MPCA off-season moves, appointments and rumours

Fresh from winning the Peninsula division flag, Dromana is hot on the trail of recruits. Meanwhile, an MPCA Country Week player has been linked with a new club.

From left, Patrick Nagel, Jonny Guthrie and Danny Heylbut.

Key signings and appointments are being made weekly in the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association.

And the rumour mill has been working overtime, with speculation big-name players are on the move.

Langwarrin had the cricket fraternity abuzz last week after signing Brighton’s VSDCA champion Ricky Damiano. He will skipper the Roos. And there’s talk of paceman Andrew Smith returning to Langwarrin from Seaford.

Mornington has appointed Ringwood triple premiership all-rounder Brendan Walsh as its playing-coach. The 35-year-old left-arm spinner has signed on for three seasons. In further good news for Mornington, ex-Test leggie Bryce McGain is playing on, while keeper-batter Charlie Parker is back for a full season after living in Japan and batter Tom Panich will slot back in after missing last season with an achilles injury.

Mornington keeper Charlie Parker will return to the Bulldogs next season.

Reigning Peninsula division premiers Dromana is chasing recruits ahead of its step up to Provincial.

It’s understood the Hoppers missed out on Long Island gun Aiden McKenna but are close to signing an accomplished Provincial player.

“We’ve got one on the hook,’’ Dromana director of cricket Bobby Wilson said.

“He could be a good one...if it happens it happens.’’

Tootgarook has locked in Danny Heylbut as senior coach. His cricket journey includes stints in Premier Cricket at Frankston Peninsula, as well as Dromana, Hastings and most recently Rosebud.

Changes at Mt Martha, with coach Ben Stallworthy and assistant coach Simon Street stepping down and not playing next season.

“I’ve loved what we’ve achieved there and would have loved to have gone one step further both years,’’ Stallworthy said.

“Work is just crazy for me. Juggling that with a young family...it was just the right time for me. Regardless of win, lose or draw, I made that decision 10 weeks ago.’’

The Reds may also lose its two English players Evan Williams and Tom Walker, who combined for 1200 runs and 64 wickets last season.

Crib Point has signed Seaford premiership player Jack Knight, a hard-hitting young batter who showcased his power against Cribby late in the season by blasting 123 in the seconds.

Moorooduc has boosted its batting with the addition of Seaford Tigers 1st XI opener Ben Millar, 19.

Brendan Walsh bowling for Ringwood. Picture: Adam Elwood

Danny Heylbut will lead the Frogs. Picture: Facebook

In other whispers:

*Movement at Somerville, with ex-skipper Brad McDonald returning and all-rounder Cameron Sharpe unlikely to play.

*Long Island making a play for Tyabb and MPCA Country Week bowling all-rounder Sam Holland-Burch.

*Tootgarook in the running to land a top recruit from an MPCA club.

*Several clubs, including Pines, chasing Delacombe Park keeper-batter Jonny Guthrie.

*Rosebud captain-coach Patrick Nagel heading north — to Darwin to play with Southern Districts over winter. His Sharks teammates Kieran Hanley and Kane Donald are also going; they’re filling up the car and making the long drive.