VTCA: Point Cook welcomes back Harry Singh from Greenvale Kangaroos

A former Roy Paxino medal winner is set to return to the VTCA while several others are on the move across the competition. Here’s the latest news.

Doutta Stars has received a major boost to its hopes of bouncing straight back up to the Senior Division

The club has announced 2019-20 Roy Paxino medallist Lorenzo Ingram will re-join the club as captain-coach.

In his last season with the club, Ingram scored 419 runs at an average of 38.09 and took 23 wickets at 15.48.

“Looking forward to seeing what Lorenzo can do for our club this coming season,” the club said in a social media post.

After Ingram’s arrival at the club, Patrick Willach has relinquished the role of captain after leading the side at the age of just 21.

“The club thanks you for what you did for us last season Paddy and we can’t wait to see you out there this coming season,” the club said.

Lorenzo Ingram is back with Doutta Stars.

SYDENHAM-HILLSIDE ADDS ANOTHER INTERNATIONAL

Sydenham Hillside looks set to have three internationals in its ranks for the upcoming season.

The Division 1 newcomers have unveiled South African Jared Wilson as the club’s latest signing.

Wilson, who is a seam bowling all-rounder, currently plays first class cricket in Ireland.

He follows the arrivals of Caribbean duo Anthony Alleyne and Kadeem Alleyne.

SEABROOK ANNOUNCES NEW CAPTAIN-COACH

Seabrook has turned to former Sunshine United premiership player Indika Dharmawardana as its new coach for next season.

The former Sri Lanka first class player spent six seasons with the Tigers and helped them break their premiership drought in 2014-15 when they won the Division 3 title.

He is a middle order batter and leg spin bowler.

Indika Dharmawardane in action for Sunshine United. Picture: David Smith

He has recently been the head coach and founder of the High Performance Cricket Academy in Sri Lanka.

“Indika boasts an impressive cricketing resume and was a stand out candidate in our search for a leader for the coming season,” Seabrook said in a social media post announcing his appointment.

ST ALBANS ANNOUNCE CAPTAIN AND COACH

Michael Else has been appointed as the man to lead St Albans forward.

Else has a long connection to the club having previously served as club president during a premiership season.

He is also a junior premiership coach.

Reigning VTCA league best and fairest Geeth Alwis has been named as the club’s First XI skipper.

GRAND UNITED WELCOMES BACK TWO FORMER JUNIORS

Grand United is priming itself for another push at the Division 3 premiership after confirming two former juniors will return to the club.

Kyle Holden and Ben Doll are set to wear Gorilla’s colours once again after stints with Sunshine United and Druids respectively over the past couple of seasons.

Doll took 34 wickets as a 17-year-old when Grand United tasted premiership success in 2019-20.

Meanwhile, Matthew Hayes has again been appointed as the A Turf captain.

Hashan James, Jayden White-Powell, Melisha Deshapriya and wicketkeeper Nilan Fernando are among the club’s other re-signings.

MELTON SOUTH SECURE HAIG FAWKNER BOWLER

Sameera Vithana. Picture: Kylie Else

Division 5 club Melton South has secured an important signing with the arrival of Sameera Vithana.

Vithana arrives from Senior Division side Haig Fawkner where he played nine games last season — although he did not play in the premiership.

He has also had stints with Jacana, Moonee Valley and West Coburg.

FOOTSCRAY ANGLISS WELCOME NEW ALL-ROUNDER

Brendan Bennett has joined Footscray Angliss. Photo: Facebook.

Brendan Bennett has changed clubs after he crossed from West Newport to Division 5 outfit Footscray Angliss.

The pace bowling all-rounder played eight games in West Newport’s First XI last season.

“We look forward to seeing him charge in and wield the willow at Angliss Reserve this season,” the club said.

SANCTUARY LAKES POACH BATTING ALL-ROUNDER

Asim Mehmood has signed for Sanctuary Lakes. Photo: Facebook.

Division 5 club Sanctuary Lakes has confirmed the arrival of Asim Mehmood from Tullamarine.

Mahmood posted a high score of 50 last season during his stint with the Division 1 club and has also shown an ability to roll the arm over.

“Asim is a noted hard-hitting, batting all rounder, who bowls with good pace and accuracy. In joining the Sharks, he helps to strengthen our entire club,” the club said in a social media post.

POINT COOK WELCOMES BACK GUNS

The excitement at Point Cook is going through the roof.

The Victorian Turf Cricket Association Division 3 club has pulled off one of the recruiting moves of the season with gun all-rounder Harry Singh set to return to the club.

Singh has spent the past two seasons with Kingston Hawthorn and Greenvale Kangaroos in Premier Cricket but is preparing to return “home”.

In his previous stint at Saltwater Reserve during the 2019-20 season, he took 26 wickets at an average of 13.9.

Point Cook vice-president Gaurav Malhotra hailed Singh’s return as a “big moment” for the club.

“He’s going to be a classy addition to our side,” he said.

“A bit of work has gone into getting Harry back to the club but we’re really excited about it. He adds a lot of strength to our First XI.

“Hopefully he can show the same form that he did a few years ago.”

Harvinder Singh in action for Kingston Hawthorn. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Singh’s arrival comes despite Point Cook remaining on the lookout for a new senior coach for the upcoming VTCA season.

The club is searching for Hari Krishan’s replacement after he stepped away from the role after one season.

He confirmed to Leader on Wednesday morning he was no longer in charge.

“We’re still looking at different options for our coaching set up — whether that’s a playing or non-playing coach,” Malhotra said.

“Finding someone is difficult, it’s a matter of fact. Lots of clubs in our division and above us are still looking as well. But we’re still doing our due diligence.”

Singh won’t be the only fresh face inserted into the club’s First XI either with Englishman Ross Martin signing on for 2022-23.

He is a player-coach at Dumbleton and has previous experience in Australia with Eastern Cricket Association club Glen Iris.

But Malhotra revealed there could be more recruits on the way.

“We’re still talking to a few other potential signings because we’re always looking to improve our senior grades,” he said.

“But we could also quite possibly see young guys come out of our Second XI who won a third straight premiership last season.

“The second grade has always been a great stepping stone for our juniors. We had 23 junior teams last season so we know there is some great talent coming through the ranks.”

The club has since confirmed David Hicks has also recommitted to the club.