DVCA top grades grow to 30 clubs as Dennis and Rivergum arrive

The Diamond Valley Cricket Association has been bolstered by the arrival of two new clubs for next summer and one side has already landed an impressive recruit.

Rivergum’s Matthew Kiely. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The Diamond Valley Cricket Association’s top-three grades now have a better balance after the arrival of two new clubs.

Dennis and Rivergum were accepted in the northern suburbs cricket competition earlier this week, crossing from the North Metro Cricket Association.

Both clubs will start in the Mash Shield, the third tier of the competition, giving each of the top three divisions 10 teams.

“We’re up to 30 clubs in our Shield competitions, 10 in each division, it’s a good number,” DVCA treasurer Ken Whiteman.

Whiteman said a “number of boxes” had been ticked off when it came to accepting new clubs.

He said the history of both club’s and their “strong stability” were key factors in the decision.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming both clubs and seeing them add to our senior and junior programs,” he said.

Rivergum president Daniel Young said his club saw the move as “something fresh”.

The senior side, which completed in the NMCA’s Jika Shield last season, reached the preliminary final after finishing the home-and-away season on top of the ladder.

“It’s going to help bring some new energy into the club,” he said.

“A big part of our decision was based around our junior players and giving them an opportunity.

“We’ll be facing new teams at new grounds, there’s a lot to look forward to.”

Rivergum has also confirmed Corey Altis as the club’s new coach on the back of winning the NMCA’s Bill McFarlane Medal last season as the competition’s best player.

He takes over from Mat Perri.

Young also confirmed John Mastrogiannis would return to the club for the new season.