Let’s both play — the MPCA’s request to the MPNFL for October
Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association is determined to start the 2020-21 season as early as possible and has put a proposal to local football’s governing body. Plus the latest player movements.
South East
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The MPCA is determined to start its season in early to mid-October, even if local football finals are on.
Last week Cricket Victoria agreed to AFL Vic’s request to cut into the start of cricket and allow shortened football seasons to play until October 18.
MPCA general manager Ian Benson has asked AFL South East if it would allow cricket to be played during footy finals.
“I’m in conversation with (AFL South East’s) Shaun Connell to see if he’ll come to the party,” Benson said.
“I don’t know if they’ve got any objections to us playing the same weekend as their grand final.”
The MPCA reasons that if their junior competition is allowed to start on October 16, why not the seniors, too?
As it sits at the moment, senior cricket competitions are permitted to start from Friday, October 23.
Asked if local football was prepared to give some ground to allow cricket in mid-October, Connell said: “Absolutely. We are having the right conversations...’’
If the MPCA does start on Saturday, October 24, it would coincide with the AFL grand final.
Sorrento and MPCA Country Week captain Bobby Wilson has proposed a morning start on that day to allow players to get off the ground and watch the big game.
“We might have to start as early as we can — maybe 11 o’clock,” Wilson said.
MORE NEWS:
CRICKET VICTORIA AGREES TO DELAY START OF SEASON
JAYDE HERRICK JOINS LANGWARRIN
MPCA STAR READY TO FIRE IN DARWIN SEASON
Meanwhile, in other local cricket snicks:
*Carrum Downs’ batting strengthened by Frankston Peninsula opener Gordon Waterfall, who is returning to his junior club.
*Dromana premiership fast bowler Zacc Klan to test himself at Provincial level, signing with Baden Powell.
*Brad Trotter returning to Pearcedale after a season with Pines, along with Billy Kennedy and Sam Frawley.
*A leading Provincial player and Country Week player attracting strong attention from Premier Cricket club Frankston Peninsula.