VTCA: PEGS sign Carlos Maynard and Shakeem Clarke ahead of new season

A VTCA club desperate to move up the ladder has landed a huge double signing ahead of the new season with things looking promising on and off the field.

Exciting promising and thrilling.

Three words to sum up the feeling at PEGS ahead of the 2022-23 Victorian Turf Cricket Association season.

The Division 1 club is preparing to make a charge up the ladder after just three wins and a ninth place finish last campaign and PEGS recruitment is doing the talking.

PEGS president Terry Fulton confirmed the club had appointed Barbados domestic star Carlos Maynard as the club’s new captain for the next two seasons.

The wicketkeeper previously spent one season with Strathmore in the Senior Division where he took 17 catches and had three stumpings.

Former Strathmore wicketkeeper Carlos Maynard has been named PEGS captain. Photo: Julian Smith.

Fulton also told Leader, Maynard would be joined by his great mate Shakeem Clarke, who is the son of former West Indian test cricketer Sylvester.

“What attracted us most to these guys is they want to be involved in the club and we’re thrilled they wanted to commit for the long-term,” he said.

“It’s no secret we want to return to the Senior Division and we think these players will be able to help us achieve that. Originally they were meant to come for the 2020-21 season but obviously Covid got in the way.

“You speak to people and they say Carlos was the premier wicketkeeper when he was at Strathmore. But it’s important he also doubles as a gun top order batsman.

“I got to know the guys a bit when they were at Strathmore and they want to make the club a better place.

“They’re not just turning up for a pay cheque. They’ll help with fundraisers and come into the rooms after a game. We’re very excited.”

Pishan Hewage.Picture: Stuart Milligan

Club legend Marty Pickering has been reappointed as head coach with Dave Graham set to be his assistant.

A core group of talent young guns will also remain in PEGS colours ahead of the new season.

Among the key pieces will be reigning back-to-back club champion Pishan Hewage who has re-signed for a further two seasons.

“In the past couple of seasons we’ve had a group of about 10 young guys aged between 17-23 play First XI cricket,” he said.

“We don’t have a massive amount of money and want to develop that group of players. That’s one of the reasons we targeted Carlos and Shakeem because they’ll lead the way for our side.

“Marty and Dave are fulfilling their roles on a voluntary basis which is a real blessing.”

Off the field, PEGS is going stronger than ever with a committee of 12 people being formed ahead of the new season.

It’s a number Fulton hasn’t seen in his time as president.

“We’ve retained all eight members from last year and added four guys between 20 and 23,” he said.

“It’s not often you get those younger guys wanting to help with administration or help organise social events. It shows where the club is at the moment.

“I remember the years where we only had four people and you basically lived at the club.

“It’s fantastic to see the group growing.”

West Newport unveils new coach

James Usher has been named the new senior coach of Division 2 club West Newport.

He arrived at the club last season and went onto win the First XI best and fairest, batting award and club champion.

He brings an “impressive skill set and vast cricket knowledge” to the role.

Point Cook continues a busy summer

There has been plenty of incomings at Saltwater Reserve this off-season.

Point Cook has unveiled South African Joshua Van Zyl as the club’s latest signing ahead of the new season.

“Josh is a hardworking and determined cricketer looking to make a real impact in his first season with the Warriors,” the club said in a statement.

“Josh has already amassed 40 centuries in his career as a destructive top order batsmen, with an average exceeding 65 in South Africa.

“Josh is also an impressive wicketkeeper, taking the most dismissals in SA Prem B and was awarded Senior Cricketer of the Year last season.”

Melton South secure rival VTCA batsman

Ali Raza will wear different colours this season after he agreed to join Melton South.

Raza has spent the previous six seasons at Sunshine Heights where he scored over 1600 runs at an average of 21.72.

He’s also proven to be a handy bowler after taking 85 wickets at 18.

Raza is a former Kuwait junior international.