Subbies cricket: former Premier Cricket Magpie joins Malvern for 2019-20

Malvern has added another former Camberwell Magpies player to its squad, with Tom Rickarby signing at the Subbies club.

Tom Rickarby on the attack for Camberwell Magpies in 2017-18.

When it comes to recruiting, Malvern is making hay from a Magpie nest.

In Glen Parker and Patrick McKenna, the Roosters secured two players from Premier club Camberwell Magpies last season (in addition, Patrick’s brother Mick crossed from Monash Tigers).

Now they’ve added another ex-Magpie in the well-performed Tom Rickarby.

The 31-year-old played no cricket last season but will resume his career alongside his former teammates Parker and the McKennas at Malvern.

Rickarby started in Premier Cricket at Richmond in 2004-05 and crossed to Camberwell Magpies in 2009-10.

He played a total of 123 First XI matches, knocking off 3536 runs at the good average of 31.85.

There were three centuries and 24 half-centuries, a record that suggests he will add considerably to the Rooster batting division.

He will also perform some batting coaching in his role at Malvern.

Malvern president David Priddle noted Rickarby hit 526 runs at 52.60 in his last season of Premier Cricket.

Big Ben Nethersole won’t play for Malvern next season.

He said that after a season off the right-hander would be “nicely primed for action’’.

“Tom attended our 160th function and was genuinely impressed with the history and people that make up our club and is keen to be a part of it,’’ Priddle said.

“He has played a lot of cricket with and against Glen Parker and the McKennas and we welcome him to Malvern.’’

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The Roosters have reappointed former Frankston Peninsula star Luke Walker as First XI captain and the experienced Peter Marshall as coach.

They have also regained premiership batsman James Lynch, who has spent the past two seasons at Beaumaris, and all-rounder Dan Fielding.

On the minus side, opening bowlers Alex Ross (relocated to the UK) and Ben Nethersole (work and family commitments) have departed the club.

“We wish both of them well — fine players and quality guys, both of them,’’ Priddle said.

“Their absence brings opportunity for our current group of young quicks to step up, which is exciting.’’

It’s believed the Roosters are also in talks with former Frankston-Peninsula all-rounder Chris McCormick, who played 83 First XI matches.

He finished with the Heat in 2016-17 after work took him to Sydney.

McCormick’s highest score in the firsts of 70 came in his last innings, against Melbourne, and his medium pace brought him 82 wickets.