Cricket Southern Bayside: Parkdale United to welcome 10 new players

An influx of 10 recruits will strengthen Parkdale United across the grades as Cricket Southern Bayside gears up for a season of one-day cricket.

Parkdale United captain Calum Ravesi (with beard) and his players. Picture: Frankie Photography

Parkdale United captain Calum Ravesi says a season of one-day cricket will play to his side’s strengths.

Short format cricket looks certain in associations around Victoria, with the season likely to start at least six weeks late.

The Pythons showed their prowess with the white ball last season when they won the Cricket Southern Bayside Division 2 one-day grand final.

“We’ve been a fairly strong one-day side in recent years, across all sides,’’ Ravesi said.

“We are a side that’s fielded well, and that’s a big focus of ours.’’

Parkdale United players celebrate their White Ball grand final victory last season.

Ravesi said Parkdale United is set to welcome “close to 10’’ new players.

Already the Pythons have announced several recruits, including Monash captain Jay Mahen, who will bolster the batting and provide leadership.

Experienced fast bowler Michael Schofield and all-rounder Ajay Kumar are other additions.

There are more to follow, Ravesi said.

“We’ve been able to retain our full First XI squad which has been a positive and we expect to bring in probably close to 10 returning faces or new players to the club — they will play across the grades,’’ Ravesi said.

“From a depth perspective we are looking really good this year.

“By adding a couple of players to the ones that strengthens the twos and threes as well.

“Really happy with the way things are tracking.’’

Parkdale United made semi-finals three seasons in a row in CSB Division 2 before just missing finals last season.

Ravesi has skippered the side for five years and led from the front with 2000 runs in the past four seasons.

Parkdale United will move into new clubrooms at its Jack Grut home base thanks to a major upgrade by Kingston Council.

“We’ve created a pretty good social culture down there so to have new rooms will be pretty exciting for the guys who have been around the club,’’ Ravesi said.

The popular Michael Ardrey has been appointed captain of Parkdale United’s seconds, while Alex Taylor and Reece Joseph will continue as co-captains of the thirds.

Club legend Ross “Royce’’ Hudson, who played his 500th senior game for the Pythons a few years ago, will skipper the Masters side.

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