MPCA: Red Hill signs Frankston Peninsula all-rounder Chris Dew

The Hillmen have beaten a raft of MPCA clubs to sign a Frankston Peninsula batsman with over 4000 runs to his credit.

Chris Dew batting for Frankston Peninsula in a Twenty20 Super Slam game. Picture: Valeriu Campan

He was a wanted man.

Chris Dew attracted interest from about half a dozen MPCA clubs keen to recruit him.

On Monday, he signed with Red Hill, linking with the Hillmen, who stepped up to Provincial grade last season.

Red Hill secretary Brian Carroll described Dew as a “perfect addition”.

“We’ve been in discussions with him for a couple of months,” Carroll said.

“He really strengthens our batting as well as giving us another bowling option to back up the Colletts (Tom and Glenn) and Jamie McCall.

“Yep, very excited to have him on board.”

Dew’s career took in two stints at Frankston Peninsula, where he made over 4000 runs and played 186 games.

Chris Dew bowling for Pearcedale in a semi-final. Picture: Valeriu Campan

He also coached Pearcedale in the MPCA, highlighted by his match-winning, unbeaten 159 in the 2015-16 District grand final.

It’s no wonder local clubs were keen to snare the 33-year-old.

Chris Dew in Red Hill colours. Picture: Facebook

“I believe he was a very popular target, so we are pretty excited to have him and he’s the exact type of person we want to attract to the club,” Carroll said.

“He’s got a young family, he’s a really likeable, approachable character.

“His motives are right, he’s not out chasing the big bucks or anything like that. He just wants to play competitive cricket and play along with guys of a similar age he can get out and have a bit of fun with.”

Red Hill captain-coach Adam Slack said the Hillmen’s batting needed a boost in the absence of Simon Dart, and Dew was “a fantastic pick up”.

“He’s certainly going to help, I look forward to him slotting into the top order,” Slack said.

Red Hill’s side already boasts plenty of Premier Cricket experience, including Luke Robertson (ex-Ringwood), Slack (Kingston Hawthorn) and Tom and Glenn Collett (Kingston Hawthorn).