Rehan Bari, Shepparton Youth Club United\u2019s trusty blade and 2023-24 Cricket Shepparton Lightfoot Medallist, has sought pastures new for the upcoming Haisman Shield campaign.<\/p>\n
The cool-headed middle-order batter has sealed a cross-town move to Kialla-based outfit Old Students, adding valuable experience to a youthful yet talented squad.<\/p>\n
Bari blasted 303 runs at 37.9 in last year\u2019s Haisman tilt, while also chiming in with eight wickets in a season where SYCU finished 11th.<\/p>\n
The campaign prior, he boasted the best batting average of any player in the competition, amassing 583 runs at 58.3 as well as 12 wickets to claim the league\u2019s most revered individual prize.<\/p>\n
So, can this Old Student teach the youngsters a thing or two?<\/p>\n
Bari\u2019s signature marks a statement of intent alongside that of former Pine Lodge speedster Tiron \u2018Tino\u2019 Fernando, with Students\u2019 coach Vince Gagliardi placing bullish expectations on his Kialla crew.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve bought into a stage where we have the young talent, we need to have some experience which is where we got Tino and Rehan,\u201d Gagliardi said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we can go out and say we expect to play finals to be honest.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the development of the young kids and with what we\u2019ve bought in, I think that\u2019s what the expectation should be as a minimum.\u201d<\/p>\n
Students finished eighth last season, a steady improvement on its 11th standing the year prior.<\/p>\n
Bari\u2019s inclusion will likely add some grit and guile through the middle order, while providing the new captaincy duo of Felix Odell and Liam Callegari with another option with the ball.<\/p>\n
As for SYCU, playing coach Sam Nash has ensured his side won\u2019t fall short without Bari.<\/p>\n