Peninsula Old Boys set for name and ground change in MPCA
The Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association Provincial powerhouse club is soon to have a new name and a new home ground.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Pirates are setting sail for new surrounds and a name change in the MPCA.
Peninsula Old Boys Cricket Club is unlikely to be allowed to play on its home ground at Peninsula Grammar this season, due to COVID-19 restrictions, so the Pirates are eying off a well-known oval down south as its temporary base.
POB president Paul Pelzer said RM Hooper Oval, Graydens Rd, Hastings — the MPCA’s showpiece for decades — was looking the likely venue for his club in 2020-21.
“That’s what the talk is at the present time but we’ve just got to confirm it all up,’’ Pelzer said.
“Until such time that we actually get confirmation from the school that it’s closed and we can’t use it we haven’t locked anything in.’’
Under current COVID-19 restrictions, the education department is not allowing community activity on schools grounds.
The ruling affects six clubs in the MPCA that use school ovals — Ballam Park, Boneo, Red Hill, Delacombe Park and Langwarrin being the others.
The MPCA is in the process of finding replacement venues but it could be that clubs will have to share ovals this season.
Peninsula Old Boys is also about to undergo a name change, soon to become Old Peninsula Cricket Club.
The change is expected to be confirmed at the club’s annual general meeting on Tuesday.
“(It’s) part of the current culture within sporting associations, particularly the amateur clubs,’’ Pelzer said.
“We are changing from Peninsula Old Boys to Old Peninsula Cricket Club.
“And that’s on the back of discussions with the school, the alumni.
“I think what’s going to happen is that eventually we will be called the Pirates.’’
Old Peninsula look like being a major player in MPCA Provincial this season after recruiting Mt Eliza champion Justin Grant and Mt Martha paceman Rhys Whitling.
They bolster an already strong side headlined by Dylan O’Malley, Wade Pelzer, John Forrest, Will Crowder, Nick Messinis and Tom La Brooy.
The Pirates have contested the finals six seasons in a row, winning the 2015-16 premiership.
MORE CRICKET
MPCA fixture done, clearances in