MPCA news: club applies to go up, key signings, whispers

Plenty of MPCA news around, including a star signing from a neighbouring comp and exciting times for a club as it looks to rebuild. Plus all the latest whispers.

Pearcedale has applied to go back into MPCA Sub District in 2025-26.

The Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association is abuzz with activity as clubs make significant changes ahead of the upcoming season.

Here’s the latest:

DALES BOUNCE BACK

Pearcedale has applied to return to Sub District division of the MPCA.

The Dales last competed in Subbies in 2023-24.

Player departures caused the club to make the crunch decision to drop its First XI to A1 grade last season, but a rebuild is gathering momentum.

It’s understood Pearcedale is set to land several recruits to power its climb up the grades.

Pearcedale president Andrew Williams confirmed the club had applied to return to Sub District.

“I’ve spoken to (MPCA president) Steve Morone,” he said.

“We’re pushing to do it this coming season.

“We thought we’d be in A1 for a couple of years but we’ve had a few developments recently that should enable us to go up.”

Pearcedale is expected to announce some big-name signings in the coming week or so. They will complement the club’s leading players Stefan Bock, Jett and Buster Williams, Jacob Regester-Hill and Jack Hussey.

Flachback: Pearcedale captain Kaine Smith lifts the 2015-16 premiership trophy. Picture: Valeriu Campan

A decade ago, Pearcedale was lifting premiership trophies.

Back-to-back flags, including the 2015-16 District title, thrust the Dales into Provincial for the first time in its 95-year history.

They had three seasons in the top flight before being relegated in 2018-19. Now the Dales are on the rise again.

DDCA STAR JOINS DEMONS

Sub-District premiers Rye has strengthened its side ahead of its promotion to District ranks, landing a gun all-rounder from the Dandenong District association. Parkmore premiership hero Satheesh Fernandu made 74no and took 3-28 in the Turf 2 grand final in March. It capped an excellent season in which he finished fourth in the DDCA’s Gartside Medal with 18 wickets and 509 runs. “Satheesh will be an outstanding addition to our playing group,” Rye said on social media.

Satheesh Sivakumaran Fernandu bowling for Parkmore in the DDCA Turf 2 Grand Final. Picture: Andrew Batsch

ANOTHER BOOST FOR RYE

Rye captain-coach Adam Ciavarella said all premiership players were staying and the Demons were hopeful of regaining players. “Two of them would be pushing hard for ones cricket,’’ he said. “And maybe one more recruit...still talking.’’

WHISPERS:

*Rosebud could be about to add a leg-spinning all-rounder, following star signing Jak Jowett to the Sharks.

*Sorrento paceman Jake Wood knocked back a big offer from an MPCA club to remain at the Sharks.

*Couple of clubs tried to sign a former Sri Lankan spinner from a neighbouring comp but were blown away by his asking price.

*Several MPCA clubs chased big-hitting Michael ‘Babs’ De Iacovo, who captained South Caulfield to a premiership last season. He’s staying at South.

*Long Island young gun Harry Van Raay raised his bat for his first century on international soil, cracking 107no for Broadbottom in the Derbyshire and Cheshire Cricket League.

*A Provincial club was heavily into Premier Cricket century-maker Luke Manders but he landed at Bonbeach as coach.

*Dromana holding meetings this week, to fill roles and focus on recruiting for the twos to make them more competitive.

*Bart Hudgson may be having a change of heart and could return as Carrum coach in ‘25-26.