MPCA 2020-21: Jayde Herrick and Ravi Pelleguruge among best recruits
A Victorian Sheffield Shield star and gun Sri Lankan first-class spinner headline our list of major off-season signings in the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association. We’ve listed the biggest moves.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport . Followed categories will be added to My News.
As we await news of a start date, Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association clubs have been busy bolstering their line-ups ahead of the new season.
Our list of the biggest recruits features a former Victorian and Big Bash League paceman, a Premier Cricket opening batsman and a West Gippsland run machine.
Here are the biggest moves since the end of the 2019-20 season.
JAYDE HERRICK (LANGWARRIN)
The former Victorian speedster joins powerhouse Langwarrin as part of a pact to play again with his long-time mate Tom Hussey. Herrick is coming off a spectacular 51-wicket and 373 run season at Somerville and says he still has “plenty in the tank’’ – ominous news for opposition batsmen.
RAVI PALLEGURUGE (RYE)
The left-arm spinner, with 76 first-class games, is set to make a massive impact in MPCA Sub District after his shock move from Provincial premiers Sorrento. After a wooden spoon last season, Rye looks set for a resurgence.
JUSTIN GRANT (OLD PENINSULA)
Undoubtedly one of the best players in the MPCA, the 30-year-old made the big call to leave Mt Eliza after a distinguished career, amassing nearly 5000 runs and 300 wickets. He’ll make a talented Pirates side even stronger.
SHAUN KNOTT (MT ELIZA)
The former Victorian Country paceman is back at Madsen Reserve from Eaglehawk in the Bendigo association. The big left-armer took 40 wickets to help Mt Eliza into the Provincial grand final in 2016-17. He adds to an already strong Mounties bowling attack, featuring big quick Nathan Smith and the Baron brothers, Tom and Nick.
MARK COOPER (CARRUM)
After steering Koo Wee Rup to three premierships, the champion left-hander has set his sights on helping the Lions become a force. At 41, Cooper is still performing at a high level – in the past four seasons he’s scored 3252 runs, at 54.20, including seven centuries, and taken 126 wickets, at 15.8.
ADEEL HUSSAIN (BAXTER)
The Englishman takes on his first coaching role in the MPCA after stints at Sorrento and Tootgarook. “I’m still bowling 135-140km/h,’’ the 38-year-old said. “I’ve got better, fitter and stronger as I’ve got older. I mean, I’m going to play cricket until I’m 60, that’s what I tell myself.’’
JORDAN MCCULLEY (MAIN RIDGE)
The 24-year-old fast bowler returns to captain-coach the Cougars after five seasons at Kingston Hawthorn. He will lead an emerging side including Ollie McEncroe, Will Noall, Jacob McWilliams, Bill Sakalis and the Banks brothers, Charlie and Jack.
ZAC WILSON (LONG ISLAND)
The 29-year-old blasted 609 runs as captain-coach of Knoxfield last season, including a hand of 176 (with 17 fours and 6 sixes) against Lysterfield. He joins his best mate Tom Boxell at the Islanders, who will have one of the strongest batting line-ups in the MPCA. Wilson’s off-spin will also be vital.
RICKY RAMSDALE (PINES)
The match-winning all-rounder is back at Eric Bell, as skipper, after coaching Delacombe Park for the past four seasons, including a couple of grand finals. Big Ramma has happy memories at Pines after steering them to three premierships in six seasons as captain-coach between 2010-16.
ROB HEARN (TYABB)
The former Victorian Country and Dandenong keeper-batsman joins the Yabbies from Hastings, where he churned out almost 1800 runs in four seasons and steered the Blues to a premiership.
TIM CLARKE (DELACOMBE PARK)
Coached Mt Eliza to the Provincial grand final that was never played season and brings an impressive batting resume, including almost 1000 Provincial runs in the past three seasons, to the Parkers.
CHRIS KING (BONEO)
Boneo is banking on Sorrento quickie Chris King to inject pace and hostility into its bowling attack. The right-armer has played a lot of Provincial cricket over the past decade and taken more than 200 wickets for Sorrento.
GORDON WATERFALL (CARRUM DOWNS)
The Frankston Peninsula opener is returning to his junior club after seven seasons, four centuries and almost 3000 runs at the Heat. He managed 31 First XI games, with a top score of 91.
ZACC KLAN (BADEN POWELL)
The Dromana premiership fast bowler will test himself at Provincial level and his attacking style is sure to bring wickets. He’s taken 80 wickets in the past three seasons for Dromana.
MORE MPCA:
BAXTER APPOINTS ADEEL HUSSAIN AS COACH
JAYDE HERRICK TO RENEW PARTNERSHIP AT LANGWARRIN
TOM BARON TO LEAD MT ELIZA AFTER KEY DEPARTURES