MPCA: Baxter recruits James Long and Matthew Dinnie

Baxter has added a shot of energy and talent after picking up two former Premier Cricket players and regaining a champion for the 2021-22 MPCA season.

Baxter batsman Daniel Warwick has recovered from a ruptured Achilles injury and will play in round one.

Baxter is busting to get going after a pre-season makeover of sorts.

An injection of youth and talent — and the return of a champion — has raised hopes and spirits at Baxter Park.

Former Casey South Melbourne players James Long and Matthew Dinnie have joined the club and will both bat in the top five and provide bowling options, too.

Baxter captain Sam Mullavey, who will also coach the club this season, said Long, who also played with Frankston Peninsula and was a Vic under-17 representative, was an exciting talent.

“I captained him in the twos at Casey and he was the best kid coming through by a mile,” Mullavey said.

“He was probably a bit under utilised there.

“He hits the ball cleanly, bowls really good, fields really good and more than anything else he’s a super kid, a really good person, and his family is great.”

James Long has joined Baxter. Picture: Facebook

Dinnie, an opening batsman who also bowls leg spin, spent time with Casey South Melbourne and St Kilda.

“I convinced him to come across and he’s as energised as anyone after having a year off cricket,’’ Mullavey said.

“We had one session before the lockdown and he bowled some good leggies … and was dropping them on a good spot.

“He will probably slot into three or open I’d say. He hit them as well as anybody in that practice session we had.”

Mullavey said Baxter was hopeful of adding another recruit or two in the coming weeks.

“We’re chatting to a couple of other guys as well…that haven’t played cricket for a couple of years but are still young guys, sort of mid 20s,” Mullavey said.

“So all of a sudden we look like going from fielding the oldest side in the comp last year to now this year probably being one of the youngest.

“It’s exciting. And if it’s going to be a one-day season we know our fielding is going to be as good as anyone’s.”

Brilliant batsman Daniel Warwick has recovered from a ruptured Achilles injury midway through last season and looks set to play in round one.

“He’s almost like a recruit, one of the best bats in the comp, so it’s pretty handy to have him coming back in your team that’s for sure,” Mullavey said.

Baxter leggie Yohan Maddege. Picture: Chris Eastman

Baxter has also retained leading leg spinner, Sri Lankan Yohan Maddege, who has taken 141 wickets in the past four seasons.

In other player movements, Carrum has regained paceman Lachlan Dobson, a former Vic Country representative.

He’s been cleared back to the Lions, his original club, after three seasons at Lysterfield.

Former Rye captain Geoffrey Glaum has been cleared from Rosebud to Tootgarook.

Recent MPCA clearances granted:

Nick Lanigan (Crib Point to Flinders)

Taylen Scott (Balnarring to Main Ridge)

Williams Tiesdell-Smith (Red Hill to Balnarring)

Chris West (Baxter to Balnarring)

Josh Hirst (Tyabb to Heatherhill)

Lachlan Barton (Balnarring to Flinders)

Chris Brittain (Baxter to Langwarrin)

Leigh Whitten (Frankston YCW to Seaford)

Wilbur Waters (Main Ridge to Flinders)

Matthew Williams (Flinders to Long Island)

Brock McKenzie (Rye to Boneo)