SECA signings: Premier paceman bolsters flag contender

South East Cricket Association clubs have been busy in the off-season, with a Premier Cricket paceman a key signing and a package of MPCA players joining a club.

SECA signings continue in the off-season.

The off-season signings continue in the South East Cricket Association (SECA).

LONGMUIR SHIELD

MONTGOMERY HOMECOMING BOLSTERS LIONS’ PREMIERSHIP DEFENCE

What a coup for Bentleigh Uniting! The reigning premiers have regained young paceman Connor Montgomery after three seasons at Richmond in Premier Cricket. Fast and strong, he’ll join forces with his brother Noah to spearhead a formidable Lions attack. Connor took 17 wickets at 22.47 in Richmond’s seconds last season, often ripping through top orders with hostile opening spells. He played all of his junior cricket at Bentleigh Uniting and made his 1st XI debut in the 2021-22 season, contributing to the Lions’ Longmuir Shield winning side. Bentleigh Uniting has also regained all-rounder Lachlan Still, fresh from playing in a premiership with Broadbeach in Queensland.

Connor Montgomery has returned to Bentleigh Uniting. Picture: Facebook

BURRAS SECURE RODRIGO

Kingston Heath has re-signed Lakshina Rodrigo for another season. He will form a key part of a talented Burras top order headed by Nathaniel D’ Rozario and Andrew Birt.

WOOLNOUGH SHIELD

CHAG BOLSTERS SQUAD

Chelsea Heights-Aspendale Gardens has added firepower, regaining paceman Ethan Capp after a stint at Le Page Park where he worked his way through the ranks into their Longmuir Shield team. The former CHAG junior won the Quiney Shield Bowling Average (11.1) last season, taking 27 wickets across all grades. Nathan Keon has also joined CHAG after previously playing at Peninsula Old Boys and Ballam Park in the strong Mornington Peninsula association. Keon is a top order batsman who is more than handy with ball in hand. More good news for CHAG, with experienced 1st XI player Will Fountain set to return after a shoulder injury sidelined him last season. His return is seen as a huge addition to CHAG’s bowling line-up. And CHAG has also secured Luke Mulder as assistant coach. He coached Ballam Park in the MPCA last season, helping to relaunch the Knights’ junior program and supporting the development of younger players.

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Seaver Cowley has joined Bentleigh Uniting. Picture: Mark Wilson

LONGMUIR SHIELD

LIONS BOLSTER SQUAD FOR TITLE DEFENCE

Reigning premiers Bentleigh Uniting has secured all-rounder Seaver Cowley, fresh from his match-winning performance in Thomson’s Geelong Cricket Association grand final triumph. Cowley’s 33 and impressive 5-52 off 20 overs showcase the firepower he brings to Bentleigh Uniting.

The Lions have also retained their core, with team of the year gun Craig Short, Jacob Gray and Liam Manakis all recommitting. This blend of fresh talent and established stars sets Bentleigh Uniting up for a strong title defence in the upcoming season.

Uniting has also picked up teenage wicketkeeper-batsman Phil Galanopoulos, brother of captain-coach Lukas Galanopoulos. He joins from Prahran, bringing his Brighton Grammar School experience to the Lions’ den.

WOOLNOUGH SHIELD

FRAWLEY RETURNS TO LEAD MACKIE’S PREMIERSHIP PUSH

Sam Frawley has recommitted to Mackie, signing on as captain-coach for another season. The former Pearcedale paceman’s decision comes after a stellar debut campaign that saw him claim the prestigious SECA Woolnough Shield Player of the Year award.

Frawley’s impact was undeniable, with a terrific all-round performance of 29 wickets at an average of 15, complemented by 282 runs at a solid 40. His leadership was instrumental in guiding Mackie to the grand final, leaving the club hungry for ultimate success in the upcoming season.

“We couldn’t be prouder to have this guy as part of the Mackie family,” the club shared on social media, highlighting Frawley’s importance both on and off the field.

CHAG NEWS

Chelsea Heights-Aspendale Gardens (CHAG) has made a significant move in appointing Mario Morel as senior coach. Morel brings a wealth of experience from his time playing with Kingston Heath and coaching abroad.

The appointment comes at a crucial time for CHAG, who are looking to bounce back quickly after their relegation from the Longmuir Shield. Morel has already hit the ground running, focusing on developing talent across all levels of the club.

In addition to the new coaching appointment, CHAG has secured key player re-signings. Sam Simpson, last season’s coaches award recipient, has recommitted. Also returning is the big-hitting Pete “Pistol” Jacobsen, known for his ability to clear the boundaries.

OMEGA GEARS UP FOR SUCCESS

Omega has reappointed Brad Atholwood as 1st XI Captain, recognising his proven leadership. “Brad is key to our future success and another First XI Premiership,” the club stated. Following a strong season with a junior premiership and 1st and 2nd XI finals appearances, Omega now seeks a coach to complement their ambitious plans.