Cricket Southern Bayside: Decorated recruits join clubs for season 2023-24

Cricket Southern Bayside clubs have inked some big signings, including an English County paceman and a Sri Lankan champion.

Damith Mapa Ralalage has returned to Mordialloc. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

The foundations for a successful 2023-24 season have already been laid by some Cricket Southern Bayside clubs after landing key recruits.

CHAMPION BACK AT MORDIALLOC

The Bloodhounds have regained their former skipper, wicketkeeper and leading batsman, Damith Mapa Ralalage.

He returns after spending two seasons at Berwick in the Dandenong District Cricket Association.

The 37-year-old enjoyed a successful eight years at Mordialloc.

He captained the Bloods to the Division 1 premiership in Cricket Southern Bayside in his last season at the club in 2020-21.

Mapa Ralalage played in the club’s 2014-15, 2016-17 and 2017-18 Turf 1 premierships when it was in the Dandenong association, and was among its leading players in the switch to Cricket Southern Bayside Championship four years ago.

He’s signed with Mordialloc for the next two seasons.

“When first arriving at Mordialloc back in 2013, Mapa quickly endeared himself to the MCC family and gained the respect of all players and members of the cricket club,” Mordialloc said.

“There’s no doubt the same will happen when he walks through the doors of Ben Kavanagh once again.”

Mapa Ralalage played 52 first-class matches in Sri Lanka, as well as 30 List A matches.

Michael Clavin has joined Mordialloc. Picture: Facebook

Clavin bowling in the MPCA.

BLOODS SIGN PACEMAN

Mordialloc has also secured Rosebud fast bowler Michael Clavin.

Clavin played Rosebud’s 2020-21 premiership and was also an assistant coach under Nick Jewell last season.

Before that, Clavin played senior cricket at Mt Martha, spent a year at Frankston Peninsula in Premier Cricket and has also served a stint in the UK with Lincolnshire County back in 2017.

“Michael is a very competitive person, who is enthusiastic about the game and will bring his skills and qualities to the cricket club,” Mordialloc said.

George Burrows has signed to play with Dingley next season.

COUNTY QUICK JOINS DINGOES

Dingley has signed English County quick bowler George Burrows.

Hailing from Manchester, England, Burrows is fresh out of first-class cricket.

The tall right-armer has made four professional appearances, initially for Lancashire (2020) and then more recently for Sussex (2022).

Burrows will give the Dingley bowling attack a sharp edge next season.

SPIN BOOST FOR MENTONE

A friendship, a challenge and a fresh start...

These are some of the key reasons behind Akshat Buch’s move to Mentone for the 2023-24 Cricket Southern Bayside season.

Buch has played the past two seasons with Springvale South in DDCA Turf 1, capturing 55 wickets, at 13.

The former Dandenong premiership left-arm orthodox spinner is friends with Mentone batter Comrey Edgeworth. They played together at Dandenong.

Buch wants to help Mentone win a flag in CSB Championship division.

NEW SKIPPER FOR PARKDALE UNITED

Parkdale United has announced Tim Drummond as its First XI skipper for season 2023-24.

The former Frankston Peninsula all-rounder joined United last season and did well, making 324 runs, at 27, and taking 10 wickets. towin the club champion award.

“We look forward to Tim stamping his game style on the club moving forward,” the Pythons said.