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VTCA 2018-19: Association at loggerheads with Cricket Victoria over proposed revamp

The VTCA is at loggerheads with Cricket Victoria over a proposed revamp of the sport in Melbourne’s northwest and has threatened to operate without affiliation to the governing body.

West Coburg players celebrate a wicket during a VTCA match this summer.
West Coburg players celebrate a wicket during a VTCA match this summer.

The VTCA is at loggerheads with Cricket Victoria over a proposed revamp of the sport in Melbourne’s northwest and has threatened to operate without affiliation to the governing body.

The parties are set for further talks in coming weeks, with the VTCA refusing to join five other associations in signing a heads of agreement.

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The Melton Junior, North West Metro, Williamstown District, Western Region Junior and Western Suburbs United Churches and Community associations have agreed to progress a regional model which CV says would “deliver a robust structure for the game to thrive in Melbourne’s west.”

But the VTCA said it had raised several “sticking points” with CV and was concerned it would be the only turf competition governed by the agreement in the region.

The five associations which have so far signed are hard-wicket competitions.

“Given the initial taskforce was a turf cricket taskforce, we were keen on being involved in that,” VTCA president Steve McNamara said.

“Now it’s more hard-wicket centric and there’s not a lot there that specifically benefits us. “Those are the sort of sticking points we are concerned about.

“We are working through it and having some discussions with other turf associations as well about other things.

“We will continue to be part of the process and continue to have some discussions with Cricket Victoria.

“But, as I say, at the moment we are committed to move on our own path.”

Asked whether the VTCA could operate without any association with CV, McNamara said: “That’s a very strong possibility.”

“Very likely at the moment, given the fact we are not signing a document.”

He said the VTCA had received legal advice it should not sign the heads of agreement as “you can’t then turn back”.

“Given there’s no meat on the bone, nothing there, there’s a number of things we want to discuss and look at as part of the process before we commit to it,” he said.

“At this point those particular things aren’t there.

“We’re not going sign a document and commit to it until such time as we see that we are moving in the right direction.”

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CV hopes a “transition plan” can be implemented from next season and said it “will continue to progress discussions with the VTCA”.

The VTCA is home to clubs from areas including Moreland, Moonee Valley, Hume, Melton, Brimbank, Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay and Wyndham.

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north-west/sport/vtca-201819-association-at-loggerheads-with-cricket-victoria-over-proposed-revamp/news-story/f4440ecae0cb87f660df8d8da330583f