Rutherglen United ready to pad up

“I think we'll go okay, we've got a couple of sides in... B Grade and C Grade,” Holmes said.

“We have a mix of players and a mix of cultures as well; we've got a few subcontinental boys (who are) hopefully going to play a bit more this year.

“Last season was pretty good ... we probably underperformed a bit, especially in B grade.”

C Grade presented a different challenge, with the side containing a number of older players, but the season proved just as valuable for the club.

Holmes said the side played really well and had a lot of fun.

While results remain important, the club is placing a strong emphasis on maintaining its culture and ensuring players enjoy their cricket.

“I don't want to put a number on or results,” he said.

“I think if we feel two sides and continue to just have a good culture, I think that's probably the main thing.”

Away from the playing field, the club continues to rely heavily on the efforts of its volunteers, with a small group putting in countless hours to keep the club operating.

Holmes said everything was done by volunteers, who were “absolutely everything”.

Among those recognised was Chris Colvin, who continues to contribute his time to both the football and cricket clubs.

“Chris, does (the mowing) for the football club and the cricket club,” Holmes said

“He's been here forever and doesn't get a lot of recognition, for what he does.”

The club's playing surface is also in good hands, with John ‘Omo’ Contessi, looking after the pitch.

Committee member Lenny Lister and his wife have also continued to provide plenty of support behind the scenes.

“Lenny Lister is on the committee, he’s been here for ages as well and just countless hours, he and his wife,” Holmes said.

The club is continuing to invest in its junior pathway, with Milo cricket returning and Keith Gates taking charge of the under-12s program.