Local cricket: VTCA clubs including St Albans make their moves

A neighbouring competition’s leading batsman is set to make a move to the VTCA while a Sunshine United premiership player is changing clubs. More on the latest moves here.

Victorian Turf Cricket Association clubs are ramping up their preparations for the new season which is now just over two months away.

Here are some of the recent big moves.

Pascoe Vale Hadfield land gun batsman

Pascoe Vale Hadfield has welcomed back Jarrod Milczak. Photo: Facebook.

Division 3 outfit Pascoe Vale Hadfield has landed a recruiting coup with Jarrod Milczak set to return to the club after four seasons away.

The star batsman has recently played for Buckley Park in the North West Metro Cricket Association where he scored over 1400 runs in the last two seasons.

His performances saw him finish as the leading run scorer in the competition.

St Albans land former Sri Lankan first class cricketer

St Albans is preparing for a finals push under new coach Michael Else after adding some impressive quality to its list ahead of the new season.

The moves have been headlined by the arrival of Sammika Ruwan Perera who has played over 100 First XI games in his native Sri Lanka.

Joining him will be Englishman Billy Whitford who returns to the club for the first time in several years.

During his last season, 2018-19, Whitford took 23 wickets at an average of 21.48.

Lihan Dushan has also been announced as a returning player by the Senior Division side.

Sunshine United land Premier all-rounder

Sunshine United has done its chances of moving up the Senior Division ladder with the arrival of Hamza Ali from Premier Cricket side Greenvale Kangaroos.

During his six seasons with the Roos, Ali played 34 First XI games most of which came during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.

His best effort with the at the top level was a 52-run performance while he took a 4-30 on another occasion.

“Hamza’s signature is a major coup for the Club as his experience, versatility and leadership qualities were much sought after in the off season,” the club said in a social media post.

Williamstown Imperials sign former league import

Andrew Hendry has signed with Williamstown Imperials for the new season. Photo: Facebook.

Andrew Hendy will wear Williamstown Imperials colours for the new VTCA season.

A former import with Royal Park Brunswick and West Newport, Hendry now calls Melbourne home.

Last season for West Newport he scored 209 runs at an average of 23.22 in 10 innings and took 12 wickets at 22.67.

“We welcome Andrew and hope he spends many happy years as a valuable member of the Willy Imps family,” the club said in a social media post.

St Francis de Sales announce new captain and bowler

Matthew Lewis has been appointed at St Francis de Sales new captain ahead of the new season.

After returning from Premier Cricket for the last campaign, Lewis finished with 21 wickets.

He will also have a new bowling option at his disposal following the arrival of bowler Andrew Della Posta from Western Australia.

St Francis De Sales have unveiled a new bowler. Photo: Facebook.

Della Posta has experience in the state’s elite competition with Perth where he played in the First XI last season.

“We look forward to Andrew ripping his left arm tweakers and terrorising opposition batting line ups next season,” the club said in a social media post.

Glenroy coach stands down

Glenroy is on the hunt for a new senior coach after it was announced Brett Chisholm was standing down from the role.

Chisholm informed the club of his decision last week citing family commitments.

“The Glenroy CC appreciate Brett communicating to the executive his change of intentions still with time remaining to find a new coach before the upcoming season,” president Anthony Greaney said in a post on the club’s Facebook page.

East Keilor turns to former Premier batter as captain-coach

Tarique Jeffrey has been appointed as East Keilor's new coach. Photo: Facebook.

Tarique Jeffrey has been tasked with leading East Keilor towards another finals series after he was appointed as the club’s new senior coach and First XI captain.

He has previous experience with Prahran in Premier Cricket where he scored several centuries.

But in recent years has played at several VTCA clubs.

The club also hinted at more signings in a social media post announcing his arrival.

Point Cook unveils its new head coach

Point Cook have turned to a familiar face for its head coaching role. Photo: Facebook.

Division 3 club Point Cook has gone back to the future with the appointment of Carmine Conte as head coach.

Conte previously held the role when the club was known as Wyndham.

“Carmine is a beloved and respected individual at the club and knows the game of cricket inside and out and has always been willing to pass on his knowledge to both junior and senior players,” Point Cook said in a social media post.

“We believe Carmine will establish a strong culture including a greater focus on training and development this season.”

Melton South appoints new captain-coach

Dean Pirro will lead Division 5 club Melton South this season as the new captain-coach.

He was named the captain of the First XI last season and has a career spanning 16 years with the Royals.

Sanctuary Lakes add another signing

Rahul Patel has returned to Sanctuary Lakes. Photo: Facebook.

It’s been a busy off-season for the Sharks and they’ve added another piece to the puzzle.

Rahul Patel is set to return to the club for the 2022-23 season from Seabrook and will add an exciting all-round ability.

Melton Centrals appoint new coach

Kieran Bensley has been unveiled as the new senior mentor of Melton Centrals.

Bensley has been part of the club since he was a junior.

“Kieran is a player who leads by example, his efforts on both training and game days speak for themselves and he thoroughly deserves the opportunity to lead our great club for the 2022-23 season and hopefully beyond,” the club said.

Footscray Angliss add more talent

Footscray Angliss have welcomed Sunshine United premiership player David Khera to the club ahead of the new season.

He was a member of the Tigers team which won the Senior Division crown in 2021.

“David is an exciting all-round talent, with his attacking batting and pace bowling sure to assist us on field this season,” the club said.