Strathmore already deep into preparations for move to VSDCA

Strathmore has already received messages from potential recruits after being officially accepted into Subbies cricket on Monday night.

Strathmore is already well advanced in its planning as it shifts to the VSDCA next season.

After 30 years the Mores will leave the VTCA after being officially accepted by Subbies clubs on Monday night.

“It’s been the worst kept secret in Melbourne but at least it’s done now and we can get organised and move forward,” president Allison Dodd said.

“We’ve been planning for some time, our structure is already pretty mature and we’d already started planning for next season regardless of where we ended up.

“Our goal has always been to make sure our players can play at the highest level.”

Chris Williams in action for Strathmore. Picture: Hamish Blair

Strathmore was one of the most successful clubs of the past 15 years.

The club won a combined 17 premierships across its four senior grades, including three First XI titles, the most recent in Senior Division in 2018-19.

The Second XI was one of the most dominant teams in league history, reaching 11 grand finals since 2004-05 and winning eight flags while the Thirds added four and the Fourths two more.

The club’s focus will now turn to recruiting as it enters the high-powered North group, featuring the likes of Kew, Brunswick and Plenty Valley.

“We’ve got some exceptionally good cricketers currently in our senior group but also our junior pathway program – our under-18s side was very competitive in the VTCA this past season,” Dodd said.

“Through the review process we’ll identify if there’s a few gaps and we’ll work to fill those accordingly.

“Off the back of (Monday) night’s announcement we’re already getting messages from people interested in what the club has to offer and looking to play at a higher level.”

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Strathmore boasts former West Indies Test opener, coach Omar Phillips, Chris Williams, Lucas Kennedy and skipper Johnny Bassi who should have no trouble adjusting to the VSDCA level.

Having been a part of the VTCA when it included southern clubs such as Brighton and Mentone, travel is not a concern either.

“Travel was a big consideration through our due diligence process with our playing group and broader club and the general feedback was ‘been there done that, it’s not an issue’,” Dodd said.

“It’s not significantly different, it’s in different directions.”