MPCA: Recruits for Moorooduc, Heatherhill, Rosebud, Balnarring, YCW

A former first-class cricket batsman is among the recruits already locked in for next season in the Mornington Peninsula association.

Dewayne Bowden is Moorooduc’s new captain-coach. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Moorooduc has secured a former New Zealand first-class player as captain-coach for the 2022-23 MPCA season.

Dewayne Bowden played 33 first-class games with Wellington, scoring 1080 runs, including a century, and taking 74 wickets, at 34.39 apiece, with his left-arm pace.

The 40-year-old is well known on the Mornington Peninsula, having played for Dromana for the past three seasons, and was a member of the Hoppers’ MPCA District premiership last season.

The Ducs are thrilled to secure the big-hitting left-hander.

“We are looking forward to an exciting new era for the club,’’ the club said.

MULLAVEY ON THE MOVE

Baxter will need a new captain, coach and wicketkeeper after the surprise departure of Sammy Mullavey.

He’s joined Parkdale in the Cricket Southern Bayside competition.

Mullavey led Baxter for two seasons after captaining Heatherhill to a flag in 2018-19.

Levi McLoughlin-Dore.

THE HYPHEN JOINS THE HILLS

Heatherhill has high hopes for its latest signing, Frankston YCW all-rounder Levi McLoughlin-Dore.

The Hills say the former Country Week player will “slot into our top five beautifully’’.

“Wanting to test himself in a higher division we believe he has the perfect skill set to help us have a crack at getting back into Provincial cricket,’’ Heatherhill posted on social media.

NEW SKIPPER FOR SHARKS

Rosebud’s prodigal son has returned, with Patrick Nagel back at the Sharks after a one-season stop at Frankston Peninsula.

And he will take over as Rosebud captain, replacing Billy Quigley.

Nick Jewell is Rosebud’s new coach.

Nagel, after playing in Rosebud’s MPCA District flag in 2020-21, had a crack at Premier Cricket and managed to play two games in Frankston Peninsula’s firsts, as well as 12 in the twos.

Rosebud has also landed a handy recruit, Sean Barry, from Koonung Heights in Box Hill Reporter District Cricket Association.

He’s an all-rounder who was also a long-serving committee member at his previous club.

KEY ADDITION FOR KNIGHTS

Ballam Park’s new senior assistant coach Gary Lewis has an impressive resume.

He played at Melbourne and captain-coached several clubs including Caulfield East, Rythdale and Cluden.

“Gary will support AJ (Ballam Park coach Anthony Joel)…and brings a wealth of knowledge for the game and breeding winning cultures,’’ the Knights posted on social media.

SAINT PAT

Balnarring has signed Rosebud premiership player Patrick Nickeas for season 2022-23.

The left-arm orthodox bowler took 1-14 off six overs in Rosebud’s grand final win over Delacombe Park in 2020-21.

He played every game in Rosebud’s First XI last season.

The Saints are looking forward to seeing what Nickeas can do on their revamped ground next season.

HARRY AT STONECATS

Frankston YCW has signed Casey South Melbourne all-rounder Harry Atkins.

A former YCW junior premiership player, Atkins played four seasons with the Swans, including 10 Second XI appearances and one finals game — in the fourths in 2020-21 when he cracked 29 not out of 33 balls.