Local cricket: All the latest Mornington Peninsula moves

It’s all happening in the MPCA, with Hastings and Pearcedale making key signings, and three of the comp’s best spinners on the move. Playing dates are out, too.

James Giertz, pictured batting for Southport, has joined Pearcedale.

Hastings is setting itself for a prosperous season after locking in Mornington all-rounder Brad Staff as its new captain-coach.

The New South Welshman has played with Mornington for the past three seasons, proving himself to be a talented and competitive player with bat and ball.

He’s also a proven leader, having steered Wingham to multiple 1st XI premierships. His son Cooper, an opening bowler, will join him at the Blues.

Hastings looks like fielding three senior sides, with its top two XIs in MPCA District.

The losses of Luke and Jake Hewitt, to Balnarring, are significant but the Blues are getting on with it and looking forward to a good season.

Sorrento spinner Andrew Libby.

BIG OUTS AT SORRENTO

Teenage spinner Jimmy Rulach has gone to play at Balwyn with his older brother Brandon, who is doing Uni up there.

Matt Rulach may also be on the move, set to have a crack at Premier Cricket with either Frankston or Casey.

Sorrento has also lost ace English spinner Andrew Libby, who’s had to return home because of his visa.

“We’re hoping to get him back before Christmas,’’ Sorrento’s Bobby Wilson said.

“He’s got to go through the whole application thing.’’

Sorrento is yet to appoint a new captain after Wilson’s decision to stand down from the role.

James Giertz.

DALES ON THE RISE

Plenty of positive news coming out of Pearcedale, with coaching and recruiting announcements.

Leading player Josh Swainston will captain-coach the Dales in 2022-23, determined to lead the club to finals in MPCA Sub District.

Former Mulgrave Country Club premiership coach Mark Prosser joins Pearcedale as assistant coach; he’s said to be the perfect man for the job.

Pearcedale has also signed Carlisle Park Vikings all-rounder James Giertz, a much-travelled and successful cricketer who has played at all levels including Premier Cricket and a season with Southport Labrador in Queensland.

BOWLING BOOST FOR REDS

Mt Martha has secured the services of former Australian under 16 assistant coach Rhys Adams to work with the club’s bowlers.

The Reds have booked him for a couple of Thursday night club sessions.

Adams, who played for Hawthorn-Monash Uni and Prahran, boasts impressive cricket credentials, including Level 3 high performance and Vic u/17 and u/19 fast bowling specialist coach.

Mt Martha has appointed former Hawthorn and Casey South Melbourne all-rounder Ben Stallworthy as captain-coach.

Max Watters.

The Wiz: Robbie Lancaster.

BOOST FOR TIGERS

Seaford Tigers look like re-gaining left-arm opening bowler Max Watters from Queensland.

His batting ability will also come in handy.

Seaford Tigers have also appointed Michael Johnston as an assistant coach.

WIZ ON THE MOVE

Langwarrin has lost star spinner Robbie Lancaster, who has crossed to Bonbeach as an assistant coach.

ANOTHER SOMEY SKIPPER

Somerville is shaking things up a little, with Leigh Lowry taking on the Eagles captaincy for the One Day and T20 matches.

Brad McDonald will continue to captain Somerville’s 1st XI for the two day matches.

Aaron Kaddatz will work under both skippers, as vice-captain.

You can never have too many leaders.

SENIOR FIXTURES

MPCA playing dates have been released for season 2022-23.

The season will hit off on Saturday, October 1.

First and Second XIs will play two one-day games before a two-dayer in Round 3.

There will be a three-week break at Christmas.

Finals start on March 11, 2023.

SUN HERE WE COME

And happy holidays to Somerville coach and MPCA boss Jason “Jugga’’ Nagel, who is heading up to Darwin to celebrate his son Ash’s 21st birthday.

Ash is spending the winter in the Top End playing cricket with Southern Districts.

Jugga was like a kid on Christmas eve as he prepared to fly north, counting down the hours to his first cold one since May (he’s been on a fitness kick, dropping 20kg).