Plenty Valley has its sights set on becoming the next Victorian Premier Cricket side.
Cricket Victoria announced last week that Premier Cricket clubs Dandenong and Hawthorn-Monash University will merge, starting in the 2015-16 season.
The merger will open up a spot in Victoria’s top competition, with Cricket Victoria to seek expressions of interest to ensure the 18-team competition remains.
Having previously expressed interest in joining Premier Cricket, Bats president Darren Callahan said last week the desire to field a Premier side was as strong as ever.
“There’s absolutely no doubt we’re interested,” Callahan said.
“It’s something we have been working on with Cricket Victoria for some time.
“There will be an expression of interest [to be a Premier side] in the near future and we will certainly be putting together a compelling case.”
Callahan said the club was in the perfect location for Premier status, being in the middle of a growing community.
“We take in the growth corridor of Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea and the area is crying out for a Premier side.
“We have a Premier women’s side and having a men’s Premier side would give us teams in both the top competitions in Victoria.”
Players in the Plenty Valley area are currently split among Premier clubs.
“Some younger players get letters from Greenvale, Northcote, Carlton, Fitzroy, Essendon and even Hawthorn-Monash University to come and play with them,” Callahan said.
“They have to travel to the city and it’s hard on parents. Some kids don’t get into Premier Cricket as their parents don’t have time to travel.”
Plenty Valley currently has men’s sides in the Victorian Sub-District [VSDCA] and Diamond Valley Cricket Association [DVCA].
“We’re a big club and were club champions in the VSDCA last season,” Callahan said.
“We’re the only turf club in the DVCA and would provide a pathway for players. We think we could compete straight away.”
The Bats women’s Premier side just fell short of beating Box Hill on Sunday.
Needing 156 for the win, the Bats were all out for 151.
