Launceston have reappointed Andrew Gower as club coach for the 2016-17 season and are looking to make the A-grade finals after closing the gap on their rivals last year.

David McIntee will continue as director of coaching and Rowan Smith has been re-appointed as club captain.

“We are continuing to develop our young group and we are excited at the prospect of seeing some of those young players pushing for A grade selection,” McIntee said.

“We will continue to give our young players opportunities if they are showing that they are up for the challenge.

“The club is certainly looking to improve on our performances from last year and to do that we need to be more consistent in both two-day and one-day cricket.

“Pre-season numbers have been excellent and all players have worked hard and are keen to start the season.”

The Lions have appointed former Trevallyn premiership-winning captain and coach Damian Whybrow as second grade captain.

The Lions are keen for Whybrow to use his experience to guide their promising group of youngsters.

Clinton Laskey has been reappointed as third grade captain, and will be hoping to go one better this year after guiding his team to a grand final appearance last season.

After playing a key role in coaching the club’s juniors in recent years, Michael Bennett returns to the playing ranks as fourth grade captain.

Launceston have appointed former state representative Tony Benneworth to coach the club’s women’s team to be captained by Victoria Geale.

The club’s junior program will again be under the control of junior development officer Steven Hudson.

Cricket inquiries can be made by calling Gower on 0428819677 or McIntee on 0409844669. For information on the season launch call Glenn Joyce on 0419 575 689.