MPCA 2022-23: Baxter champion Dale Irving joins Dromana

There’s been a major player transfer on the eve of the MPCA season, with Baxter champion Dale Irving switching clubs. He explains why.

Dale Irving batting for Baxter. Picture: Jason Sammon

Dale Irving said it took him eight weeks to decide.

But last week he bit the bullet and made the move, joining MPCA District premiers Dromana after 19 success-filled seasons at Baxter, where he built a reputation as one of the MPCA’s greatest all-rounders.

“I probably just needed a change, have a break from Baxter,” Irving said.

“Obviously it was a pretty hard decision.

“I think I took about eight weeks or something, just to see where I was at.

“Probably at the start I wasn’t going to play cricket.”

Irving said the decision was especially difficult because his son Cody was still playing at Baxter.

“Cody my son is still there and he’s probably in the mix to play firsts,” Irving said.

“And that was one of my last goals pretty much to play a firsts game with him at Baxter, and Cody’s so close, so it’s a pretty hard decision.

“But I just thought I’d step away.”

Dale Irving achieved it all at Baxter.

Irving bends his back.

At Dromana, Irving reunites with his former Baxter premiership teammate Daniel Lanati, who is skippering the Hoppers this season.

“We’re still mates. He contacted me and it went from there,” he said.

Dromana

“They look like a good bunch of blokes and they’re there to have fun. There’s a good vibe about the group and they’ve got some talented cricketers.”

Irving, 40, joined Baxter as a 21-year-old from Upper Beaconsfield and achieved it all; multiple premiership player, club champion, president and even undefeated captain — “I think my record was seven games as captain for seven wins, filling in for Daniel (Warwick)”.

Dromana will compete in Peninsula division this season.

Irving’s first game for Dromana will be against familiar opponents, Mt Eliza, which was relegated from Provincial.

“I was glad I didn’t have to face the Barons anymore, but anyway…” he laughed.