How the VTCA will be structured without Strathmore, Spotswood in 2021-22

Aberfeldie among the big winners in a VTCA reshuffle as the competition settles its structure following the departure of Strathmore and Spotswood.

Josh Docking in action for Aberfeldie. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Aberfeldie will be spared relegation in a VTCA reshuffle.

The Victorian Turf Cricket Association has settled on its competition structure for 2021-22 following the departures of Strathmore and Spotswood.

Strathmore (Senior Division) and Spotswood (Division 1) officially joined the VSDCA competition earlier this month.

It allows Abers to remain in Senior Division next season with Division 1 premier Craigieburn promoted as normal.

In its maiden Senior Division campaign, Aberfeldie played the entire season without a home ground.

Tom Duxson watches on as Craig Sheedy rolls the arm over. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The club looked to have avoided the dreaded wooden spoon after a draw with Haig Fawkner in the penultimate round only to see Keilor upset Druids on the final day to jump up to ninth.

Outgoing Aberfeldie president Sarah Gray said it was fantastic news for the club.

“It was really hard to be honest, playing away every week,” she said.

“We had some amazing moments during the season, we had an awesome game against Yarraville and young Will Wright debuted and got a great wicket.

“We were just a bit unlucky in a few games, it was a bit sad how it ended up looking on paper.

“The young kids especially learnt so much playing at the higher level.”

Aberfeldie’s Clifton Park will be ready for next season but the club could be without rooms as the precinct’s redevelopment continues.

Elsewhere, after expanding to 12 teams this season, Division 1 will return to a 10-team format.

With Spotswood’s exit, Glenroy’s relegation and no club dropping down, Division 2 premier Altona North will be the only new addition in 2021-22.

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Division 3 will expand from eight to 10 teams with Laverton spared relegation and both Division 3 premier Sunbury and runner-up Footscray United stepping up.

It’s a big win for United, which returns to Picone Shield two seasons after being relegated in 2018-19.

Williamstown Congs will also avoid relegation, remaining in Division 4, which welcomes both Division 5 premier Williamstown Colts and runner-up Bellbridge.

The moves ensure all six divisions are 10-team competitions next season.