MPCA: Dromana signs batter, sets sights on District title

There’s already talk of the Hoppers boasting the best bowling attack in the MPCA this summer. Now they’ve added a ton-scoring batter.

Recruit Arthur McKenzie (left) shakes on it with Dromana coach Jack Fowler. Picture: Facebook

Gee, Dromana has recruited well…

The Hoppers’ latest signing is heavy-scoring Box Hill Reporter batter Arthur McKenzie.

A quick look at his stats shows he peeled off five centuries for Kerrimuir United, including 131 in a semi-final.

McKenzie joins Waide Symes and Reuben Higgins as newcomers to the Hoppers.

“We’re starting to really look like a destination club,’’ Dromana coach Jack Fowler said.

“It’s a big credit to everyone who’s been involved over the last five or so years.”

As for McKenzie, he has moved to the Peninsula and is pals with Symes.

“He is a right hander and will go straight to number three,” Fowler said.

“He had some experience at Richmond when he was younger so he’s a bit of a cricket nuffy and knows a lot about the game which will be awesome for the other guys to learn off.”

Jack Fowler bowling for Dandenong in a grand final. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Dromana finished in second spot on the MPCA District ladder last season before losing to eventual premiers Rosebud in a semi-final.

The return of favourite son Fowler, as senior coach, after three seasons of Premier Cricket will add a sharp edge to the Hoppers’ bowling.

Sam Fowler playing footy for Dromana.

It’s led to some suggesting Dromana will boast the strongest bowling attack in the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association this season, with the likes of skipper Ben Brittain, Fowler, Symes, Higgins, Sam Fowler and spinners Jye Voelkl and Chris Vervoorst.

Fowler made 25 First XI appearances for Kingston Hawthorn in two seasons and was rated among the most exciting prospects in Premier Cricket — with bat and ball — before crossing to Dandenong last season.

He played in the Panthers’ finals campaign, including the grand final against Prahran in April.

Fowler believes Higgins, who’s crossed over from Mornington, is set for a big season with the ball.

Sam Fowler took handy wickets as a part-time bowler last year and could be an even more valuable member of the side this season.

“With Sam’s plans not going ahead to play footy in Darwin for the summer he’s taking cricket a bit more serious and really committing to us and looks as good as anyone at the club with the bat,’’ Jack said.

Dromana star Kierran Voelkl, after another successful season in Darwin, is expected to play with the Hoppers in the second half of the season.