the Sydney area.”
Mr Doyle urged the players to have a go: “Don’t be afraid to put your skills into action when required,” he said.
After adding that cricket was a game that united the people of this country – “wherever they had come from” – Mr Doyle had a final piece of advice for the Ghosts players: ”Go out there and kick some serious butt.”
