Every MPCA Provincial captain answers the burning questions

We asked Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association Provincial division captains to nominate the flag winner, an opposition player they’d like, the best young player in the comp, the best captain, a rule change they’d like and much more. See their answers here.

Justin Grant, Matt Prosser, Will Forrest and Tom La Brooy.

The business end of the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association Provincial division season is fast approaching.

We posed eight topical questions to each of the eight club captains.

They weren’t allowed to vote in favour of their own club or players, and their answers were strictly anonymous.

See where the answers fell ...

It’s a three-horse race, according to the skippers. Can Dromana go all the way in its first season back in Provincial in 52 years? Pines is a huge chance as it chases its first top-flight premiership since 1990-91, while ladder-leading Langwarrin is tracking nicely towards March.

Matt Prosser has had another fine season for Langwarrin. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Langy star Matt Prosser has won four Wedgwoods in a row — and three captains believe he will make it a fifth. His main dangers are Red Hill champion Simon Dart and Dromana skipper Sam Fowler. They’ve alsohad golden summers, both scoring over 500 runs, and taking plenty of wickets.

Captains have opted for experience here. Two captains would like to have 47-year-old Dart in their side, while Grant’s star qualities and batsman-keeper Tom La Brooy attract interest of skippers. Dromana hurry master Beau Anthony was an interesting nomination. He’s a match-winner when he’s on song.

Tom La Brooy.

An even spread, with former VSDCA champion Rick Damiano getting two votes, having slotted seamlessly into the captaincy at Langwarrin. Sam Fowler (Dromana), Billy Humphrey (Pines) and Rhys Elmi (Baden Powell) are also astute tacticians who lead by example.

Pines’ Eric Bell Reserve is seen as the toughest road trip, while Langwarrin’s Lloyd Park is a tough place to win at when the pressure is on.

There’s an abundance of exciting young talent in Provincial. Former Frankston Peninsula all-rounder Brodie Matthews has become a key member of the ladder-leading Kangaroos, while Sorrento talent Matt Rulach is averaging 30 with the bat to go with 10 wickets. Son-of-a-gun Will Forrest has made a splendid start to his senior career.

Matt Rulach in the field for Sorrento.

Reigning premiers Red Hill is well regarded for the way it conducts itself off-field, while Langwarrin, Dromana, Old Peninsula and Sorrento also get mentions.

Free hit! Skippers want the rule brought in next season after a no-ball. It would be entertaining. And it’s time to penalise slow over-rates, some say.