MPCA: Recruits for Main Ridge, Somerville, Moorooduc and Flinders

An international Under 19 all-rounder and a former Premier Cricket batter are among recruits already locked in for next season in the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association.

Kiefer Peries with the wicketkeeping gloves on for Clyde. He’s joined Somerville. Picture:Andy Brownbill

Main Ridge has added a young gun to its playing stocks in the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association.

Hastings all-rounder Tom Finn will give the Cougars bowling attack a sharp edge and boost their batting.

He took 25 wickets, at 17, last season, including two four-wicket hauls.

Finn had a season with Frankston Peninsula in 2020-21, playing as high as second XI. At Main Ridge he will help develop the club’s youth and and be part of a 1st XI team that is aiming to return to finals.

Main Ridge coach Gareth Wyatt welcomes recruit Tom Finn. Picture: Facebook

Somerville president Adrian Ridout and Kiefer Peries. Picture: Facebook

Somerville has signed former Frankston Peninsula batsman Kiefer Peries, who will take the reins as First XI captain.

The 26-year-old played over 100 games with the Heat, including a handful of First XI appearances, and he scored a century in the thirds.

He also coach Clyde in the Casey Cardinia association.

“Kiefer brings great experience and an excellent cricket brain to take on this task,’’ Somerville said.

Somerville has bid adieu to three of its most accomplished players, Brad McDonald, Leigh Lowry and Aaron Kaddatz.

McDonald and Lowry are unlikely to play at all while Kaddatz has joined Nyora.

“They have all been mainstays at Somerville and we appreciate all that they have given to the club,’’ Somerville said.

Moorooduc has signed a former Irish junior national representative.

Raymond Curry, 19, joins the Ducs from Bonds Glen Cricket Club in the North West League, Ireland.

He narrowly missed selection for the Irish under 19 World Cup squad in 2022 in the West Indies.

Curry is a left-hand top order bat and right-arm medium pace bowler, and is sure to enjoy playing on the picturesque Moorooduc oval.

Young Irishman Raymond Curry will play with Moorooduc. Picture: Facebook

Jarryd Lymer has joined Flinders. Picture: Facebook

Flinders has secured Somerville bowler Jarryd Lymer, who has taken over 280 senior wickets and had good success in the Eagles’ first XI a few years back.

Carrum Downs has reappointed Michael O’Driscoll as senior coach and Gordon Waterfall as First XI captain.

“These gentleman have shown such commitment and dedication to our players, club and community,’’ the club said.

Seaford has unveiled changes at the top, with Zac Staggard taking over as senior coach.

“Zac comes with many fantastic ideas to not only continue the success we’ve been having but to take it to the next level with a greater focus and emphasis around development of our own junior players,’’ the club said.

Premiership captain-coach Matt Herbert will retain the captaincy, keen to guide the side to more success.

Seaford paceman Andrew Smith, who won the MPCA District bowling award last season, has recommitted for a further two years and will take on an assistant coaching role. “Andrew has been an incredible acquisition since coming across to us and we really love having him at the club,’’ Seaford said.