LIAM DURKIN
CRICKET
CLV
LIAM DURKIN
OKAY footy clubs, get off the ground, it’s time to play cricket.
The opening weekend of the cricket season gets underway this Saturday.
A new season brings with it a new era, as Cricket Latrobe Valley is set for its inaugural season.
CLV was formed by amalgamating the Latrobe Valley District Cricket League and Traralgon District Cricket Association.
The result has created a 21-club league, making for one of the biggest cricket leagues in country Victoria.
The Latrobe Valley now stands alongside regional powerhouse Ballarat in terms of number of cricket clubs encapsulating its catchment area.
Both of those regions entered a football team in the VFL some 25 years ago, and now look to be leading the way in the summer game.
The CLV season will see teams play three one-day games to start, before moving into the longer format.
For those that have joined from the TDCA, it will be a return to two-day cricket for the first time since 2021.
A Grade teams have been divided into two divisions, with no cross-conference competition as was seen in the LVDCL in the last three seasons.
The premier from A Grade will gain promotion to Premier A, replacing the side that finishes last in the top division.
After the entire month of October was affected by rain last season, leading to a record-number of washouts, all in local cricket circles will be hoping to get a better run at it this time around.
With experts predicting a hot summer to come, the sight of grown men playing a game in long pants under a blazing sun for hours on end may give people watching reason to believe their time could be better spent elsewhere.
But, those same people who wonder why cricket takes so long might also see the very reason there and then.
It takes so long because it matters so much.
Glengarry
Last season: Premier (TDCA)
Captain: Nat Freitag
Ins: Hamish Busk (returning from injury)
Outs: None
Teams: Premier A, Premier B, Premier C
THE last TDCA premier will be looking to become the first CLV Premier A premier.
Glengarry pulled off one of the great Grand Final victories last season, after Max Merton clobbered a straight six in the last over with three balls to spare.
The Magpies might have set in motion for their AFL counterparts to win a close Grand Final of their own last weekend, but with two-day finals now on the table, the local Magpies will be hoping to swoop into the top four come March.
Nat Freitag is back as captain, and will welcome the return of bowler Hamish Busk from injury.
Freitag was one of the key wickets in the TDCA last season, and the recently appointed CLV GCL captain will now carry the added mantle of one of the key wickets in the whole Latrobe Valley.
Morwell
Last season: Premier (LVDCL Premier A)
Captain/coach: Jordan Campbell
Ins: Tim Ford, Cyrus Shafi, Louis Johnson
Outs: Greg Harvey (England), Travis Pickering (Thorpdale)
Teams: Premier A, Premier B, Premier C
MORWELL’S premiership win in the LVDCL might not have been as exciting as Glengarry’s, but their journey to get there certainly was.
The Tigers had both feet on the gallows after Day 1 of the semi-final last season, before freeing themselves thanks to a masterminded reverse-outright victory.
Even once they made the Grand Final, they were forced to claw their way back into contention, snatching momentum late and running through with it all the way to the premiership dais.
After also winning the Premier B flag last season, and having its Premier C side go through the regular season unbeaten, Morwell will surely be keen to demonstrate its power, now on a larger scale.
Jordan Campbell moves into his fourth season as captain, with the core of his premiership team going around again.
Ex Students
Last season: Runner-up (TDCA)
Captain: James Pryde
Ins/Outs: No significant changes
Ex Student’s teams: Premier A, Prem B, Prem C
AH Ex Students, so nice of you to join us.
For as long as there was two cricket leagues in the area, so too was there talk of how strong Ex Students were.
Their strength in the TDCA was undeniable – they made every Grand Final for the last 11 years and won six flags.
Names such as Lee Stockdale, Michael Warne, Jackson McMahon, Rick Battista, Rob Voss, Andy Matthews and continuing skipper James Pryde have led the way in recent years, along with the likes of now departed Sharks Jordan Gilmore and Greg Munro.
With names like those, it is little wonder the Sharks have been so dominant.
Perhaps they’ve been too dominant, which has been part of the reason the new league was formed.
But equally, perhaps they are just that good. In any case, here is their chance to prove how strong they really are..
MTY Raiders
Last season: Runner-up (LVDCL Premier A)
Captain: Liam Maynard
Coaches: Liam Maynard and George Cheshire
Ins: Luke Thornton (England), Tom Spurr (England), Boyd Bailey (Drouin), Tom Robertson (Ellinbank)
Outs: Madura Perera
Teams: Premier A, B Grade, C Grade (combined with Thorpdale)
RAIDERS look to have assembled a competitive list, and will be aiming to get back on the Grand Final stage.
The team from Yinnar was able to compete and develop at the same time last season, as veterans such as Mick Higgins, Madura Perera and captain Liam Maynard worked in tandem with youngsters Ben Burrows, Clancy Mills, Harry McColl and Tim Hutchinson.
Another season should see those youngsters progress further, many of whom have already put promising performances on the board in A Grade.
However, the way in which the Grand Final ended last season could still leave some wounds from those inside the Raiders camp.
Maynard cut a sombre figure at the post-match presentation last season, knowing the team had let a golden opportunity slip.
Raiders needed just 40 runs with six wickets in hand – and then lost 6-19.
The team will be without Perera to open the bowling, but could throw the new rock to left-arm quick Boyd Bailey.
Bailey, the Morwell Football-Netball Club senior playing-coach, has agreed to play cricket with Raiders this season, in what is more than likely a diplomatic deal.
With Yinnar the home of some promising young footballers who happen to play cricket, one can draw their own conclusion as to what Bailey will be talking to them about while Raiders are batting.
Toongabbie
Last season: Fourth (TDCA)
Captain/coach: Keenan Hughes
Ins: Sean Pickles (England), Sean Ryan (England), Dean Jones.
Outs: Ben Fleming (Traralgon West)
Teams: Premier A, Premier B, C Grade
LEFT-ARM quick Keenan Hughes will lead Toongabbie this season, in what will be his third season at the helm.
The Rams bowed out of TDCA finals last season almost as quickly as they got in – smashed by 10 wickets.
Coming into a new competition, Toongabbie will be out to avoid a repeat performance, and with a couple of Poms in the side, should offer honest competition.
Sam Moran will assist Hughes, and he will be somewhat familiar with a few of his new opponents, having spent a short time with Moe a few years ago.
Left arm orthodox Matt Barry continued his upward trajectory last season, and could be set for a big return this summer.
With Toongabbie now part of CLV, the league is now home to one of the most picturesque grounds in Gippsland.
You have to have a Grand Final there surely.
Moe
Last season: Fourth (LVDCL Premier A)
Captain: Noah Kane
Coach: Andrew Philip
Ins: Benn Zomer (Latrobe), Joel Mitchell (returning).
Outs: None
Teams: Premier A, Premier B, Premier C
MIGHT as well learn from the best.
Moe’s greatest batsman, possibly cricketer, Andrew Philip has been named coach of the Lions this season, and will work alongside returning captain and wicket-keeper Noah Kane.
Philip takes over from Pat Spiteri, who has done four seasons in the coaches chair. There will be a degree of familiarity for returning Moe players this season, as those three names have been around the club for years.
Philip brings a cricket resume long enough to fill up this entire newspaper, but from a playing perspective, he is likely to hold down first-drop yet again. Moe should benefit from having gun left hand bat Joel Mitchell back in the team, while Scotsman Callum Grant is also coming back to bowl his left arm orthodox.
The Lions have also added another left hander in Benn Zomer from Latrobe.
Zomer has hit a few home runs for Moe/Newborough Baseball Club in his time, and his new cricket club will be hoping he can do similar during summer.
Moe lost a semi-final it perhaps never should have last season, after actually already having the game won after Day 1, only to crumple in scarcely believable scenes the next day to hand Morwell a reverse-outright.
The pain of that loss might still linger in the minds of some, and drive the Lions to avoid such a fate again.
In news that will surely boost morale, prodigal son Joel Jacovou is understood to be making a comeback.
Although he hasn’t played A Grade for 10 years, Jacovou was an elegant stroke player in his day, and could well demonstrate how cricket is just like riding a bike.
Churchill
Last season: Third (LVDCL Premier A)
Captain: John Keighran
Coach: Ash Bolton
Ins: Nathan Thomson, Ross Parker (England), Ryan Harvey (returning from injury)
Outs: Kian Farnworth (England)
Teams: Premier A, Premier B, C Grade
DON’T know why there was a coronation last May – we already had a King.
The King Cobra John Keighran will again lead Churchill as captain this season, and the team will again look to feature heavily in finals action.
Having been a powerhouse of the TDCA before moving to the LVDCL, the Cobras will no doubt be looking forward to renewing competition with their familiar foes.
Club president and favourite son Ryan Harvey is back from injury which kept him out of last season, and he is expected to do a job either as a counterattacking bat or pushing the ball across right handers with his left arm seamers.
Churchill has been busy adding to its list for season 2023/24, and is back to fielding a full complement of senior sides.
How precariously cricket can become may have been summed up when Churchill had to withdraw from fielding a C Grade team last season.
Of all clubs, the Cobras were one you would least expect to be struggling for numbers given their recent success.
CATS
Last season: Fifth (LVDCL Premier A)
Captain: Jamie Cochrane
Coach: Harry Moore
Ins: Harry Moore (Geelong), Paul McGill (Carrum)
Outs: Dylan Keyhoe (Gormandale)
Teams: Premier A, B Grade, Premier C
NOT much has changed at CATS, although they will need someone else to stand behind the sticks, after wicket-keeper Dylan Keyhoe left to join Gormandale.
CATS survived relegation last season, and new skipper Jamie Cochrane will be out to not only push for finals, but to also avoid finding his team in a relegation battle come the last round.
The team from Traralgon South has had a relatively quiet offseason on the recruiting front, but has snared a coach in Harry Moore from the Geelong area.
Moore has some connection to CATS, with his brother Jack having played at the club a decade ago.
CATS have been busier on the facilities front, with new nets at their home ground and a new fence at Wes Pump Oval over in the Callignee bush.
Latrobe
Last season: Sixth (LVDCL Premier A – relegated)
Captain/coach: Steven Freshwater
Ins: None
Outs: Benn Zomer (Moe), Anu Meenakshi (Imperials), Tyron Gamage (Centrals), Hiran Rajapakse (Centrals), Lachy Dobson (Mirboo North)
Teams: A Grade, B Grade, C Grade
WHAT goes around comes around.
Latrobe has suffered a mass exodus, and as a result, could be in for a torrid time this summer.
In a double-blow, both the captain and coach from last season have departed – and to other clubs within the league mind you. Benn Zomer has defected to Moe, while coach Lachlan Dobson is headed up the hill to Mirboo North.
Latrobe veteran Steve Freshwater has admirably put up his hand to lead what will no doubt be a very young side, topped up with some names from yesteryear who perhaps (in the greatest respect) shouldn’t be playing A Grade.
Luckily for Latrobe, local cricket legend Anthony Bloomfield is still around, and given his competitiveness, teams coming up against the Sharks will still have plenty to consider when he is at the crease.
Zimbabwean big hitter Ronnie Chokununga is also still playing, and could single-handedly decide a game if he gets going.
Therein however lies the problem for Latrobe, and it is not too outlandish to suggest Bloomfield and Ronnie will have to shoulder most of the workload this season if the Sharks are to be any chance of winning some games.
As there is only so much they can do (especially Bloomfield who is now into his 50’s), those chances don’t look overly positive.
Something that does look positive though is the number of father and sons that might get to play more A Grade this season, including Jacob Bloomfield with his old man, and Liam Duncan alongside dad and long time Latrobe wicket-keeper Adam.
On the other hand, to play devil’s advocate, given many people’s memories of Latrobe are only of the Sharks handing out routine thrashings opponents could well be motivated to return serve this season.
Mirboo North
Last season: Premier (LVDCL A Grade – promoted)
Captains: Jed Alexander and Zac Hollis
Ins: Ben Heath (Jeeralang-Boolarra), Lachlan Dobson (Latrobe), Brad Aitken (Willow Grove)
Outs: None
Teams: Premier A, Premier B, Premier C
THEY’LL do something miraculous.
They just have to – because they’re Mirboo North.
The Tigers’ time in A Grade was incredibly brief – just one season, as they won the premiership to gain promotion.
That however only tells part of the story.
Mirboo North finished the regular season in fourth, a whole 24 points off top spot – and in fact only actually scored 28 more runs than the team that finished last.
But, as they have done so many times before (in cricket and footy actually), the Tigers got into a Grand Final (just), and then played best when it mattered most.
Mirboo North enters Premier A with some new batsman, welcoming Brad Aitken and Ben Heath back to his old club.
The Tigers have also managed to snare Latrobe’s coach from last season, Lachy Dobson, which should in theory assist captains Jed Alexander and Zac Hollis.
Alexander will be missing from the first part of the season due to work, but will filter back into the team, probably at a time when you are just about ready to write off Mirboo North’s chances.
If recent history is anything to go by however, you just don’t ever write the Tigers off.
Even in a practice game against Willow Grove last Friday, Mirboo North was 4/20 and managed to post a defendable total around the 150 mark.
Traralgon West
Last season: Runner-up (LVDCL A Grade)
Captain: Josh Monacella
Coach: Rob Wilkie
Ins: Ben Fleming (Toongabbie), Chris Glynn (East Malvern Tooronga)
Outs: None
Teams: A Grade, B Grade, Premier C
CERTAIN events mean more for certain clubs.
For Traralgon West, after years of struggle, to finally reach a Grand Final last season was indeed one for the true believers.
The moment completed part of a journey for the likes of Tim Fitch, Ben Edebohls and Adam Thow, in getting to a stage they may well have thought they never would.
However, it was indeed only part of a journey, and the challenge for Traralgon West now will be to go again to try and complete it.
The Eagles have turned to Josh Monacella to captain the team, and the energetic wicket-keeper and busy batsman will ensure great vibes partnering with returning coach Rob Wilkie.
Off spinner Ben Fleming is on board from Toongabbie, giving Traralgon West the option of taking pace off the ball from both ends through Reece Falla.
Whether or not the Eagles overachieved by making the Grand Final might remain to be seen, although (respectfully) their decision to pose for a team photo after beating Trafalgar in the semi-final last season could indicate a change in mindset is still needed to take the next step.
Centrals
Last season: Fourth (LVDCL A Grade)
Captain: Tye Hourigan
Coach: Rob Webber
Ins: Tyron Gamage (Latrobe), Hiran Rajapakse (Latrobe)
Outs: Joe Stuart (England)
Teams: A Grade, Premier B, Premier C
WILL this be the season they win a semi-final?
Centrals have had no problem reaching finals in the last four seasons – but have had all sorts of problems winning them.
The Lions have made losing semis something of an artform, often getting into winning positions only to drop the bundle.
Just last season, Centrals had Mirboo North 5/24 in the semi-final, and watched on later as the last wicket partnership put on 58.
Having run with an ageing first grade side in recent seasons, the Lions might look to bump a few kids up the order.
Lachlan Speairs has spent the last few years batting down the order, and could be one to move up to bat alongside skipper Tye Hourigan.
Centrals has lost import Joe Stuart turning the ball away from right handers, but has covered its slow bowling stocks by adding Dr Hiran from Latrobe, although he will spin the ball with the other hand and the other way to Stuart.
With Tyron Gamage also coming across, and likely to take the new ball alongside Rob Webber, the Lions might have the most experienced opening attack in the league, with more than a few tricks up their sleeve.
Rovers
Last season: Fifth (TDCA)
Captains: Justin Little, Lachlan Patterson, Ewan Williams
Outs: Tyron Bramwell (Gormandale), Mitch Floyd (Lonngford – in the Sale-Maffra Cricket Association)
Teams: A Grade, B Grade, Premier C
MUCH like the Sydney Swans, Rovers are running with three captains this season.
Justin Little, Lachlan Patterson and Ewan Williams will be leading Rovers in their inaugural season in CLV.
The trio will be looking to extrapolate on some good work from last season, that saw the team win seven games and only narrowly miss finals.
Rovers defeated Toongabbie twice last season – a team that it is now playing in Premier A.
Dougal and Ewan Williams proved their worth with the blade in 2022/23, finishing in the TDCA’s top 10, and loom as key wickets in the new competition.
Unfortunately for Rovers, there has been some off-field drama on the eve of the season, with Aaron Donoghue stepping down as president and player due to personal reasons.
Bryan Grant has taken over, and hopefully for Rovers’ sake, the episode does not distract players from their on-field endeavours.
Imperials
Last season: Sixth (TDCA)
Captain: Ryan Morley
Ins: Anu Meenakshi (Latrobe), Nila Thillekathna (Jeeralang-Boolarra), Ethan Jarvis (Gormandale), James Skingle (England), Tim Bell, Aidyn Moss
Outs: Tom Starkey (England)
Teams: A Grade, B Grade, C Grade
IMPERIALS have certainly gained more than they have lost, as they prepare for their inaugural season in CLV.
After leading the TDCA runs last season, Ryan Morley will be looking to set another strong example as captain this season.
He will be joined by a host of new players, including locals Anu Meenakshi and Nila Thillekathna, who will help sure-up the top six.
Thillekathna is joining his brother Dilshan, while Imperials have also snared left arm seamer Ethan Jarvis from Gormandale.
Morley said the new season offered an exciting prospect.
“This is the most excited I have ever been for a cricket season,” he said.
“The buzz around the club is next level, with everyone chomping at the bit to get stuck into the new challenges that lay ahead.”
Gormandale
Last season: Seventh (TDCA)
Captain: Matt Hibbs
Ins: Dylan Keyhoe (CATS), Dylan Freitag (Maffra), Tyron Bramwell (Rovers), Jefferson Daniels, Fletcher White, John Northey, Gael Greenway.
Outs: Ethan Jarvis (Imperials), Chris Lehner, James Jacobsen, Hayden Richards.
Gormandale teams: A Grade, B Grade, C Grade
GORMANDALE has been active over the offseason, looking to improve all facets of the club.
After their campaign was thrown into disarray at the start of last season, virtually meaning it was over before it started, the Tigers were forced to play a ‘get through’ season.
While that meant wooden spoons in A Grade, B Grade and no C Grade, the club is operating from a clean slate this season, and is looking on track to getting back to being competitive – much like the Gormandale most in local cricket circles are accustomed to, or have been in recent seasons.
The Tigers have appointed Matt Hibbs as captain, and have recruited wicket-keeper Dylan Keyhoe from CATS, along with fast bowler and former leader Dylan Freitag.
New president Brendan Peavey said there was much to be positive about at Gormandale.
“We have recruited strongly in all grades as well with our early training sessions proving popular particularly with the younger top end talent which has been very pleasing,” he said.
“There’s definitely a feeling of positivity and optimism around our club.”
Willow Grove
Last season: Sixth (LVDCL – A Grade)
Co-captains: Darcy Walsh and Todd Mann
Coach: Todd Mann
Ins: Todd Mann (Warragul), Tim Naughton (Warragul), Luke Payton (England), Brad Atkinson (Walsh backyard)
Outs: Brad Aitken (Mirboo North)
Teams: A Grade, B Grade, C Grade
WILLOW Grove are preparing for their second season in A Grade.
The Wolves have taken the step of appointing a formal coach, with journeyman cricketer Todd Mann coming on board.
Mann has made his presence felt around the club, and has already entrusted responsibility on leg spinner Darcy Walsh to work alongside him as A Grade captain.
At just 15-years-of-age, Walsh is indeed starting young.
Willow Grove has had two practice matches leading into Round 1, and with a full complement of senior sides, as well as two women’s teams (much to their credit), the Wolves are proving small clubs can attract big numbers.
With most players still finding their feet in A Grade, Mann said he was realistic about the season ahead.
“I’m just hoping to bring in a bit of structure … they didn’t have that last year,” he said.
“I’m not going there to change the club, I’m there to put in a bit of structure and go ‘okay, this is what we’re doing, let’s all be on the same page’, if we can all be on the same page, we’ll be doing something right.
“If we win one or two games I’m happy. I’ve got no expectations of winning six/seven games, I know it’s going to be hard.”
Willow Grove has a new England recruit Luke Payton who hits the ball very hard, but they will be without opening bowler David Bremner for the first few weeks, as he is having his appendix taken out.
Jeeralang-Boolarra
Teams: Premier B, C Grade
Coach: Jamie Brierley
B Grade captain: Glen Smith
Outs: Ben Heath (Mirboo North), Nila Thillekathna (Imperials), Shankajaya De Silva, Navod Edirisinge, Yashan Wickramarachchi.
JEERALANG-Boolarra has made the decision to drop its A Grade this season.
After losing a lot and gaining none, the Panthers will look to rebuild through the lower grades.
Jeeralang-Boolarra has been down this road before, having made the step up to A Grade in 2015/16 after a few strong seasons in Central Gippsland Cricket Association B Grade.
The Panthers should provide strong opposition in Premier B, with former Latrobe A Grade premiership player Jamie Brierley at the helm as senior coach.
Brierley will likely open the bowling with his seamers sure to provide more than a handful at Premier B level.
Thorpdale
Teams: Premier B, C Grade (combined with Raiders)
B Grade Captain: Kayne O’Connell
Ins: Travis Pickering (Morwell), Trent Gibson (back from injury)
GIPPSLAND’S greatest social cricket club are also pretty handy at cricket – well, B Grade cricket at least.
Thorpdale is again fielding a standalone team in Premier B, and will be out to get back on the Grand Final stage.
Travis Pickering is coming back from Morwell, in what is sure to be a strange dynamic for the fast bowler, who’s last game for the Tigers was actually a winning Grand Final against Thorpdale.
With the added teams in the new league comes an added challenge, and Thorpdale can expect tough opposition from the likes of Ex Students and Glengarry.
The Blues have made five Grand Finals in the last six seasons, and won two flags in B Grade/Premier B.
Any chance of having a go in A Grade boys?
Rawson
Teams: C Grade
THE Kookaburras will go into their second season since going into recess, fielding a C Grade team.
The quaint little ground in Rawson welcomed cricket last season, including an A Grade game, much to the delight of many.
Master and apprentice: New Willow Grove Cricket Club coach Todd Mann with A Grade co-captain Darcy Walsh. Photograph: Liam Durkin
Kings of Keegan: Morwell will be out to prove its worth in the expanded competition. File photograph
Coming for you: The TDCA’s last premier, Glengarry, is set to provide strong opposition in the new Cricket Latrobe Valley. File photograph
