NMCA 2018-19: Bundoora Park looks to move to the DVCA
A North Metro Cricket Association Jika Shield club is looking for a new home after more than four decades in the competition.
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Bundoora Park wants to pull up stumps on the North Metro Cricket Association.
The Parkers have competed in the NMCA since it was established more than four decades ago, but president Andrew Culph said his club’s desire to secure its long-term future was a key factor in the decision to push for a move to the Diamond Valley Cricket Association.
Bundoora Park is required to issue a submission to the DVCA by April 30 and will need to be given the green light by the competition’s executive and clubs.
Culph said a motion to move to the DVCA was put to club members at a special annual general meeting on Tuesday night and “passed unanimously”.
“Obviously it was a really difficult decision for us,” Culph said.
“We’ve always had a great relationship with the executive of the NMCA, and us leaving is by no means a reflection on them.
“We just wanted to make sure we positioned our club in a strong competition going forward.”
Culph listed Bundoora Park’s desire to be part of a “stronger competition, particularly for our juniors” and the fact it was on the receiving end of several walkovers from opposition clubs this season as reasons for the decision.
Neighbouring clubs Bundoora, Bundoora United and Old Paradians also compete in the DVCA.
“We’ve spoken about it informally for a few years,” Culph said.
“But we started talking seriously about it at the start of this season.
“I want to make sure we leave the NMCA on good terms, and that’s why we’ve been honest and upfront with them all the way.
“If we are approved to go to the Diamond Valley, we will be leaving the NMCA on good terms.”
Culph said the Parkers’ positive First XI campaign in Jika Shield made the decision all the more difficult.
After claiming the Quick Shield flag in 2017-18, Bundoora Park finished fourth in in the top flight before exiting the flag race in the opening week of finals.
“We tried for years to get into A Grade and when we finally got there, we had a pretty good year this year,” Culph said.
“Obviously that was one of the things we spoke about, but at the end of the day there were a few negatives with the decision. But the positives far outweigh the negatives.”