Three sides just Dandy

By Gavin Staindl
THE DDCA has entered an under-12, under-14 and an under-16 side to compete for the Victorian Metropolitan Cricket Union shield against the best representative teams around Melbourne.
Based out of St. Mary’s home ground at Carroll Reserve, the three teams began the two-week, limited overs tournament on Monday.
After being knocked out in the semi-final last year and falling short in the grand final in 2009, expect another strong showing from the under-16 side this year.
Traditionally, the under-12 and under-14 teams have not performed well in this format but all involved are confident the two teams can push towards a top four placing.
The Dandenong region is well represented, with a total of 11 local juniors etching their way into the three sides.
While the youngest juniors are beginning their campaign, the oldest juniors, the DDCA under-21s, are turning their attention to finals.
The winners of the 2009 and 2010 Neil Wright shield began their quest for a third shield in early December but will need to overcome Diamond Valley on Sunday to advance to the grand final.