CITY Colts were the surprise packets of last season and have their eyes set on another finals appearance in 2024/25.

After falling to Rovers United Bruck in the semi-final last season, the Colts have retained the bulk of their squad, while also adding some experience and will be gunning to go even better.

In solid additions, former Delatite skipper Mitch Purcell and Ovens Valley United all-rounder Josh Newton will add some experience to the youthful side.

“Justin Solimo has retired from A grade cricket, until he makes a stack of runs in the A reserve and we need him,” City Colts captain Mitch Giggins joked.

“We’ve added Mitch Purcell from Delatite who’s a handy all rounder and Josh Newton from Ovens Valley who will be a solid top order bat for us and he can also bowl off-spin.

“Both of those boys will add some leadership and depth to our pretty young team.”

Along with Giggins, Josh Nanson will hold the captaincy with City Colts identifying him as their man for the future.

“I’m really busy with work now so won’t be able to attend every training so Josh will take the bulk of the captaincy,” Giggins said.

“We identified Josh as someone who can take the club forward, he’s played heaps of indigenous rep cricket and junior rep cricket and knows what it takes to be a good player and leader.

“Both Josh and his brother Tyler work really hard at their games and push each other to get better so we feel he’s the right person for us.”

The Colts turned to youth last season, particularly in their bowling stocks with the likes of Jed Marek and Archie Crispin shouldering plenty of the load.

“We’re hoping those young guys that played plenty of senior cricket last year will take another step up,” Giggins said.

“We’d obviously love to add an experienced quick (bowler) in but unfortunately they don’t grow on trees.”