Avondale Heights Cricket Club set to make senior return in VTCA
After four years in the wilderness Avondale Heights Cricket Club is set to make its return to the senior ranks of the VTCA and the club has made a big splash by securing some star recruits.
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After four years in the wilderness, Avondale Heights Cricket Club has returned to the Victorian Turf Cricket Association’s senior ranks.
The club’s First XI last played in VTCA Division 2 in 2015-16 before financial issues saw the club reduced to underage teams only.
The new-look club has made an immediate splash securing star batsmen Dilan Chandima and Adam Dudderidge and opening bowler Austin Young from GDCA club Sunbury United.
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Former Sri Lanka first-class bowler Dinushka Malan has also crossed from Sunbury United while all-rounder Yasith de Silva has joined from DVCA club Whittlesea.
Heights president Rashid Bashir said it was a new start for the club and community.
“It’s a new beginning for us with the same name,” he said.
“The community hasn’t had a senior side for quite some time.
“There was a big gap for youngsters to transition from the juniors into the senior grades.
“We got together, we got some highly experienced players and coaches, and put the club together.
“There’s been a great response from the community so far. We did a survey online and have approximately 150 families interested.”
Chandima has been named First XI captain for the coming season after plundering 606 runs in 2019-20 — the fourth highest tally in the GDCA.
Dudderidge is coming off a career year that saw him amass 659 runs with a high-score of 221 not out.
Young was the Bees’ leading wicket-taker last season after claiming 21 scalps at an average of 15.67 with Chandima second on 18 wickets.
Mark Koutroubas (Sunbury United), William Guy (Grand United), Shaun Farrugia (Seabrook), Senura Perera (United Tarneit) have also signed on.
The Heighters will return to their traditional home at Canning Street Reserve and are working with Moonee Valley Council to ensure facilities are up to standard.
Bashir believes the First XI is capable of competing at any level in the VTCA.
However, the club is expected to slot into a lower grade on its return, which the president believes will only help its long-term development.
“They’re looking to start us in Division 5 but we’re hoping to push up to Division 3 if we can,” he said.
“It’s not a deal-breaker for us. Whatever level we play we completely understand because the club is new and hasn’t operated for five years.
“We think we’re competent enough to play in Senior Division based on our First XI capability but our club needs to build over time, so starting in the lower grades will be a good thing.”
Avondale Heights is yet to appoint a First XI coach