MPCA clubs add star recruits in preparation for the 2020-21 season
Clubs have made some big signings since the MPCA season ended abruptly in March. We’ve rounded up all the movements in the top two divisions.
South East
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Recruits, player movements and coaching appointments — it’s been a frenzy of activity in the MPCA in recent weeks.
Clubs have moved quickly to bolster their lists in preparation for the 2020-21 season, hopefully post-coronavirus.
In Provincial, reigning premiers Sorrento has added a sharp edge to its bowling, signing former Springvale South and Berwick paceman Jarrod Armitage. He will partner with Jake Wood in a fearsome new ball combination sure to have opening batsmen ducking and weaving.
Perennial finalists Peninsula Old Boys will field a power-laden side after securing Mt Eliza batting star Justin Grant and Mt Martha fast bowler Rhys Whitling. Both are high performers who also bring leadership, having captained their clubs.
The Pirates have also had a change of leadership, with young gun Will Crowder taking the captaincy and fellow homegrown talent Tom La Brooy named vice-captain. They will lead a side with serious firepower, including Grant, Whitling Dylan O’Malley, Wade Pelzer and John Forrest.
Langwarrin will have a dynamic edge after signing former Victorian paceman Jayde Herrick from Somerville.
While Langy have lost captain-coach Jake Prosser and opening bowler Leigh Paterson, both to Cardinia, Herrick’s arrival will ensure the Kangaroos remain a leading contender.
VTCA star Cameron Sharpe is another key addition for Langwarrin, while former star Danny Weare is set to make a comeback after five years out of the game. Club legend Tim Harper takes the reins as Langy’s coach.
A new-look Baxter will be skippered by Heatherhill premiership captain Sam Mullavey, while ex-Sorrento and Tootgarook fast bowler Adeel Hussain will coach Baxter and spearhead its bowling attack alongside Dale Irving.
Baxter champion Daniel Warwick has relinquished the captaincy but will remain as a key player. Warwick said Chris Brittain was also staying.
Mt Eliza has undergone a raft of changes since making the grand final in March. Homegrown talent Tom Baron has been appointed captain-coach, while the Mounties’ big outs are Justin Grant (to POB), Lyle House (Rosebud) and Tim Clarke and Matt Whelan to Delacombe Park. But Mt Eliza has welcomed back premiership keeper-batsman Ben Tracy and possibly promising batsman Josh Goudge.
Mornington has reappointed Darren Berry as coach and will again be led on the field by Matt Foon.
After a two decade absence, Red Hill returns to Provincial ranks with a side, under champ Simon Dart, capable of making a big impact. The Collett brothers, Glenn and Tom, spinner Brent Martin and batsman Matt Merifield will again fuel the Hillmen.
Craig Entwistle will continue as coach of Baden Powell, which has retained all players. Rhys Elmi is the Braves’ batting ace.
In Peninsula division, Main Ridge has regained a couple of its young guns — fast bowler Jordan McCulley and leg spinner Nick McNamara — from Premier Cricket.
McCulley returns to captain-coach the Cougars after four seasons at Kingston Hawthorn, while McNamara is back after three seasons at St Kilda.
The Cougars are excited about what lays ahead with the likes of emerging players Ollie McEncroe, Will Noall, Jacob McWilliams, Bill Sakalis and the Banks brothers, Charlie and Jack.
Nick Jewell’s Long Island has boosted its bowling stocks by recruiting young English left-armer Dan Kelly, who played with Pearcedale last season.
The Islanders made the finals last season and will be stronger again, with star recruit Tom Boxell to improve further and young keeper-batsman Aiden McKenna ready to make his mark.
Former Queensland paceman Matt Gale will captain-coach Flinders, which will be determined to bounce back after being relegated from Provincial. Former star player Blake Hogan-Keogh is likely to slot into the Sharks side in the second half of the season.
Ricky Ramsdale is back at Pines, as skipper, and former Frankston Peninsula opening bowler Billy Humphrey has committed to playing. Humphrey, 25, who played 27 First XI games at the Heat, will reunite with his former Heat teammate Jackson Mockett to form a potent speed attack.
Pines has also recruited former Langwarrin premiership all-rounder David Ross and batsman Jezza Weare.