By Chris Anderson
YARRA VALLEY CRICKET ASSOCIATION
FRUSTRATIONS for cricketers around the Yarra Valley as significant early spring rains put a halt to ground preparations for the upcoming cricket season.
The large amount of unprepared grounds across the Yarra Ranges Council forced an early cancellation of the first round of cricket for the Yarra Valley Cricket Association and their neighbouring associations.
The 2016-’17 season shapes as an intriguing one in the YVCA’s top two grades, DJ Strachan Shield and RA Finger Trophy, after both competitions experienced an extremely competitive and close fought season in 2015-’16.
Woori Yallock will be the team to chase in DJ Strachan Shield as they seek a hat-trick of premierships in the top grade.
The loss of reigning THR Drummond Medallist, and the competition’s leading batsman and bowler, Daniel Mock, will leave a considerable hole within their line-up.
But the form of the likes of Ryan Smith, Simon Young, Jackson Wright and Ben Hayes at the peak of their powers, and a side full of consistent performers, still puts them at the head of the pack.
Hot on their heels will be the teams they conquered in the past two seasons, Healesville and Warburton-Millgrove.
The Bloods rode a wave of great form post Christmas last season, which led them to a competitive showing in the grand final.
The Bloods will be hoping they’ll be led well by Ash Hamer, whose form late last season drove the Bloods’ charge.
Healesville have recruited some disciplined, experienced cricketers over recent seasons and, in addition to their developing youngsters, there is no reason why they won’t be around the mark this season.
Warburton-Millgrove probably boast the most experienced team in the top flight and they will rely on this experience to expose their opposition, particularly in the challenging two-day format.
Led by the talented Lever brothers – David, Daniel and Ben – the trio will be well supported by the likes of Liam Barnard in their quest to reach the pinnacle once again.
Mount Evelyn and Yarra Junction fought it out to make finals last season and both teams will be keen to take the next step.
Mount Evelyn regains the services of Kane Jones.
His partnership with Gareth Fraser will be crucial for both middle-order runs and match-winning wickets.
The Rovers have a raft of talented teens searching for consistency.
If a few of these can back up the efforts of Jones and Fraser, then they could surprise.
Yarra Junction could prove to be the big movers in 2016-’17 as last season would’ve stung the Eagles.
With Quinton Hodgkinson and Cam Spaulding atop their batting order, the Eagles can boast an explosive force early in their innings.
Marcus Hottes proved a valuable foil for the pair last season as he rarely failed in keeping things together early.
The keys for the Eagles are getting enough wickets and some late order runs to complement their stars.
Rounding out the field of starters for DJ Strachan Shield are Seville and Yarra Glen.
Seville were exposed last year with the loss of many key premiership heroes, but the young side weren’t disgraced as they put vital time into their youngsters.
Matt Hadlum is a force with the ball.
With several handy players with the ball, the Blues were able to restrict their opponents to chaseable totals, but their biggest challenge came with making enough runs.
All eyes will be on Yarra Glen as they rise back to the premier competition after over a decade in the lower grades.
They have been quietly going about their business developing and building an impressive array of young talent and may surprise a few if they are underestimated.
With former Victorian Bushranger Brendan Ricci at the helm, and with the experience of John Orren with the ball, then anything could happen with the competition’s ‘New Kids on the Block’.
With a late finish to the football season, cricket has struggled to find some front page space.
All clubs across the Yarra Valley are looking for keen cricketers of all ages and abilities.
Season 2016-17 saw the introduction of Under 10s cricket, which proved quite popular on a Friday evening, while most clubs are looking to fill their ranks in the Under 12s, Under 14s and Under 16s ranks.
Several clubs within the Yarra Valley also offer the entry-level program for beginning cricketers, Milo ‘In2Cricket’, which is aimed out our 5-8 year old cricketers which most clubs kick off in early November.
There are many options for the senior cricketers of all ages and abilities also; from the top grades to the social friendly lower grades and one-day grades to suit most cricketers.
What better way to spend some father-son time, than to share a game of cricket on a Saturday afternoon.
To keep everyone catered for, the Yarra Valley have established teams in the Over 40s, Over 50s and Over 60s, which opens the possibility for cricketers to return to the game they love, or an opportunity to start a childhood dream of playing cricket.
Mount Evelyn Cricket Club also offers Over 40s and Over 60s teams.
If playing isn’t your scene, there are plenty of other options including umpiring.
The YVCA Umpires Association is always looking for more members to help assist in the running of the games on a Saturday.
A great way to earn some money while staying involved in a great game.
If you, or a member of your family, is interested in taking up the game of cricket, please contact the following, and you will be directed to your nearest club: Seniors – Chris Anderson (yvcascores@gmail.com), Juniors – Brent Watts (bwatts@stagsf.com), Veterans – Graeme Le Brocq (glebrocq@aapt.net.au), Umpires – Harry Marsh (topcat3765@gmail.com)
