Retired Premier Cricket quick Nick Boland will play DDCA in 2024-25

Nick Boland was one of the more sought-after local cricketers after he announced his retirement from Victorian Premier Cricket, and now he has a home.

Nick Boland bowling for Prahran. Picture; Valeriu Campan

Springvale South has consolidated its position as one of the teams to beat in the Dandenong District Association by landing the signature of Nick Boland.

Boland recently retired from Victorian Premier Cricket where he forged a terrific career with Frankston Peninsula and Prahran.

He joins the Bloods having gone to school with skipper Cam Forsyth, played football with Jackson Sketcher and being a close friend of Jordan Mackenzie.

And it was those connections Forsyth felt assisted the Bloods in landing Boland.

“It’s pleasing to have those personal connections and that probably gave us an in as to what the club has to offer,” he said.

“In terms of what he offers as a player: he’s a good fast bowler, can swing the ball, bats well, fields well and has had a lot of success at Prahran.

“I think the biggest thing for our club recruiting Nick was that he will fit in seamlessly – he’s a great guy – I think that was as big as what he can bring on field as well.”

Nick Boland bowling for. Prahran. Picture: Valeriu Campan

It’s one talented bowler in and a talented bowler out, with Yoshan Kumara leaving Harold Rd.

Forsyth thinks Boland and Kumara are “slightly different cricketers” but expects Boland to be damaging in all three facets of the game.

“I think in terms of our team and where we’re at, he will be very useful in terms of having another fast bowling option,” he said.

“From my experience of playing with and against him, he can more than hold his own with a bat and he’s a great fielder too.”

The Bloods, along with Buckley Ridges, are bound to be at the pointy end of the Turf 1 season again.

Forsyth says Springvale South will enter the 2024-25 season with the expectation to compete again.

“You want to get through the season and finish as high as you can and then it’s anyone’s guess for what can happen from there,” he said.

“Hopefully we’re in a position to compete in finals, ideally a grand final, and then take our chances from there.

“Last year would have hurt the boys so hopefully we can go one better but it’s a very competitive competition so you can’t take it for granted.”