MPCA: Sorrento to tackle Queenscliff in the annual Battle of the Rip

MPCA clubs have locked in practice games as excitement builds ahead of the start of season 2021-22. Check out the list.

Pat Jackson bowling for Pines against Moorooduc. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mornington Peninsula cricket clubs have been hurriedly organising practice games before the November 13 season start.

Most are planning to have full-scale hit outs against other clubs on November 6.

Reigning back-to-back Provincial champions Sorrento will travel “overseas” for its praccy match.

The Sharks will catch the ferry to Queenscliff for the clubs’ annual Battle of the Rip match.

It will be the 38th edition of the game, the brainchild of the late, great Sorrento legend Geoff “Morgo’’ Morgan.

Sorrento batsman Bobby Wilson hitting a straight six in a semi-final last season.

Reigning MPCA Peninsula division premiers Long Island will tune up for its return to Provincial with a hit-out against Heatherhill at Ballam Park.

MPCA District premiers Rosebud has teed up a game against Box Hill Reporter District Cricket Association grand finalists Heatherdale in Mitcham.

Boneo’s new coach Jason Albress has organised a practice match against his former club Main Ridge, at Boneo.

Mt Eliza will host Pines at Madsen Reserve, with two games organised.

Baden Powell, after playing off in last season’s Provincial grand final, will face Somerville in a warm up game seven days before the opening round.

Peninsula division rivals Moorooduc and Mornington will face-off in a practice game at Derril Rd.

Last season’s District minor premiers Carrum will travel to Tooradin for a praccy game against the strong West Gippsland Seagulls, who have Tom Hussey back from Langwarrin.

Dromana, with Jack Fowler as coach, will have a hit-out with Cricket Southern Bayside club McKinnon, at Pier St.

Other clubs, including Red Hill, Seaford Tigers and probably Langwarrin, plan to play intraclub practice games.

Practice games on November 6:

Queenscliff v Sorrento, Heatherdale v Rosebud, Boneo v Main Ridge, Mt Eliza v Pines, Long Island v Heatherhill, Baden Powell v Somerville, Moorooduc v Mornington, Tooradin v Carrum, Drromana v McKinnon.