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New guard to lead Colts for the 2020-21 season

Headshot of Jackson Barrett
Jackson BarrettSouth Western Times
Newly appointed Colts leaders Tyler King and Josh Topliss are humbled by their new roles and have high hopes for the coming season.
Camera IconNewly appointed Colts leaders Tyler King and Josh Topliss are humbled by their new roles and have high hopes for the coming season. Credit: Jackson Barrett

Josh Topliss played his first game for his beloved Colts Cricket Club when Tyler King was just three years old.

This season, the stalwart will take over the reins as the club’s A-grade captain, with a now 16-year-old King as his apprentice.

Topliss moves into the role at the end of a five year stint by his great mate Cruize Ciallella, with the club’s first XI set for a mini-rebuild, while King, one of the most exciting talents in the region, will serve as his deputy.

“I’ve been here since I was 15 and I would literally do anything for the club,” Topliss said.

“You get to play your way through the grades and slowly start playing A-grade, looking up to some of the older boys.

“This was something I’ve always dreamed of doing, it’s the perfect opportunity and hopefully I can have a positive impact and lead the club to some more success.”

The firebrand quick took 16 wickets last season at the impressive average of 14.75 before the season was brought to a premature end after one week of finals.

New Colts captain Josh Topliss bowls in a game against Eaton last season.
Camera IconNew Colts captain Josh Topliss bowls in a game against Eaton last season.

Colts will be without last season’s import Vikramjit Singh and wicket-keeper-batsman Brian Hughes for the season, which Topliss feels will create opportunities for more of the youngsters at the club.

King is the second 16-year-old to vice-captain the club after Jayden Goodwin took on the role for the 2018-19 season before moving to Subiaco-Floreat.

“I think it will be a good learning experience for me and hopefully we can bring a premiership back home to the club,” King said.

“I love the environment here, the blokes and all the amazing coaching.

“It is a little bit daunting, but very humbling to be given the role.

“Jayden is an amazing player and my whole juniors I have looked up to him and to fill his shoes a little bit at the club means a lot.”

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