Casey Cardinia Cricket Association’s star recruits for season 2022-23

A former Test opener, a mystery tweaker and a bush run machine are among significant signings by Casey Cardinia Cricket Association clubs. We list the key arrivals.

Chris Cleef bowling for Seaford. He’s joined Devon Meadows in 2022-23. Picture: Chris Eastman

It’s an exciting new era as the newly named Casey Cardinia Cricket Association hits off on Saturday.

Formerly the West Gippsland Cricket Association, the CCCA is moving with the times, according to association president Rob Hansen.

“We are gradually overhauling everything in terms of brand and banners, website and all that sort of stuff,” he said.

“The change was part of promotion to try and improve our standing in the community and to better align with local government.”

And the competition looks stronger than ever, with some big names cleared to Casey Cardinia clubs ahead of the 2022-23 season. Take a look:

Morteza Ali batting for Narre South.

Morteza Ali, Cardinia

A former Wookey Medallist in the DDCA and first-class player in the UK, Morteza will strengthen the Bulls batting and bowling. The 35-year-old is an Afghan cricketer who made his first-class debut for Oxford MCCU against Worcestershire in April 2009. He’s played with Narre South for the past decade.

Chris Cleef, Devon Meadows

Described as a mystery tweaker because of his unusual bowling action, the off-spinning all-rounder joins the Panthers — as playing-coach — after four seasons with Frankston Peninsula in Premier Cricket. The 35-year-old finished fifth in the Premier Seconds player of the season award in 2019-20 and made his 1st XI debut in December 2020. Prior to joining the Heat, Cleef played in premierships at Aspendale and his junior club Seaford, and is aiming for further premiership success at Devon Meadows.

Jaswinder Gill, Officer

An excellent pick up for Premier newcomer Officer, securing former Cranbourne Meadows opening batsman Jas Gill. He will add class and experience to the Bullants’ top order, and has a knack of making big scores — he has a highest of 196.

Gamini Kumara (centre) has joined Koo Wee Rup. Picture: Facebook

Gamini Kumara, Koo Wee Rup

What a boost for the Demons! Yarragon star Kumara has been a champion of the Warragul and District Cricket Association, plundering nearly 9000 runs and taking 330 wickets in 11 seasons. He’s raised the bat for 13 centuries in that time, with a best of 187 not out.

James North, Clyde

The young Englishman will slot into the No.4 batting position for the Cougars. He’s been playing alongside former Clyde player Ryan Adams at Golcar in the Huddersfield League. Technically correct and a quality player by all reports.

Blake Terlaak, Cardinia

Took over 200 wickets for Somerville in the Mornington Peninsula association. Can take the new ball and bowl tightly. And has been known to make handy runs down the list. Excellent addition for the Bulls.

Tom Tyrrell in action.

Tom Tyrrell, Pakenham

The Lions’ 2018-19 premiership player is back after living and working overseas and has been lighting up the track at pre-season. The Country Week paceman took 106 wickets in three seasons with Pakenham from 2016-19.

Michael Vandort sweeps for Sri Lanka against Australia at the Gabba. He’s joined Clyde.

Michael Vandort, Clyde

The tall and stylish left-hander played 20 Test matches for Sri Lanka and hit 1144 runs at an average of 36.90, with two centuries against England and two against Bangladesh. He has spent the past two seasons with Beaconsfield in the Dandenong District Cricket Association, with a best of 116 not out in 2020-21. Should dominate opposition bowling attacks in the CCCA.

Neranjana Wanniarachchi, Clyde

The 24-year-old paceman is diminutive but don’t be fooled. He’s quick. Played 11 first-class games, taking 13 wickets, with a best of 4-38, and is said to possess raw speed, upwards of 140 km/h.