MPCA appointments, recruits and rumours

The Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association off-season continues to bubble away, with coaching appointments, player moves and whispers.

The Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association’s off-season is alive with activity. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Moves and decisions are being made behind the scenes as the MPCA off-season cranks into gear.

Here’s the latest goings on:

SEAFORD SIGNS NEW COACH

Well-respected cricket man Neil Barfuss is Seaford’s new senior coach.

The former Victorian Country all-rounder has had distinguished career across the MPCA and West Gippsland competitions.

“His exceptional leadership both on and off the field has proven instrumental in building successful clubs, making him the perfect fit for our 100-year-old club’s proud legacy,” Seaford said in a statement on social media.

“With Neil at the helm, we’re excited to see his vision come to life, bonding with our talented young group and striving for further success.”

Seaford has also signed promising teenager Jackson Porter.

Neil Barfuss (left) and Ryan McQueen. Picture: Facebook

SHARKS REGAIN TUGGA

Peninsula division grand finalists Rosebud has announced the return of Nick Jewell as senior coach.

Having already led the Sharks to premiership success in 2022-23, Jewell is back at Olympic Reserve after coaching South Caulfield to the Cricket Southern Bayside Championship Division flag last season.

He will coach his son Will, who made the move to Rosebud from Sorrento last season.

“Tugga’s return is exciting for all involved,” Rosebud said in a statement on social media.

“His record speaks for itself and having gone so close this season, the club sees this appointment as one we hope can take us one step further.’’

Rosebud’s coach of last season Geoffrey Glaum will stay on to be an assistant coach, along with AJ King.

Rhys Elmi with his latest Baden Powell club champion trophy. Picture: Facebook

PERFECT 10 FOR BRAVES CHAMP

A round of applause, please, for Baden Powell champion Rhys Elmi.

He took home his 10th Greg Brown club champion award at the Braves presentation night — yes 10 — after another splendid season, scoring 524 runs and taking 13 wickets.

“That is a record that will never be equalled,’’ declared Bruce Anderson, a two-time winner of the award.

“BPCC is a relatively small family club playing in the highest level of MPCA cricket. To have a player that has not only stood the test of time, of captaincy, and of performance all at the same time is extraordinary...and BPCC be so happy we have Rhys in our trench.’’

GIVEN LIFE

There’s no greater honour than receiving life membership of a club — and a bunch of local cricket people have been “given life” in recent weeks. Among them are Heatherhill greats Neil “Snapper’’ Hibberd and Brendon Gardner, Brandon Squire at Red Hill (he joins his father John to become the club’s first ever father and son life members) and Flinders legend Jamie Symes, who becomes the Sharks’ 26th life member. All magnificent club people who’ve given decades of service. Congratulations, gentlemen.

WHISPERS

*A Country Week star contemplating a change of clubs, possibly to a Provincial contender.

*Could an MPCA club’s favourite son be about to return home, possibly as senior coach, after a fine Premier Cricket career?

*Rye, after winning the Sub District premiership, talking to a couple of potential recruits from outside the MPCA that would strengthen the Demons considerably.

*Quality young batsman Ben Walker a chance to return to Delacombe Park after a stint at Frankston Peninsula.

*Baxter to regain a champion.

*One of the best spinners in the MPCA on the move.

*Rhys Musgrave to coach Sorrento.