MPCA Snicks: Langwarrin captain recovers from leg surgery, Boneo names new skipper

A leading paceman has had leg surgery, a club has unveiled a rookie skipper and mystery recruits have rival clubs guessing. It’s all in the latest MPCA cricket snicks column.

Langwarrin paceman Travis Campbell goes at Sorrento. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The delayed start to the season has been a blessing of sorts for MPCA Provincial power Langwarrin.

Skipper and paceman Travis Campbell has been spotted getting around in a moon boot after having surgery on his lower leg.

He’s in a race against time to be ready for the start of the season, whenever that is.

“We’re pretty confident he’ll be right for round one,” Langy coach Matt Prosser said.

“If we had have started this weekend, which we were meant to, we wouldn’t have been seeing him that’s for sure.

“But hopefully if we’re going to be starting mid November he should be right for round one.”

Langy face old rivals Long Island, keen to make an impact back in Provincial, in round one.

Ian Cockbain batting for Bonbeach. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

OVERSEAS STAR STILL COMING

Prosser also confirmed Langy’s boom recruit, English star Ian Cockbain, was on track to join the side for the start of the season.

“The paperwork is all sorted, it’s just a matter of booking a flight for him,” he said.

“Hopefully we’ll get that sorted very soon and he’s over here for round one.”

CAMEO UNLIKELY

Rumours of super bat Simon Dart making a cameo appearance for Red Hill this season have been quickly knocked on the head.

Simon Dart.

“Not that I’m aware of, no,” Hillmen captain-coach Adam Slack said when asked if Dart was returning from Japan, where’s he’s working.

“We’re not planning on him being in the line-up at any point.

“It would be a bonus if it happened.”

NEWCOMER INTRIGUE

Still at Red Hill and there’s a degree of mystery about its latest recruit, keeper-batsmen Andy Restein.

The former Old Wesley player had a brief stint at St Kilda a while back.

He hasn’t played for a few years.

“We don’t know what we’re getting,” Slack said.

“He’s moved into the area and is keen to get amongst the club and get back into cricket.

“We’re hoping he can hold a stick…hopefully it’s one of those bonuses where we have a First XI player walk in off the street.”

Flinders champ Dwayne Field.

‘SHOULD BE FUN’

A change of pace for two of Flinders’ finest, with Dwayne Field and Shane Beggs set to play in the club’s Third XI (B Grade) this season.

The two champs are taking the opportunity to play alongside their sons, who are now eligible to pay seniors.

“Should be fun,” Fieldy declared.

“I haven’t played anything but ones since 1997.”

NEW SKIPPER FOR PANDAS

Exciting changes at Boneo.

The Pandas will have a new captain this season, with Jack Beale taking charge.

Jarvis Anderson will be his vice-captain and will also captain the Pandas in the Twenty20s.

New Boneo coach Jason Albress said Beale got the job after an interview process.

New Boneo coach Jason Albress.

Beale takes over from long-serving skipper Ryan Jellie, who will continue on as a key player.

BACK AT BONEO

In other Boneo news, Stewie Mathieson returns to the club after stepping away to focus on baseball.

Mt Eliza’s Neil Johnson is another handy addition.

Albress identified Sean Garner as a player to watch for Boneo this season.

“He’s done his apprenticeship and is ready to have a big role in the firsts,” he said.

“And look out for 16-year-old Zac Hewett with the ball.”

MYSTERY RECRUITS

We’ll have to put our detective hat on…

We hear reigning Sub District premiers Carrum Downs has picked up a couple of quality players, but their identities remain a mystery.

The Cougars, it seems, are keen to fly under the radar as they rise to District ranks this season.

All we know is one of the newcomers is a former Country Week captain from another comp who has moved into the area.

And he’s a left arm opening bowler, who bats top three.

BURRAS BOOST

An influx of recruits should see Skye climb the ladder in Sub District.

The Kookaburras have added about eight players, mostly from West Gippsland clubs.

From what we hear there’s a heap of talent among them, and the one-dayers will suit their dashing style of play to a tee.

KEY LOSSES

But it’s not all good news for Skye. Arguably their best recruit, former United Arab Emirates Under 19 player Kulith Rabel, won’t be playing; he’s moved to Perth for work.

Skye’s key losses are Anthony Craddock to Tootgarook and Josh Phillips (WGCA).

Skye had the unique record last season of finishing on the bottom of the ladder, despite beating both grand finalists.

As Skye stalwart Rob Gruar cleverly put it: “It was either Calypso or Colapso cricket”.

AJ King in action for Sorrento. Picture: Chris Eastman

SORRENTO SPEEDSTER BACK

English left-arm spinner Andrew Libby isn’t the only bowling boost for Provincial champions Sorrento.

Paceman AJ King, who spearheaded Sorrento’s attack with great effect for many seasons, is making a comeback after three seasons out of the game.

Sorrento skipper Bobby Wilson says he’s a welcome addition.

“I had one hit with him about six weeks ago and he was going alright,’’ he said.

“We didn’t chase him to play, he messaged me and Cory (Harris) and said, ‘I want to play again’.

“We said, ‘okay see how you go, if your body and knee hold up and you’re bowling well then you’re an option’.

“What I faced in the nets he was looking okay.’’

WHISPER

Is an MPCA Peninsula club a chance to lure a gun bat from a neighbouring club?

It would be the icing on the cake for the title-contending side.