The talented pair, along with another former Spitfire Grant Sawyer, will line up with Worthing Hockey Club in the West Sussex League this season.

“We’ve been looking forward to it for a while now,” Shepherd, 23, said.

“It is something different and it’s something that we’ve always wanted to do. It should be a really good experience.”

Shepherd’s departure is also a blow for reigning Cricket Albury-Wodonga Provincial premiers East Albury after he played a starring role last season.

The Crows have been hit by a number of departures including star batsman-wicketkeeper Darren Petersen (Rovers United) and skipper Matt Salisbury (retirement).