MPCA: Mt Eliza set to be strong again after key signings
Mt Eliza has regained a star paceman and signed an interstate opening batsman as it replenishes its playing stocks after losing a string of players.
South East
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The last time he played in the MPCA, he had batsmen in Knotts.
Three years on, former Victorian Country paceman Shaun Knott is back at Mt Eliza ready to make life tough for opposition top orders.
The big left-armer took 40 wickets to help Mt Eliza into the Provincial grand final in 2016-17, including a bag of five in a semi-final win over Peninsula Old Boys.
Knott only had one season at Mt Eliza before returning to Eaglehawk in the Bendigo association.
But the Mounties have always wanted to get him back — and last week, they succeeded.
“We’re over the moon,’’ new Mt Eliza captain-coach Tom Baron said.
“We just contacted him to see what the chances are of him coming back and with footy not going on he decided he’d play some sport. It’s good to get him back on board.’’
Mt Eliza has also boosted its batting depth with the addition of Wyong opening batsman Oliver Thompson.
The 23-year-old has moved down from NSW to work as a curator at Peninsula Kingston Golf Club.
“He had last year off and is looking to play again,’’ Baron said.
“He played a lot of junior rep cricket up that way.
“He Facebook messaged a few clubs and we just got on to him quick smart, got on well with him over the phone.
“It’s good to get another batter in the side.’’
Baron said Thompson would open the batting with either Ben Tracy or Tim Strickland next season, with Rashmika Opatha to bat at No. 4.
Knott’s addition adds to an already deep-in-depth bowling attack, featuring big quick Nathan Smith and the Baron brothers, Tom and Nick. The trio took 64 wickets between them last season.
“We’ve got Smith and Knotty who bowl a pretty good pace and then myself and Nick, then Rashmika, Oliver Thompson bowls as well and Scott Tansley,’’ Baron said.
“And Knotty will come in the middle in the batting which helps as well.’’
Baron said the recruits are a timely fillip after the Mounties lost seven players since winning their way into the MPCA Provincial grand final last season, including champion batsman and skipper Justin Grant, who has joined rivals Peninsula Old Boys in one of the biggest player movements of the off-season.
“It’s just good to get it swinging the other way, get some positive news,’’ he said.
“There was talk that something’s gone on. Well, nothing’s gone on at the club, it’s just that blokes have left.
“Nothing actually happened, it’s just good to get something positive towards the club.’’
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