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WDCA 2017/2018 Pre-Season Preview

Competition Structure
Division 1: Buln, Yarragon, Hallora, Longwarry, Drouin, Western Park, Ellinbank
Division 2: Drouin, Neerim District, Garfield-Tynong, Warragul, Ellinbank, Western Park, Jindivick,
Hallora
Division 3: Iona, Garfield-Tynong, Neerim District, Buln, Western Park, Longwarry, Yarragon, Jindivick
Division 4: Bunyip, Western Park, Hallora, Drouin, Jindivick, Warragul
Division 5: Drouin, Neerim District, Buln, Yarragon, Longwarry, Jindivick, Western Park, Garfield-
Tynong
Division 6: Hallora, Yarragon, Iona, Drouin, Jindivick, Ellinbank, Western Park
Club Profiles
Buln Buln CC (The Lyrebirds): Last summer was an unmitigated disaster for the Lyrebirds in the top
flight, with the Division 1 side crashing to 7th on the table, with just two wins to their name. After a run of
success in recent years, the fall was surprising for many, and Buln will no doubt have an eye on
reinstating their reputation as one the the teams the beat in the WDCA. Aiding their cause is the
retaining of Rhys Holdsworth and Jackson Noonan, and the return of Jeff Walsh. There will be a keen
interest on the success of the Lyrebirds early in the season as they seek to recapture some form.
Key Ins: Jeff Walsh (returning from injury), Jack Paull, Max Kelly (Overseas), Jarryd Kilday (Yarragon).
Key Outs: Ben ONeill (Garfield-Tynong), Leigh Cook (Warragul).
Team News: Bryce Monahan has been installed as the Senior Coach for season 2017/18 after missing
most of last year with injury, and the indomitable Jeff Walsh is also back after a year off.
From the Club: We hope to be competing in finals in all grades, with an aim on providing our juniors
with experience in senior cricket Dave Armour.
Bunyip CC (The Bulls): In a reflection on how quickly fortunes can turn in country cricket, Bunyip have
gone from Division 2 premiers, to barely being able to field a senior side. An exodus of players in the off-
season to clubs around the WDCA has gutted the playing roster of the Bulls, and as a result they will be
fielding just the one side at this stage, in Division 4. It would no doubt be a disappointing time for those
involved with the Bunyip CC, and it will be tough for them to rebuild. However, clubs in this situation
have risen before, and the Bulls will no doubt look to use season 2017/18 as the starting point for their
return to greater success.
Drouin CC (The Hawks): It was a season full of what-ifs for Drouin last summer, with five of their six
senior sides making it to the finals, for a return of 0 premierships. The fact that so many sides made the
finals highlights their depth, and they will again be looking to compete strongly in all levels. This summer
the Hawks will only be fielding five sides, but very rarely does Drouin fall to the bottom of the table, so I
wouldnt expect any capitulations across the grades. Division 1 will again be their target and they will
be hoping for their core group of players Dale Weller, Trevor Gardiner, Simon Gardiner and Damon
Healy to stand up and deliver.
Key Ins: Mitchell Goodwin (Traralgon).
Key Outs: Blair Weller, Luke Radford (Sydney Competition).
Team News: Drouin has undergone a lengthy pre-season campaign, having put in two months of
preparation for the new season. In 2017/18 the club is introducing a new development academy for the
club, with player-focused trainings looking to extend their younger talent. The club has also had a new
electronic scoreboard installed at their home ground, with an upcoming redevelopment of the nets area.
From the Club: With the club unfortunately losing some great players from our higher grades we are
excited with the opportunities this creates for our younger players. With the U16s coming off the
premiership last season, we know we have a great band of players. Our core group are all keen to improve
their games and help push the club back to contending for finals again Trevor Gardiner.
Ellinbank CC (The Eagles): Ellinbank made a barnstorming run to the semi-finals of the Division 1
competition their first trip to the finals for a number of years but ran into a truly rampant Western
Park, and were promptly bundled out after crumbling to be dismissed for 43. Nonetheless, the Eagles
would be optimistic about continuing their growth and again featuring in finals action. The addition of
talented youngster Cam Lyon back into the fold, and the signing of overseas recruit William Dewing
should help Ellinbank push strongly for finals again. In the lower grades, the club emerged victorious in
Division 3 and face the step up to Division 2, with the success of their 2nd XI sure to be of interest to
many in the WDCA.
Key Ins: William Dewing (Overseas), Cam Lyon (Warragul), Jeff Reid (Glen Alvie), Matt Murphy
(Traralgon).
From the Club: Weve had a good, short, sharp pre-season after the footy season and are extremely
eager to hit the ground running. We have players coming in adding depth, and there is heavy competition
for spots. We hope to consolidate on last year, get better from there, and gain more experience for our
young talented players. If we play the right way and get an even contribution from our players, well be
right in it at the end of the summer Nicholas Fairbank.
Garfield-Tynong CC (The Titans): The Titans were again in the mix in Division 2 last summer, but fell
to a crushing defeat against the eventual premiers Bunyip in the semi-final. They will no doubt be keen to
build on that experience and use it as stimulus to push to the next level. Garfield-Tynong havent lost any
players of note in the off-season, but have picked up a number of players which should see their depth
extended. In the lower grades, the club has pushed up to Division 3 and 5 after fielding Division 4 and 6
last summer and it will be interesting to see if the club rises to the extra challenge associated with the
step-up.
Key Ins: Jason Skobla, Anthony Hart, Jack Salan (Neerim District), Grant Pearson (Merinda Park), Reece
Williams (Hawthorn-Monash).
From the Club: Season goals are to build on the already strong club culture, and provide a pathway for
improvement from the young players within.
Hallora CC (The Kangaroos): Hallora did what few teams could last summer topple Western Park, and
they did just that in fine fashion, with a 50-run grand final victory over their rivals. It was a stirring
performance that highlighted the crucial mix of experience and talented youth needed to win games at the
highest level. They will be looking to repeat the dose in season 2017/18, although the loss of Toby Codd
will hurt his spell in the grand final was crucial in turning the game in Halloras favour. Expect the
Kangaroos to once again be riding high towards the top of the Division 1 table, and to be competitive in
the lower grades.
Key Ins: Sam Whibley (Bunyip), Mawgan Penrice (Overseas).
Key Outs: Toby Codd (returned to UK).
Team News: Ryan Williams will continue as coach for the Kangaroos following the clubs Division 1
premiership success in 2016/17, whilst Fraser Duncan will maintain the reigns as Division 1 captain.
Mawgan Penrice has joined the club as part of its ongoing affiliation with the Devon Cricket League in
England, and his form will be watched closely by opposition observers around the league.
From the Club: We will be looking to rely upon continued improvement from our young group, and
while the bowling of Codd and Caleb Serong who will most of the season due to football commitments
will be sorely missed, this should be counterbalanced by the acquisition of Sam Whibley. This season
should also see increased opportunity and responsibility afforded to up and comers James Williams and
Aidan Philips Simon Phillips.
Iona CC (The Swamp Tigers):
Team News: Iona has added enough depth to their playing roster to enter a second team for season
2017/18 with sides in Division 3 and 6 and the Swamp Tigers will be keen to return to more
successful days. After relying heavily on Luke Ferguson and Mick Taylor last summer, Iona will be keen
to develop a 1st XI which delivers on a more consistent basis. The chance to play again in Division 3
should see them improve from a wins/losses perspective, with enough match-winners amongst their ranks
to cause headaches at that level.
From the Club: We had a disappointing on-field season in 2016/17, but have had a very positive one off
the field. Iona hopes to turn the good feeling around the club into forward momentum. We have been
relegated down to Division 4, but hope to work out way back up quickly. We have lost no players, but
have had a few returns as well as some new signings not of stars, but a bit of youth which is exciting.
We are very buoyant about the upcoming season Michael Neilson.
Jindivick CC (The Jumping Jacks): Jindivick were on of the form sides in Division 2 last summer,
although they narrowly missed out on premiership glory going down to Bunyip in a thriller on the final
day of the season. They have lost some handy players in the likes of Jordan Smith, Shannon Mitchell and
Caleb Boswell, but have been busy recruiting and they will be looking to keep the momentum going in
2017/18. In the lower grades, the Jumping Jacks will again be competitive and will look to atone their
Division 3 Grand Final loss to Ellinbank. Fielding five sides, expect the Jumping Jacks to compete
strongly.
Key Ins: Sayeed Shah (Narre Warren South), Adam Rakip, Tyler Constantine (Bunyip), Greg Interlandi
(Beaconsfield), Jack Langley (Officer), Brad Aitken (Latrobe), Kamran Murtaza.
Key Outs: Jordan Smith (Glen Alvie), Matt Heeps (Glen Alvie), Shannon Mitchell (Pakenham), Caleb
Boswell (Narre Warren).
Team News: Steven Dillon moves into the captain/coaching role in Division 2, with Sean Viotto taking
over the Division 3 captaincy from Matt Cheshire. In Division 4, club stalwart Steven Fricke is taking on
the role from Nick Hume, whilst Tim Jeffery will captain Division 5.
From the Club: Ideally, Jindivick wants to be one of the most progressive clubs in the league, with a
strong Division 1, and we will be using this year as a stepping stone towards that goal. Steve [Dillon]
wants to stamp his positive and attacking brand of cricket onto the side, and well be looking to proven
performers like Harry Moore and Luke Bartlett to set the standard Mark Braddick.
Longwarry CC (The Crows): Longwarrys promotion to Division 1 last season saw them struggle for
consistency early on, although they rebuilt as the season progressed and gained some late momentum to
finish 6th with four wins. The recruiting of two overseas players should help to add impetus to the 1st XI,
and the players now know what is expected at that level, so improvement should follow. The recipe of
Division 1 was rather similar in the lower grades, aside from a run to the semi-finals from their Division 5
line-up, and the Crows will be hoping for greater success across all grades.
Key Ins: Isaac Carney, Ed Miller (Overseas), Luke Serong, Dylan Serong (returning from injury).
Key Outs: Jonah Serong.
Team News: For the first time in Longwarrys club history they have two international players in their
ranks, with Isaac Carney and Ed Miller joining the Crows for season 2017/18. Jake Serong and Thomas
Keily will share the coaching duties, with the club excited to see what the duo can deliver.
From the Club: The Crows are looking to improve on a promising 2016/17 season. We have kept all
players from last year, and added more depth, which should benefit our lower grades, with an eye on
looking to feature in finals at all levels. We are sad to see Jonah Serong leave, but are super excited about
what he can achieve at a higher level Randall Mitchell.
Neerim District CC (The Stags): After two seasons in Division 1, Neerim District has been relegated to
Division 2 following a disappointing season in 2016/17 with just one win coming their way across the
summer. However, in the lower grades there was plenty to cheer about, with a Division 4 premiership and
a T20 flag bringing enthusiasm to the club. Relegation can have a large effect on the morale of a club, and
the loss of several players wont help the cause, but there are enough matchwinners left at the club to see
them compete in Division 2. It will be fascinating to see how the club bounces back this summer.
Key Outs: Dane Fawcett (Poowong-Loch), Anthony Hart, Jason Skobla, Jack Salan, Dale Cunliffe, Bill
Grace (Garfield-Tynong), Kidman Johnstone (Clyde), Justin Price (Narre Warren), Dean Stringer
(Bunyip).
Team News: Despite the off-season turnover of players, the club is continuing to develop the Neerim
Ground (Hamono Road, Neerim), with the restoration of the historic home of the NDCC heading in a
positive direction. The aim is to install a turf wicket table in the coming years, and the cause if
progressing well. Those wishing to pledge donations to the continued development of the ground can via
the clubs Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NDCCPledge
From the Club: Its a year of rebuilding. The exodus of players from the club is both a blessing and
hindrance. With the majority of Division 1 players remaining at the club, this year the club is looking to
rebuild morale, confidence, and a winning Neerim way.
Warragul CC (The Gulls): The last few summers have been tough for Warragul in Division 2, with their
last finals appearance in 2012/13. However, the recruitment of an entirely new coaching panel could pay
dividends for the Gulls despite the loss of some key personnel. They should be competitive, but will
need to see improvements across the board to push the stronger sides. Their 2nd XI playing in Division 5
might be their best bet for success. They are coming off premiership success last summer and will be
looking to repeat the dose.
Key Ins: Paul Black, Leigh Cook (Buln), Brian Christensen (Yarragon), Liam Bow (Garfield-Tynong),
Jason Pisa (Bunyip), Jay Thomson.
Key Outs: Will Cole, Adam Feltham, Fletcher Kennedy, Elliot Kennedy, Sam Serrimondi, Oscar
Sheehan, Sam Fennell (Western Park), Cam Lyon (Ellibank), Nick Reed (Jeeralang-Boolara).
Team News: Paul Black (Senior Coach), Christensen (Assistant Coach) and Cook (Assistant Coach) make
up a new-look leadership group at the club, whilst Daniel Best is returning to captain Warraguls second
side in Division 5.
From the Club: Pre-season numbers have progressed as the season has drawn closer and we had an
encouraging practice match win over Nambrok CC. We are rapt with our coaching appointments and look
forward to our couches bringing out the best in our player ranks. We are looking to be competitive and
push into the top four in Division 2, and in Division 5 will look to defend the title we won last year
Andrew Best.
Western Park CC (The Warriors): A dominant year, and a disappointing Division 1 Grand Final loss
such was the story of the Warriors last season. After being the team to beat for most of 2016/17,
Western Park were badly beaten by Hallora in the decider, and they will be keen to make amends. A
heavy recruiting drive during the off-season has delivered several high calibre players to the Western Park
roster, with the increased depth likely to see them be a force across many divisions this summer.
Key Ins: Tyler McMillan, Sam McMillan, Alex McMillan (Bunyip), Will Cole (Warragul), Sam
Cheeseman (Hallora).
Team News: With an influx of youth looking to better their cricket, Western Park are fielding six sides for
the first time in their history, with player numbers significantly higher than in recent years. The clubs
new second home (the ground being built across the road from Western Park) is gradually being
completed, although it is unknown at this stage if it will be used this season.
From the Club: We are looking to have more players representing the league at GCL and Country Week
level, with the likes of Sam Russell, Tyler McMillan, Tyler McDonald and Joel Batson all pushing for
selection. We want to develop our youth into successful senior cricketers, and are aiming to win the
Division 1 treble (One-Day, T20, Two-Day Grand Finals) for the first time Sam Batson.
Yarragon CC (The Panthers): The last two seasons have been a mixed bag for the Panthers, with the
Division 1 line-up unable to escape the middle ground of 5th spot on the ladder. This summer they will no
doubt be looking for improvement from their lesser lights to aid the match-winners that they have in
Kumara and Ratnayake. If they can cause some upsets early on, momentum could very well carry them to
the finals, but they will need to be at their best. In the lower grades, Yarragon will looking to recapture
some of the form that has carried them to finals action in previous summers.
Key Ins: Laytten Smith.
Key Outs: Brian Christensen (Warragul), Jarryd Kilday (Buln), Mark Boardman (Sale/Maffra CA).
Team News: The development of Dowton Park is expected to continue this summer, with the
redevelopment of the clubrooms on the horizon following the upgrade to the playing surface. The cricket
nets and surroundings are also being improved, with the club in a strong position off the field. Jake
Borsato has also been reappointed as captain in Division 1.
From the Club: In Division 1 we are aiming for a finals appearance after two consecutive 5th place
finishes, whilst Division 3 will look to return to finals action with the experienced heads of Mantis, Mala,
and Nicko guiding the ship. The club is starting to flourish with good strong numbers in junior teams, and
the introduction of some of those players to senior teams- Jake Borsato.

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