Things have continued to fall into place for South Morang with the club in the best position it’s ever been in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association.
The club continues to grow year-on-year with more numbers across juniors, seniors and its women’s program.
President Dean Parker said things were looking really strong at the club.
“It’s looking really good this year,” he said. “We’ve got two extra junior sides.
“We’ve got two veterans sides and ladies. Our second and third XI have both been promoted up grades which is fantastic.”
Parker said they had some of the strongest numbers that they’d ever had and the club was in the best position it has ever been in.
“We have a good team of volunteers on the committee,” he said. “It’s a family oriented club, which we’re very mindful of.
“It’s a terrific position the club is in. The club is growing each year.”
On field, the men’s side which plays in the Mash Shield has been building the past few seasons.
Karl Heckmann has captained the side in recent years as it had shown improvement.
With a change of competition structure at the end of this season, finishing in the top four is even more crucial.
“We’re not far away,” Parker said. “We’ve worked hard in the off season and what we’ve been building.
“[Finals] we’re realistic about that. We’ve come close the last couple of years and been knocking on the door.
“If it’s not this year, it’ll be next year.”
Parker said one of the most pleasing things was seeing so many players who have come through their junior sides now playing seniors.
He said they have a good batch of youngsters coming through.
“We have a young lIons development squad where half a dozen junior players are treated like seniors,” he said.
“It’s a pathway into senior cricket. The club has had great success.”
The Lions women’s program continues to go from strength to strength, with the club fielding two sides in the North Metropolitan Cricket Association.
Parker’s partner Jess led that program for a number of years before retiring this year.
“To have two teams, including one in division 1 is sensational effort by everybody.”
