MPCA clubs make coaching announcements, add recruits

Preparations are ramping up for the 2023-24 cricket season, with a dozen announcements made by Mornington Peninsula clubs in recent days. Here’s the latest.

MPCA news: Josh Edwards (left) to Frankston YCW, Billy Humphrey (middle) coaching Pines and Tim Birch coaching Hastings.

Frankston YCW has signed an exciting young batter straight out of Premier Cricket.

Josh Edwards, 20, has played for Frankston Peninsula for the past four seasons, scoring 1198 runs, at 26.62.

He played in the Heat’s fourth XI flag last year.

Before that Edwards played in three senior premierships at Langwarrin, including a Provincial flag in 2018-19, as a 15-year-old.

Josh Edwards has signed with Frankston YCW. Picture: Facebook

Newly appointed Frankston YCW senior coach Simon Draycott played with Edwards at Frankston Peninsula and is thrilled to secure a player of Edwards’ talent.

“I’m reuniting with a premiership teammate which is very exciting,” Draycott said.

“He’s a gun, and I think his record shows that.

“He scored a hundred (for Langwarrin) against YCW in a junior granny going back six or seven years.

“At Frankston he’s won multiple batting averages in the thirds and fourths and has showed his class in many games.”

Draycott said Edwards joins a lot of his mates at YCW, including Ben Williams, Mark Fisher-White and Kaedyn Hodgson.

The Stonecats will field a talented, youthful side next season.

“I’m just super excited because I think it sets up the club long term,” Draycott said.

“If that group sticks together and plays some really good cricket I think they can go far.”

Tim Birch will coach Hastings.

BIRCH BUZZ AT BLUES

What a lifter for Hastings.

The Blues have appointed club favourite son Tim Birch as senior coach for the 2023-24 season.

Birch is a two-time 1st XI premiership player for Hastings, a club champion and team of the decade member.

His appointment has created a buzz at the Blues, who suffered a winless season in MPCA District last season.

“After a taste of returning to cricket last season, ‘Burger’ is keen to hit the ground running and bring the club renewed success,’’ Hastings said.

WILLO TO LEAD DUCS

Moorooduc has appointed club stalwart Nick Williams as senior coach.

Williams has been a loyal and successful player for the Ducs over the past two decades after coming through the club’s juniors.

“Nick is a one-club player, life member and has been a part of our leadership group over the last few years,’’ Moorooduc said.

“He will bring fresh ideas, fresh opportunities and a passion for success and will oversee all training programs with a focus on team, hard work, improving our skill level and enjoying our cricket and will be available for all teams.’’

Moorooduc has also appointed Mark Huggard as senior batting coach and Ken Cremen as senior bowling coach and chairman of selectors.

Billy Humphrey will coach Pines in 2023-24. Picture: Valeriu Campan

BILLY TAKES REINS

Pines has locked in leading player Billy Humphrey as senior coach.

Last season he often opened both the batting and bowling for the Piners with good success, totalling 208 runs with the bat and grabbing 23 wickets with the ball.

MOUNTIES RETAIN STAR

Mt Eliza has re-signed reigning John Hille medallist Rashmika Opatha.

“Rash is coming off a great season, where he produced over 600 runs, he performed well with the ball and in the field, and his season was recognised by the MPCA when he was judged to be the best player in Peninsula grade and awarded the John Hille medal,’’ the club said.

EAGLES MAKE KEY APPOINTMENT

Somerville has appointed Tom Angelico as junior development coach, taking over from Jack Barbour.

Angelico has an extensive background in coordinating and coaching junior sport which makes him perfect to fill this role.

Carrum Downs coach Michael O’Driscoll (left) with recruit Cam Muir (right). Picture: Facebook

BATTING BOOST FOR COUGARS

A handy bush recruit for Carrum Downs.

Cam Muir joins the Cougars after many seasons with Tallarook in Central Victoria where he played as an attacking top order batsman.

Carrum Downs has also picked up a couple of English overseas players.

CRIBBY ADD VERSATILE PLAYER

Kayne Barton has joined Crib Point from Balnarring.

“He will be a fantastic addition to our young playing group as a keen, versatile player,’’ Crib Point said.

“Off field, Kayne will be an amazing asset for our club as he is seen as a tireless worker throughout the Crib Point sporting clubs, but it is on field where we are expecting him to truly thrive.’’

KNIGHTS NEWS

Ballam Park has announced Gary Lewis as head coach and Zac Clements as 1st XI Captain for the 2023-24 season.

Clements took the reins as captain midway through the 2022-23 season, leading a young 1st XI squad, and he also had a great year with the bat, hitting 405 runs.