LEADING EDGE VICTORIAN TURF ASSOCIATION (VTCA) - OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER

VTCA WET WEATHER TELEPHONE INFORMATION SERVICE Saturday Competition : 9517 6688 Sunday Competition : 9517 9288

Issue 108, October 2015 Editor : John McNamara Email : [email protected]

FROM THE Remember that this is your association have this season newsletter so we are really introduced a localised seconds EDITOR keen to publish interesting division in the North / West Welcome to the first edition of stories from our clubs and incorporating the North / West the Leading Edge for Season more importantly the many Senior Division clubs and a 2015/16. From the outset may I wonderful personalities that South Division seconds with congratulate Brian Quinn for make up cricket clubs. Every the South Senior Division his incredible run as editor of club has a multitude of legends seconds. the Leading Edge for a with great stories to tell. marvellous 107 editions. “This concept has been John McNamara - Editor something a number of clubs Sadly Brian has decided to have been wanting for some retire from the publication VTCA PRESIDENT time now, we think we have however he went out in style produced a good model which with his mammoth 64 page end EXCITED BY the clubs will enjoy of season edition last year. SEASON AHEAD participating in. If this makes it Brian from all associated VTCA President Steve easier for clubs to retain within the VTCA, I wish you McNamara now in his fourth players, then it can only be a an enjoyable retirement and year leading the association is good thing”, the president said. clearly I have some very large really looking forward to this McNamara was also pleased to boots to fill. season coming. “I must say have several new clubs affiliate that I have been really looking Thank you again for your sides into the VTCA this year. forward to this season many years of dedication and commencing, for some reason “The VTCA are thrilled to commitment to the VTCA and it has felt like such a long off welcome sides from newly for publishing such an season but now with games merged Premier Cricket club outstanding read over all those getting under way, the huge Kingston / Hawthorn, along years. amount of work done by our with one day teams from Sub IF YOU HAVE A board is behind us and now it’s District clubs Roxburgh Park / just about the games”, he said. Broadmeadows, Sunshine, GOOD YARN…. Altona and Ormond. This I urge all clubs, if you have an McNamara continued, “We are shows the diversity we offer interesting story to tell or really looking forward to throughout our grades that someone within your club who seeing how this summer pans these clubs from other has achieved something special out, we expect strong associations are drawn to what throughout the year to please competition throughout all we can offer. I wish each of shoot us a line via email so we divisions and it looks like all these clubs every success for can publish your story in a will be very competitive”. the season ahead and in the future edition of the Leading With travel having been an future”. Edge Newsletter. issue for a number of clubs within their 2nd XI’s, the

Issue 108, October 2015 Editor : John McNamara Email : [email protected]

When queried on his thoughts SENIOR DIVISION on premiership favourites for Senior, South and North / West It is always difficult to make divisions he had this to say, early predictions and inevitably “Very hard to predict this early the writer ends up with egg on however in Senior Div I would his face but in for a penny, in expect the usual suspects for a pound here goes; Yarraville Club, South Caulfield and Beaumaris to be After falling narrowly short in right up there, but I am recent summers to the all- expecting newly promoted conquering powerhouse that is Doutta Stars and Bonbeach / the Yarraville Club, it appears Tangy to be immediately that South Caulfield may have competitive”. finally settled on a title winning formula. “In South Division I imagine Moorabbin Park, Old Having added South Division Hard to imagine otherwise but Mentonians, Kingston / Fred Jamieson Medallist and can stalwarts like Baker, Hawthorn and Port Melbourne Port Melbourne gun Matthew Tupper, Contessa and co have to be there about. I think Daykin along with a couple of the drive to deliver the club the Chelsea may come back to the interstate recruits, it appears three peat? field after losing a few of their the lads from South Caulfield premiership side”. really fancy their chances. Probably the other interesting question in Senior Division this “North Division will be Providing their Sri Lankan season is how will the two interesting. Keilor will be contingent can again be the promoted clubs in Doutta Stars smarting from their poor finals dominating force of recent and Bonbeach / Tangy showing last season and will be seasons, their latest additions preform? out to prove a point this year, may be the final ingredients to as will Airport West / St. finally allow them to climb the I expect both promoted clubs Christopher’s after being mountain of which they have to be very competitive. Doutta relegated from Senior Division. fell from close to the summit in who have the explosive West I think Spotswood will also the last few years. Indian Brenton Parchment push hard for a finals spot as It would be a brave man again leading the side, will well. With the recruitment of however to discount Yarraville certainly create some havoc some batsman this will provide Club who have won the past throughout the summer. a bit of support for Jeremy two flags and incredibly six of Bonbeach / Tangy have been Brown who had to carry the the last seven. load a bit too much last quietly going about their season”. Tremendously coached by business preparing for their tilt VTCA and of course Premier at Senior Division and “As I said earlier, it’s very cricket legend Michael President Michael Hogan will difficult to predict premiers, O’Keffe, the boys from leave no stone unturned. but I think we’re in for a Robert’s St will be still very sensational summer of cricket. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if hard to toss. both these clubs are Good luck to all clubs in all Yarraville Club have acquired immediately within finals divisions, enjoy your cricket. New Zealand born Hussain contention. I’m looking forward to getting Hanif as their major signing for around to grounds and Another interesting twist in our this season and no doubt the top division will be how watching some really good former Subbies quick will cricket this season”. Greenvale Kangaroos preform terrorise opposition batsman this year. throughout the season.

SEASON PREVIEW

Issue 108, October 2015 Editor : John McNamara Email : [email protected]

Having been relegated last WEST A1 I remember this joke floating summer only to win a reprieve with Hoppers Crossing PREMIER – Royal Park / around at the time which defecting to Subbies, can the Brunswick made me think ‘that’s so Kangaroos prove last season’s effort was just an aberration or BIG MOVER – Kingsville wrong, but yet so funny’. as some suspect the move to Baptists Premier cricket has depleted …………………………………… Q: What’s the difference their capacity to resource their between the Australian cricket VTCA side. NORTH B1 team and Pixie Skase? I expect they will have been PREMIER – East Coburg embarrassed by last year’s A: The Australian cricket effort and will bounce back a BIG MOVER – Pascoe Vale stronger and more competitive Sports Club team are bringing home the beast this year. …………………………………… Ashes… Not sure why and the history discussed above tells me I am WEST B1 probably losing my marbles PREMIER – Deer Park backing against the powerhouse that is Yarraville BIG MOVER – Williamstown Club but here goes; Imperials

PREMIER – Sth Caulfield ……………………………………

BIG MOVER – Doutta Stars ASHES TO Proud Sponsors of the ……………………………… ASHES…. SOUTH DIVISION Christopher Skase was an PREMIER – Old Mentonians Australian ‘entrepreneur’ who BIG MOVER – Moorabbin lived a lavish lifestyle in the Park 1980s, but it all came crashing ………………………………….. down and he owed a lot of NORTH / WEST people millions of dollars. DIVISION Instead of facing creditors, he PREMIER – Airport West / St ran off to the Spanish island Christopher’s of Majorca with his wife Pixie BIG MOVER – Laverton and never set foot in Australia …………………………………. again for fear of being NORTH A1 arrested.

PREMIER – St. Albans Australia last won a cricket BIG MOVER – Craigieburn series in England in 2001. ………………………………….. Coincidentally, this happened at the same time when Skase died from emphysema.

Issue 108, October 2015 Editor : John McNamara Email : [email protected]

WHERE ARE THEY In his prime Darrel was a breathtakingly quick fast NOW? – bowler and explosive left hand batsman. Darrel Brown Brown has lost none of his A new addition to the Leading competitive nature having last Edge is to find out what some season scored 502 runs of our former VTCA stars are including two centuries at 62.8 doing now they are no longer and snaring 27 at 14.9 involved at VTCA level. for the “Barnies”. COULD HAVE Former West Indian Darrel is married to Natasha BEEN “NO BALL” International Darrel Brown and the couple have two who represented Keilor, wonderful children with a third In 1975 at Lord’s this character Airport West / St. on the way. Brown has decided to liven up a slow Christopher’s and most indicated this will be his last day’s play by streaking across recently Hoppers Crossing in year in the whites as the hallowed turf and hurdling the VTCA is still plying his professionally he is excelling the stumps… cricketing skills in the Eastern in his new career as a Remedial

Cricket Association with Massage Therapist at Genesis second division team St. Fitness in Box Hill. Barnabas Saints. With Darrel’s son Eric already Brown 41, is about to displaying some of Dad’s commence his second season ability, it won’t be long before as / Coach of St. another Brown terrorises Barnabas in the ECA after a batsman around metropolitan star studded career in the cricket grounds. VTCA which produced many highs after immigrating to For all those batsman who Australia. have been battered and bruised by Browny over the years, let him make up for it by getting yourself down to Genesis in Box Hill for a soothing massage by the big fella. Notice the umpire is in a great position to immediately call “No Ball” if the exercise did not quite go to plan…. CAN A NEW VTCA RECORD BE SET THIS SEASON?

In 1989 Australian cricket star David Boon famously consumed 52 cans of beer on Kukri Clothing the 20 hour flight between Sydney and London. Brown represented the West Proud Supporters of This renowned feat had the Indies in three One Day the VTCA Umpiring editors of the Leading Edge Internationals, eleven First Panel contemplating how many cans Class and eleven List A games could be consumed on the between 2001-03. longest of road trips in our

Issue 108, October 2015 Editor : John McNamara Email : [email protected] competition; the return trip South Wales and Test at the Adelaide faced by Greenvale Kangaroos Western Australia Oval in the infamous on January 9 after taking on during my career? Bodyline series of Bonbeach Tangy at Bonbeach 4. The 2009 Ashes 1932-33, which Sports Oval. opened with a tense almost provoked a draw at SWALEC riot? I’m not sure who at the Stadium in Cardiff. 15. Which 36 year old Kangaroo’s enjoys a cool ale Final pair James made his test debut at on a warm summer’s day, but Anderson and a Cape Town in 2009 it could be an interesting return spinner survived 69 with figures of 0/149, bus trip by those in attendance balls to draw the never to play another if someone felt the urge. game. Who was the test? Naturally those in charge of the spinner? 16. I am an English Ashes VTCA would not encourage or 5. I scored 12 Test captain. I was condone such behaviour… Just match double nicknamed FEC thinking aloud folks! centuries, 5 more than (Future England anyone else. Who am Captain) due to my I? rapid rise through the 6. I have played test ranks. I played my last match cricket for both test in 2001 and Australia and South retired with a test Africa. I was also a average of 37. Who handy boxer. Who am am I? I? 17. What English bat

7. I have a highest test manufacturer made CRICKET QUIZ 20.. score of 257* and famous by Alan more than 400 test Border and Ian Do you rate yourself as a wickets? I am Botham in the 80’s is cricket quiz tragic? The first ………… rarely sighted outside person to correctly answer all 8. I took more test the UK these days? the following questions and wickets than anyone 18. I was the 1999 World return via email with your else in the 90’s? Cup leading run name and club to 9. I scored the first ever scorer. Who am I? [email protected] will International T20 half 19. I have more test score themselves a $50 century. Who am I? match ducks than voucher from Dan Murphy’s. 10. I was the most anyone else? expensive player in 20. I played exactly 100 1. I was born in 1957, I the first ever IPL tests and made my am a right handed auction? debut in 1993 for batsman who 11. Born in Durban South England? captained England in Africa, my highest the 86/87 Ashes. I also led a score is 167* Vs controversial rebel Australia. Who am I? tour to South Africa. 12. Which English Who am I? batsman scored 364 at 2. Despite playing my the Oval in 1938? last test 10 years after 13. Which Australian fast my first one, I only bowler was played four in total. nicknamed FOT and Who am I? what did it mean? 3. I have played for 14. Who was the Deccan Chargers, Australian batsman Kings XI Punjab, felled by a blow to the Middlesex, New heart during the Third

Issue 108, October 2015 Editor : John McNamara Email : [email protected]

SRI LANKA’S LOSS decision to move to Australia KEILOR’S ROAD had been made and he joined – WESTMEADOWS Westmeadows at the start of TO REDEMPTION pre-season two weeks ago. GAIN The quest for redemption has “I always enjoy cricket and already started at Keilor there’s not as much pressure on Cricket Club. me here,” Weledegara said. “I want to get at least 50 wickets Ahead of the 2015-16 for the season. Victorian Turf Cricket Association season, the Blues’ “We have seniors and juniors first XI went back to training in training together here. It’s early July. really good to see. In it’s only seniors.” Coach Danny Law with Chanaka Welegedara Fresh in players’ minds was a The Warriors are hoping to use premature finish to last season. Sri Lanka’s loss is Weledegara’s knowledge to The Blues had dominated the Westmeadows Cricket Club’s help with junior development. home and away competition, gain for the upcoming only to be eliminated in a Victorian Turf Cricket season. “It someone comes up for help, shock first-round finals exit. I’m happy to help them,” he After Chanaka Weledegara said. Leading into round one, Keilor was told he would not be has already had an early win selected in Sri Lanka’s national Vice-president Jeff Hubbard with the signing of Victorian cricket team, the fast bowler said he hoped Weledegara and Sub-District Cricket decided to move to Australia. Kamburugamuwa would form association all-rounder Chris a formidable duo. “I gained permanent residency Lee. six months ago,” he told The Warriors will play in Lee took 17 wickets and made North A1 after relegation from 194 runs for Moorabbin last Star Weekly last week. “Sri the North division last season. Lanka selectors told me they season. weren’t going to pick me so I Hubbard said he expected a big Blues coach Mick Andreadis decided to move out here.” season from coach Law, who says the addition of Lee will As luck would have it, a friend was in the best shape of his complement the squad as it of Westmeadows coach Danny career after an off-season looks to bounce back. Law saw Weledegara playing fitness campaign. and asked if he wanted to join “Obviously, we were Three Northern Wizards the club. disappointed with a semi-final representatives from last but, at the end of the day, “I spoke to people and it season have left Westmeadows we’re lucky with the sport that seemed like a nice club,” said to further progress their career. we play that you get the chance Weledegara, 34, who played 21 Ryan Blair, Clayton Campbell to redeem yourself,” Andreadis Tests for Sri Lanka. and Aaron Evans have all said. joined premier cricket side What the Warriors didn’t know Greenvale. “We will be trying to go one is that Weledegara already had step better this season. If we a connection with the club … The club is looking at make a grand final, I think that last season’s champion, developing will be par for us. Sathpath Kamburugamuwa, is several youth players to fill a good friend. “If we don’t make the grand their spots in the First XI. final this time, we’ll think that “Sath and I talked and he told (By Tara Murray - Star Weekly) in the last two years we have me they had nice people and failed. We see that as the nice schools and it was a good minimum.” place to play.” It will be a slightly different Sri Lankan cricket officials looking coaching panel at later offered Weledegara a Keilor this season with chance to train with the Sri Andreadis set to share the role Lanka A-team. But the

Issue 108, October 2015 Editor : John McNamara Email : [email protected] with Kaushal Lokuarachchi west B1-turf premiership in Stockwell said, acknowledging and Sean McManus. 2013-14. the side had struggled a bit since its promotion to West Lokuarachchi’s focus will Sunshine Heights president A1. The 2015-16 season will mainly be on the first XI, while Paul Stockwell said it was also be his first in charge after Andreadis and McManus will great to have Mahoney back at Stockwell took over from be in charge of development the club. former president Chris throughout the club. “Tim has come through our Hatzoglou. “In cricket clubs, the firsts juniors and was good enough By Liam Twomey – Star Weekly always get looked after,” to go off and play district Andreadis said. cricket for Footscray,” he said. “Now we are looking to try and “Now that he’s come back, it’s help the lesser-skilled players really exciting for the club. in the lower grades and help the younger guys transition “We approached him to see if from juniors to seniors. he was interested and we weren’t really 100 per cent “We have fantastic numbers in sure if he would take it on. juniors and we want to get them to play as much senior “We were rapt to see that he cricket as possible. was keen to bring some new blood and a young approach. I “A lot of clubs lose a lot of think it’s something that will juniors, so we want to retain as really drive us for the next few many of them as possible.” years.”

Liam Twomey – Star Weekly Mahoney is replacing Matthew Shawcross, who stepped down Young gun returns to from the head coaching role in the off-season. Sunshine Heights to coach Shawcross will remain at the club in a leadership role, as well as working with the Heights’ juniors. Sunshine Heights is also welcoming back premiership captain Dilum Samarasinghe, who is returning to the club from Sri Lanka. He will be joined by Saman Tim Mahoney and Luke Simpson have signed Gonawala, who won the club’s on at Sunshine Heights for the coming VTCA season. Picture: Damian Visentini ‘most outstanding player’ award last season, while A returning junior star is set to wicketkeeper-batsman Luke take the coaching reins at Simpson has also signed on. Sunshine Heights Cricket Club For All Your Sporting next season. “To get all these guys back will really improve our depth,” Goods Requirements, Tim Mahoney has signed on to You Can’t Go Past lead the Heights in 2015-16, Kookaburra. rejoining the club after a stint with Victorian Premier Cricket Australia’s No1 for side Footscray Edgewater. Cricket Gear. The 20-year-old has a rich history with Sunshine Heights, having played in the club’s

Issue 108, October 2015 Editor : John McNamara Email : [email protected]

GREATER knowledge of rules. We expect Players and other umpires a big year ahead. don’t really want umpires who NUMBERS IN over officiate”. UMPIRE RANKS Again if clubs have guys around who are no longer The former Hoppers Crossing The VTCA have put a great playing who would like to still player took on umpiring as a deal of resources in over the be involved, umpiring could be means to still be involved in off season to try and increase for them. The VTCA continue the game after the body told our umpiring numbers. with rebates for club umpires, him that playing was no longer so that can be a good start. an option. Having twice advertised through Seek.com and also via If you know of someone, get When asked about general an intensive campaign through them to give me a call”, interaction and dialogue with clubs targeting player retirees, Edwards concluded. players, Trewin said “It’s ok to the Umpires Department has have a chat but I have a little *Stuart Edwards – Umpires been swelled by new motto I find works for me, Director Ph. 0415 673 932 applicants. speak when you are spoken to Email. and answer when you’re asked, At a recent meeting up to [email protected] you do not need to be too twenty new umpires were in chatty”. attendance to talk through the process with new Umpires Pressed on his technique as an Director, Stuart Edwards. DO YOU KNOW umpire or if his style had changed as he got more OUR UMPIRES? experience he added; “It’s changed immensely, as a DARREN TREWIN former player you come in thinking you know everything but after reading through the rule book and watching other umpires and moving through the grades I have had to refine things – it has been a steep learning curve for sure”.

Darren credits his quick advancement to having worked Darren Trewin commenced in tandem with some umpiring last season after a tremendously talented umpires “We have been really pleased thirty year playing career within our ranks. with the interest from new which ended in 2013-14. Guys like Gary Tranter and guys wanting to umpire. Trewin started in West A1 last Gary Houston have been Especially pleasing is that season but proved to be so invaluable as was Nigel many have recent playing good at the craft he progressed Cowan, for their advice and backgrounds. These through to Senior Division and knowledge. historically make the best ended the season umpiring the “I urge anyone, particularly ex- umpires, so the VTCA are North Division Grand Final at players who have thought thrilled with the outcome”, Spotswood. about umpiring as a way to Edwards said. When quizzed on his thoughts remain involved in the game to “The VTCA have been really on what makes a good umpire give it a try. It is really good pushing a more professional Trewin was emphatic, “It’s watching a great game of approach with our umpires important to not get too cricket from in the middle, we which includes their attire, involved in the game and not have some great players in our conduct and of course have an impact on the result. comp and it’s a thrill to watch them close up”, Trewin said.

Issue 108, October 2015 Editor : John McNamara Email : [email protected]

Asked how serious he is with batsman – rarely and I mean Show them the respect they his umpiring pathway, Darren Very rarely will club members deserve and when the covers was keen to see how far it as a whole commend the come out don’t turn your back could take him. “I am curator on a perfect . and walk in the opposite interested to pursue how far I direction. can go. I would like to eventually move to Premier Give the poor old bloke (sorry Cricket and from there, who curators) a chop out and give knows?” them a hand – and more importantly offer them some Who knows indeed, maybe DT praise for the work they do and can one day stand in the middle recognise that the reason I just of Lords and we can say, I got out is not the fault of the knew him when…… wicket, but my frailties as a Next time your storming off club cricketer. the ground after being dismissed and the curator is the target for your pent up anger, just spare a thought to what has transpired for you to have that twenty two yards of turf to swing a bat on.

Generally your local curator be they council run or club I hope you have enjoyed my appointed get to the grounds first edition of the Leading early each day to ensure or Edge, as detailed earlier if you participate in the watering of have ideas for a story or think THE HARDEST the wicket square. JOB IN ANY there is someone we should be Often those big cumbersome talking to – drop me a line. CRICKET CLUB covers, which players hate This newsletter belongs to you, having to go near, need to be The person who most often is the club cricketers, umpires moved – naturally by the targeted with the most criticism and officials of the VTCA. curator on his own. and derision throughout clubs It has been enlightening and inevitably is the poor old Then of course there is the fun putting this edition curator. rolling, how entertaining that together, thanks to those who must be. Driving up and down No matter how many long made themselves available for and side to side hundreds and enduring and painstaking hours interview and who have helped hundreds of times within a go into wicket preparation, contribute in putting it season. How terribly exciting! from the moment he gains together. possession of the god forsaken As a current player I am as Have a wonderful season square generally from football guilty as any for blaming the everyone, enjoy the summer! clubs who have little interest in curator for my failings as a limiting traffic and handing batsman, really it can’t be our John McNamara – Editor over the middle of the ground fault can it? in reasonable order, the Email – armchair critics will always I must say however the curator [email protected] have an issue with what you is generally the hardest have produced. working and most committed person at any cricket club in It’s too slow, too fast, and too the country. flat or produces too much bounce. It’s too conducive to bowlers or is a road for

Issue 108, October 2015 Editor : John McNamara Email : [email protected]

The VTCA thank our trading partners for 2015-16