Clearance news: Mornington Peninsula cricketers switch clubs

MPCA clearances have opened and already there’s been significant moves. Plus the latest recruiting and coaching news.

Lachlan Barton has been cleared back to Balnarring. Picture:AAP/Chris Eastman

A raft of players who are likely to play First XI at their new clubs have had their clearances granted.

Clearances in the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association opened on August 1, and there’s been some key moves already.

Hard hitting left handed batsman James Egan has joined Rosebud from Mt Eliza, while Baxter opening batsman Kaedyn Hodgson’s clearance to Frankston YCW has been processed.

Harry Atkins (Rowville to Frankston YCW), Lachlan Barton (Flinders to Balnarring), Patrick Nickeas (Rosebud to Balnarring) and Daniel Salvato (Mt Martha to Frankston YCW) have also been cleared.

There’s also a bunch of clearance requests awaiting approval, including Luke and Jake Hewitt (Hastings to Balnarring), Dewayne Bowden (Dromana to Moorooduc), Levi McLoughlin-Dore (Frankston YCW to Heatherhill) and James O’Connell (Balwyn to Red Hill).

Nick Conduit from Rosebud Cricket Club (left) welcomes Jarrod Hicks to Shark Park.

SHARKS ADD EXPERIENCE

New Rosebud coach Nick Jewell says the Sharks’ latest signing is “exactly what we need”.

Former Eildon Park captain Jarrod Hicks is a tall off spinner who will add vital experience to the Sharks.

“He’s 31, young for a cricketer,’’ Jewll said.

“I think spinners in our cricket are really important, especially now that two day games are back, and even in one day games, to be able to push through your overs.

“Yeah, a very good signing.”

TUGGA TO PAD UP?

Former Victorian opener Jewell, by the way, hasn’t completely ruled out pulling on the pads for Rosebud next season.

“It’s a non playing role at this at this stage but we’ll see how we go,” he said.

“I’m 45 in a couple of weeks.

“We’ll see.

“Hopefully I don’t need to and we’re ticking all the boxes.”

Ash Mills has joined Rosebud.

SHARKS TO ATTACK

Rosebud was relegated from Peninsula division last season and Jewell says the Sharks will attack District with gusto.

They could have up to half a dozen changes to their side, with Patrick Nagel back from Frankston Peninsula to skipper the side, and former Seaford Tigers dasher Ash Mills, Hicks and Koonung Heights player Sean Barry new additions.

Rosebud will also have a young English batsman this summer.

But, notably, Sharks premiership coach Lyle House is unlikely to play.

“We’ll try and bounce and climb the ranks again,” Jewell said.

SORRENTO NAMES NEW SKIPPER

Sorrento has announced its captain-coach for season 2022-23, and it’s a familiar name.

Liam O’Connor, a rusted-on Shark who has risen through the club’s ranks, will be in charge.

Gordon Waterfall will captain Carrum Downs.

TOP COUGARS ANNOUNCED

Big appointments at Carrum Downs, with Michael O’Driscoll taking on the Cougars coaching job and Gordon Waterfall the First XI captaincy.

“After an extensive search, we’ve found what we were looking for in our own backyard,” the Cougars said on social media.

Both men are fine players and strong leaders, perfect to help Carrum Downs maintain its rise in the MPCA.

The Cougars won the Sub District flag two seasons back and made the District grand final last season.

BRAVES BOOST

Baden Powell has strengthened its bowling stocks by signing Heatherhill paceman Benjamin Frith.

Frith also spent five years at Frankston Peninsula, playing with current Braves Coen Chernishoff and recently signed Dale Elmi.

SPICY ENCOUNTERS

Good to see the MPCA schedule several spicy match ups in the opening round of the 2022-23 season.

In Provincial, Pines will host Langwarrin, and we wonder if new Langy recruit Jackson Mockett will help the Piners unfurl the ‘21-22 Peninsula flag he was part of.

In Peninsula, newcomers Mt Eliza and Dromana clash; the Mounties relegated from Provincial and the Hoppers promoted after winning the District premiership.

Boneo and Tootgarook clash in a local derby in Sub District.

OVERSEAS INFLUX

Standby for an influx of overseas players in the MPCA this summer.

That’s the feeling of MPCA general manager Jason Nagel, who has been monitoring the permits being submitted by clubs.

“There’s going to be a lot of Sri Lankans and English players in the competition this year I would imagine,” he said.

“I think clubs have gone down the path that it’s so bloody hard to recruit internally, at least if you get an international you know they’re going to be committed to your club.”