With the season drawing ever closer, we’re thrilled to introduce the dynamic leaders who will be at the helm of our Senior Grade teams at the Mount Lawley District Cricket Club. Get ready to come down to Breckler and back our captains as they bring a wealth of experience, dedication and strategic mindset to guide their respective Hawks teams to victory.
We invited our captains to provide a personalised message to the club and their supporters to tell us a little about themselves, and outlining their vision and aspirations for the coming season.
Here’s what they had to say:
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1st Grade - Darius D’Silva
I was born in Dubai on 16/04/1998. With the soccer world cup due to take place in a couple of months my father decided on the middle name "Del Piero" (an Italian maestro during the 90's) in the hope I would become a footballer. That wasn't the case. From the age of two I would pester my parents and their friends to throw me balls and it was rare to see me without a bat or an object shaped like a bat in my hand at any given time. I moved to Australia at the age of 11 and attended Trinity College. My goal was to pursue the dream of becoming a professional cricketer and I have represented Western Australia at the Under 15, 17, 19 and futures league level. I have also been fortunate to represent the United Arab Emirates in 6 x One Day Internationals as well as 10 x T20 internationals.
It's a privilege to be named the captain of the Hawks for the 23/24 season and I believe we have what it takes to go all the way this year. As a leader I will strive to lead by example on and off the pitch and want everyone at the club to know that at the end of the day I'm just Darius who is not only their captain but someone they can approach regarding anything in life. One saying that I like to go by is "Don't stop when you're tired, stop when you're done."
It holds me accountable, and I believe sets me up for success.
2nd Grade - Mathew Rossi
Growing up in Dianella I started my cricket journey at the Bedford Cricket Club before quickly moving over to the Mt Lawley Panthers where I played the majority of my junior cricket.
Starting my district cricket journey at 12 years old, this season will be my 10th at the club. During my time at the Hawks I have won a junior premiership, captained the U/17's and this will be my 3rd season as 2nd Grade captain. This season with the inclusion of some good players, the continued growth of our young core and squad depth at the club I expect our 2nd Grade side to be in the mix to make finals.
Go Hawks!
3rd Grade - Simon Homsany
Born and bred in Perth. Played my junior cricket at the Leederville Mt Hawthorn Junior Cricket Club and was a late starter to the game joining in U/12’s. I went on to be part of the districts juniors at Mount Lawley Hawks starting in U/13’s through to U/17’s where I was lucky enough to be involved in a premiership, winning the Graham McKenzie Shield in the U/14’s back in 2014/15. I was coached by the current U/14’s coach Paul Worthington alongside teammates and current senior players Mathew Rossi and Matthew French.
As a Trinity boy, I spent my senior years playing for the school first XI and along with football commitments this meant I only returned to the club last season. I'm thoroughly looking forward to seeing how we as a club rebound this season, working with our young aspiring cricketers as well as more senior players who are motivated and always keen to improve their game.
Outside of playing, l'm fortunate to coach our U/15’s this season which gives me great pride in developing the next generation of senior Hawks!
4th Grade - Nathan Ellett
Howdy, I'm Nathan or probably better known as Nellett, Nell, Nigel, Aye-Nell and the next Doug Stewart.
I grew up in Perth playing my footy at the Mt Hawthorn Cardies and cricket at Leederville CC whilst swimming at City of Perth Swim Club. I also went to Wesley playing school footy and cricket.
My hope for the season would be to bring the mighty Avengers (4s) back to playing finals cricket and pushing for the flag. As a leader I hope to instil a winning culture and be a person who anyone can come to for a bit of guidance or help whenever they need and also show how to play an aggressive, fun and winning brand of cricket.
A quote I live by is "Control the controllables" as I believe in there being no point in putting time and effort into something that cannot be changed, and instead change or put effort into the things that can and help you go forward.
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Our senior grade captains are fired up for the 2023/24 Cricket Season and ready to lead their teams through the season game by game.
The countdown to the first match is on – so let's show support for our exceptional Hawks leaders as they guide us through an unforgettable season of cricket action!
Go Hawks! 🦅
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