Premier Cricket: Blake Reed signs for Melbourne University

Melbourne University has signed a gun all-rounder from WA ahead of the new Premier Cricket season while a BBL cult hero will return alongside his brother.

If you’re not familiar with the name Blake Reed it’s likely you will be by the end of the Premier Cricket season.

Melbourne University has confirmed the signing of the devastating all-rounder ahead of the 2022-23 season as Reed prepares to move across the country.

Reed has crafted out a fine career for himself in Western Australia’s Premier Cricket competition with Melville having played over 150 First XI games.

Throughout last season he amassed 638 runs at an average of 31.9 across all forms.

He was also equally as impressive, inspirational with the ball taking 23 wickets at 14.78.

Melbourne University coach Dan Hutton said he expected Reed to “fill a gap” in his side’s batting line-up.

“We identified we needed to add some more experience to our playing group,” he said.

“We’ve been really happy with the development of our young guys and thought it was important to add some more support for them. Any time you bat with a more experienced batsman you feel a lot more comfortable at the crease.

Western Australia Premier Cricket star Blake Reed has signed with Melbourne University. Photo: Facebook.

“They’ll learn a lot from Blake throughout the season. We got into contact with him through some people who live in Perth and are connected to the club.

“He was looking for a change and it’s worked out well for us. We think Blake will be a quality player.”

Reed has experiencing in a coaching and mentoring academy in Perth and is looking to bring the same program to Melbourne with him according to Hutton.

Peter Hatzoglou will play for Melbourne University outside of his BBL commitments. Photo: Getty Images.

The new University recruit is set to be joined by Big Bash cult hero Peter Hatzoglou at the club after he committed to Victoria’s Premier competition full-time outside of his commitments with the Perth Scorchers.

“We managed to get a couple of games out of Pete at the end of last season so it will be good to have him again,” Hutton said.

“His brother, Max, is returning to the club as well after some time in South Australia where he played First XI cricket.

“It’s also pleasing that we’ve been able to hold onto the playing group from last season.”

Ahead of his second season as coach, Hutton said he was “excited” to see the return of two-day games.