VSDCA still exploring expansion plans with eight clubs interested
Eight clubs from rival surburban cricket competitions are interested in joining the VSDCA as the association looks to expand in the coming seasons but there’s no offical timetable.
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The Victoria Sub-District Cricket Association says there’s no timetable for its expansion plans.
The VSDCA announced in 2017 it wanted to expand from 28 to 32 teams by 2019-20 but chief executive Ken Hilton said the competition was still in the exploratory phase.
It is understood as many as eight clubs from across Melbourne have expressed interest in joining the VSDCA.
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“A number of clubs have expressed interest and they’re spread out across the four groups – North, South, East and West,” Hilton said.
“We’ve kept in contact with the clubs but we haven’t progressed to any great degree at this stage.
“We’re a four team turf competition, so clubs have to have the required facilities … they’ve also got to be prepared to travel as we rotate the groups over a three-year period.
“If we were going to do it for 2020-21, we’d have to get our skates on and move in the next month or so.”
The VSDCA is made up of four groups — North, South, East and West — of seven clubs, but Hilton said eight-team groups would improve fixturing and player retention.
Taylors Lakes was the most recent addition to the VSDCA, crossing from the VTCA in 2016-17.
Reigning VTCA Senior Division premier Strathmore was approached as part of the Subbies’ expansion plans.
Mores president Allison Dodd confirmed her club had started conversations with the VSDCA but added the club was not planning to switch competitions any time soon.
“There’s nothing concrete because it’s all high-level conversation and we don’t even know where Subbies are in relation to their expansion plans,” Dodd said.
“The vision of our club is always to be a club of choice and part of that is providing the best opportunities for our juniors and seniors to play the best cricket they can.
“I believe at this point we’ll be playing in the VTCA in 2020-21.”