Bundoora Park makes move to Diamond Valley Cricket Association

Bundoora Park has been given the tick of approval to join the Diamond Valley Cricket Association, and have revealed a new coach and captain for 2019-20.

Brad Fox will captain Bundoora Park in the DVCA next summer. Picture:Andy Brownbill

Bundoora Park has been given the green light to join the Diamond Valley Cricket Association.

The Parkers’ First XI will contest Mash Shield — the competition’s third tier — in 2019-20 after the club’s move from the North Metro Cricket Association was approved.

The fact the addition of Bundoora Park would have created a bye was a sticking point for Mash Shield clubs, but Diamond Creek’s Second XI will also be added to the competition to even up the numbers.

Bundoora Park president Andrew Culph said he was grateful the Creekers agreed to be promoted.

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“It shores up our future,” Culph said.

“We’re in a strong competition now and our juniors have got a strong competition to play in. We were really concerned the NMCA might not have an under-16 comp next season.

“It also guarantees our (senior) lower grade teams a game each week. I think we had 14 walkovers in the NMCA last year.”

The Parkers will enter their new competition with a new leadership team, with Kristian Doddato appointed coach and Brad Fox captain.

Jake Bennett, who was captain-coach last summer, will remain as a player but is set to miss about five games in the coming season because of an overseas holiday.

Former Bundoora Park captain-coach Jake Bennett sends one down. Picture: David Smith

“Both Kristian and Bradley have been at our club since they were juniors and have proven themselves to be decent cricketers. They’re both of a really high character,” Culph said.

“We think this is a really good development opportunity for them.

“We’re always keen, if suitably qualified, on promoting from within.”

Daniel Fox (Preston) and Kyle Green (Keon Park) have arrived at the club, while Jarryd Culph will return from injury. Bronson Hill has crossed to Premier Cricket club Essendon.

Bundoora Park finished fourth in the NMCA’s top flight last season.

“We think we’ll be very strong in Mash Shield, given we made the finals in A Grade in the NMCA,” Culph said.

“We’ve got a lot of depth with some of our talented juniors.”