MPCA: Dromana signs former New Zealand first-class all-rounder

A match-winning all-rounder who has played cricket at the highest level in New Zealand has signed at Dromana.

Dromana coach Chris Robson (left) and recruit Dewayne Bowden.

The Freddie Mercury of New Zealand cricket has rocked into Dromana.

And the Hoppers are hoping for some show-stopping performances.

Former Wellington first-class player Dewayne Bowden has signed with MPCA Sub District premiers Dromana after moving into the area.

The big hitting, fast bowling all-rounder comes with big wraps and a reputation as one of the game’s great characters.

Dewayne Bowden on the attack for Mountain Gate.

“He payed first-class cricket for Wellington for 10 years,” Dromana coach Chris Robson said.

“He also played over in England as a pro, also for 10 (years), so he can play.

“He calls himself the Freddie Mercury of New Zealand cricket. He’s one funny bloke.”

Robson said Bowden, 37, literally walked in off the street, appearing at Dromana’s premiership celebrations last season.

New Dromana captain Ben Brittain bowls for Baxter.

“When we were celebrating our grand final win there was this bloke in the middle of the room and I thought, ‘who is this bloke?’,” Robson said.

“Everyone around him introduced him as the best cricketer we will ever see. He comes with big wraps, mate.”

Bowden played first-class cricket alongside New Zealand stars Jesse Ryder and Grant Elliott and his 33 appearances included 1080 runs (at 28.42, including a century) and 74 wickets, at 34.39.

In recent seasons he’s played in the Ferntree Gully association with Mountain Gate. Robson says he will help the Hoppers, who broke a 48-year premiership drought last season, as they move into District ranks.

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“He’s a left armer, still gets them up around 130kph, and a left-hand dashing opening bat,” Robson said.

“He wants to open in the Twenty20s and bat three or four in the two day stuff. He just goes for everything, swings his bat at everything he reckons.”

Dromana will be skippered by former Baxter opening bowler Ben Brittain, while Kierran Voelkl, Zacc Klan and Jye Voelkl — all key figures in the premiership season — will again drive the Hoppers.