MPCA 2023-24: The players set to shape flag race in Provincial, Peninsula, District and Sub-District

It’s the business end of the season in the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association. We’ve named the players who could shape the premiership race in all four divisions.

MPCA finals shapers.

Two home-and-away rounds remain in the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association, with finals spots far from decided.

In Provincial, Langwarrin sits first on the ladder, equal on points with Pines, and ahead of Baden Powell and Red Hill. But Sorrento will take a “licence to thrill’’ approach into Rounds 13 and 14, according to skipper Seb Gotch, as tries to make up ground from fifth spot.

Somerville is clear on top in Peninsula division, with Mt Eliza, Rosebud and Dromana making up the four. Mornington is a game out but faces the bottom two teams.

It’s close in District grade, with Seaford half-a-game clear of Crib Point, with Carrum, Carrum Downs, Balnarring and Main Ridge set to jostle for finals tickets.

In Sub District, ladder leaders Mt Martha are sitting pretty, but Boneo and bare genuine flag contenders, with Skye currently sitting fourth ahead of Pearcedale, Tootgarook and Rye.

We’ve named the players, in alphabetical order, who could shape the fight for the flag in all four divisions:

Provincial

Glenn Collett, Red Hill

The fierce competitor is never out of the game. He’s having another splendid summer, taking 19 wickets at 14.3 while playing some crucial knocks on his way to 206 runs at 25.7.

Simon Dart, Red Hill

The champion has helped power Red Hill’s charge to the finals, hitting 106no, 54, 52 and 48 in the past month. Has also nabbed 12 wickets.

Dale Elmi, Baden Powell

The former Heat skipper is a key at the top of the Braves batting. Hits the ball like a tracer bullet. Has blazed 443 runs at 44, with more to come. Also snared 13 wickets with his leggies.

Ben Frith, Baden Powell

The big quickie has enjoyed a strong season, taking 20 wickets at 20.

Seb Gotch, Sorrento

If the Sharks are to work a miracle and grab a finals berth, ex-Vic star Gotch will need to lead from the front and add to his impressive season stats of 400 runs at 36.3.

Kane Hawkins, Pines

The destructive opener can quickly take the game away from the opposition if he clicks.

Billy Humphrey, Pines

The former Frankston Peninsula paceman leads the Provincial wickets with 22 at 14.5 and has also scored 234 runs at 23.4.

Harley Peace-Stirling, Pines

A crucial figure in Pines’ top order, his ability to bat time and hold the innings together will be key in the coming weeks. Has enjoyed another solid campaign with 391 runs at 43.4.

Harley Peace-Stirling.

Billy Humphrey.

Matt Prosser, Langwarrin

Provincial division’s second leading run scorer with 464 at 46.4, highlighted by 134no against fellow flag contender Baden Powell. He’s also collected 19 wickets at 16.2, placing him in strong contention for another Wedgwood medal.

Brent Martin, Red Hill

Quality spinners are crucial and Martin is integral to success for the Hillmen. He’s nabbed 20 wickets at 19.7.

Peninsula

Beau Anthony, Dromana

So dangerous at the top of the order, the big hitter has scored 419 runs at 38.

Tom Baron, Mt Eliza

The experienced campaigner is integral to the Mounties’ success, taking 22 wickets at 14.8.

Sam Fowler, Dromana

Enjoying a golden summer with the bat, blazing 483 runs at 43.9 and regularly getting the Hoppers off to a strong start. Throw in 15 wickets and Fowler is a player to watch in the coming weeks.

Shane Hockey, Mornington

The dashing opener has blasted 425 runs at 35.4 this season, including boundary-laden knocks of 87, 83, 72 and 48.

Kiefer Peries, Somerville

The Eagles skipper has been Mr Consistent at the top, racking up 549 runs at 54.9 to lead the Peninsula division chart. He’ll be keen to add to his one century and four half-tons in the next month.

Jarrod Hicks, Rosebud

If he’s not taking wickets he’s making runs at the top of the Sharks list. With 474 runs at 39.5 and 18 wickets at 18.3, Hicks stands as one of the competition’s leading performers.

Ryan McNamara, Somerville

Has played a starring role in the Eagles’ rise to the top of the ladder, bowling with pace and control to take a competition-high 28 wickets at 12.3 including a bag of 7-30 against Seaford Tigers.

Patrick Nagel, Rosebud

The Sharks skipper has led from the front, taking 26 wickets at 16 and making 321 runs at 40. Returned from Country Week in red-hot form, bagging match figures of 11-64 against Baxter.

Patrick Nagel.

Bobby Wilson.

Lahiru Opatha, Mt Eliza

The stylish opening batter and talented spinner has put together a strong campaign with 405 runs and 15 wickets. Also impressed at Country Week.

Bobby Wilson, Dromana

The champion is the most coveted wicket in District. He’s scored 404 runs to go with 19 wickets.

District

Matt Blake, Crib Point

The experienced performer leads the District competition wickets with 27 at 17.1, including 6-63 off 33 overs against Main Ridge last week. And still one of the best batsmen in the competition, having hit 300 runs at 30.

Jake D’Atri, Carrum

The Lions skipper is enjoying a golden summer with ball and bat. He’s taken 22 wickets with his spinners and been a reliable performer at No. 3, accumulating 360 runs at 45 to help Carrum surge into flag contention.

Jake D'Atri bowling for Carrum. Picture: Hamish Blair

Jacob Foxwell, Seaford

A quality player who will be a key as the season reaches boiling point. Has made 359 runs at 32.6 from the No. 5 slot and chipped in with 14 wickets.

Ryan Harrison, Main Ridge

The Cougars captain has been good with bat and ball, collecting 19 wickets and making 181 runs.

Luke Hewitt, Balnarring

The most coveted wicket in District; has blitzed 536 runs at 76.5, including three centuries — 101no, 107no and 102no. Can he lift the Saints into another finals campaign?

Blake Hogan-Keogh

Has been a brilliant pick up for Cribby since returning from Flinders, blazing 469 runs at 78.1, including 113no, 91no and 70.

Liam Hulett, Carrum

The Lions coach has produced several match winning knocks on his way to 420 runs at 42. Very consistent.

Rob Johnston, Carrum Downs

Boasting the impressive batting average of 109, Johnston has racked up 329 runs in the Cougars top order, while his economical bowling is sure to be vital in the weeks ahead.

Charlie Nunn, Main Ridge

Has been a consistent run scorer in the Cougars’ top order, hitting a century on his way to 342 runs at 34.2

Gordon Waterfall, Carrum Downs

The experienced Cougars No. 3 has hit 380 runs at 38 and will be vital when the heat rises in March.

Andrew Smith, Seaford

One of the fastest bowlers in District, Smith has captured 26 wickets at 14.7, always making early strikes and putting batters on the back foot.

SUB DISTRICT

Shabaaz Alam, Skye

The Skye opener has scored 321 runs at 32.1 and has the ability to gobig, as he did in Round 2 with 97 against Rye.

Aidan Bock, Pearcedale

Has had a consistent season with the ball, taking 18 wickets at 13.7, and capable with the bat in the middle order.

Lachlan Hose, Tyabb

The young left-arm spinner is Subbies’ leading wicket taker with 37 at 10.7 apiece. He will have benefited from playing Country Week where he bowled well against some of the best batters from around Victoria.

Nathan Hunt, Rye

Sub District’s leading run scorer with 435 at 36.2, including two blistering centuries, 111 and 101no, in the past month. Opens the batting and gives it a whack.

Ben Stallworthy, Mt Martha

The Reds skipper is always in the game; if he’s not making runs he’s taking wickets. With 260 runs at 28.8 and 22 wickets at 10.5, he’s had an excellent campaign.

Ben Stallworthy.

Samson Storey, Boneo

The young Englishman showed his class with a superb century — a run-a-ball 119 against Tootgarook — and has racked up 423 runs at 47 to help the Pandas to second spot.

Alex Thornhill, Tyabb

With 428 runs at 47.5, including eight scores between 30 and 53, English gun Thornhill has been super consistent in the top order for the Yabbies this season.

Tom Walker, Mt Martha

Has bowled with hostility to take 29 wickets at 15, while churning out 362 runs at 40 with the bat. A big game player.

Evan Williams, Mt Martha

With 416 runs and 17 wickets, the Englishman has been an integral part of the Reds’ rise to the top of the ladder.