MPCA clubs request more information before welcoming Devon Meadows

Devon Meadows’ bid to join the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association took a dramatic twist when clubs voted on Monday night.

Devon Meadows batsman Lucas Carroll cracks a boundary.

Devon Meadows hoped to get the green light to join the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association on Monday night.

The Panthers required 75 per cent support of the MPCA’s 37 voting clubs to make the move from the West Gippsland association.

But the vote at the MPCA’s annual general meeting was unresolved, with clubs requesting more information before voting.

It’s understood clubs wanted clarity on how the Sub District fixture would look with Devon Meadows in it, and if there would be a bye.

The MPCA is likely to provide options to clubs and hopes to complete the vote by the end of the week.

Devon Meadows batsman Nathan Worsteling.

Devon Meadows president Mick Floyd said on Tuesday morning he wasn’t sure of the specific concerns of clubs.

“Apparently there’s no opposition to Devon Meadows coming in, it’s more how the competition looks once we come in,” he said.

“So they’re seeking a bit of clarity around that.”

Floyd added: “Obviously no one wants a bye so depending on what French Island do and what they do with their seconds…all those sort of questions, I’m not sure if they’ve been fully answered yet.”

Devon Meadows has played in the West Gippsland association for 52 years but believes its future lies in the MPCA.

The Panthers approached the MPCA in March and the move gathered momentum.

Floyd said, naturally, there was huge interest from his club’s players and members wanting to know if it had been accepted into the MPCA.

“I got up this morning and checked the phone and there’s messages from everyone, from past players, from potential recruits, from our coaching staff, the committee, everyone, just trying to get an idea because if we make the move across that opens up some options recruiting wise and we can start moving,’’ he said.

“It doesn’t change how we train or anything but we’ve still got to get ready for cricket season...it would just be nice to know where we are going to be playing our cricket.”

Floyd said Devon’s recruiting was on hold until it knew where it was playing.

“That’s the thing we’re waiting on,” he said.

“Obviously there are points implications whichever association we land in. Some guys find playing West Gippy more attractive, some the MPCA more attractive.

“Until we land in whichever comp, recruits are a bit non-committal.

“They want to know before they sign on the dotted line.”