Gabriella Vukman
This season, former rivals, Woori Yallock and Launching Place Cricket Clubs have united as one.
Due to a lack of numbers, the merger of the clubs was initiated when Woori Yallock CC President Mick Nicholls and Launching Place CC President Stuart Parker got together to discuss a joint team.
Having played together at each club over the years, both presidents decided to unite their cricketing careers once more in order to generate a unified and substantial cricketing side.
“Both clubs were struggling to fill their sides. They only had enough players for one and a half teams each. So we got together and had a bit of a chat and that’s where we ended up coming up with the idea to merge,” Stuart said.
Mick said, “in my juniors as well I was part of the Launching Place Cricket Club so I knew Stuart and other members from there originally.”
There is little change to the fixture as a result of the merger between the two sides and the now titled ‘Lusatia Park Cricket Club’ is focusing on building up its juniors program.
We will have a blasters program throughout the season as well from ages 5-8 where youngsters can learn the basics of batting and bowling,” Stuart said.
An anonymous vote took place in order to decide the fusion of the clubs and almost all voted yes for the union.
The club is still looking for junior players for their under 10s and 12s teams.
“Some more senior players would also be great,” Mick said.
As for which pitch will be the home ground, the presidents confirmed that both pitches will be used.
Stuart said, “our top two grades will play out of Woori Yallock and our thirds will play out of Launching Place. Then we’ll have a vets side that plays on Sundays with our women’s team at either pitch.”
“We’re also going to divide up training nights between each club,” Mick added.
The club has chosen to keep two presidents so that members from each club have someone they can communicate with, however Mick said, “so far, it hasn’t been needed.”
“We’ve kept communication open to all of our members,” Mick said.
So far, both presidents describe the reactions they’ve had regarding the merger have been positive overall.
“At this point in time the dynamic is looking great. Everyone’s on board and we’re fully into pre-season and we’re looking really good,” Stuart said.
Both presidents are excited about the amalgamation and are looking forward to a fruitful season ahead.
“This merger provides a diverse range of teams, enabling players to play in their correct bracket in the senior ranks instead of some players being forced to play higher than what they should. This will create a team that is more representative of their ability,” Stuart said.
Mick said, “instead of two clubs competing against each other because we’re so close, coming together has given us a broader scope.”
“We want ours to be a very family-orientated community club, Mick said”
“Launching Place really had a strong family club behind them and we’re going to try and keep that.”
