By Nick Creely
The Dandenong Womens Cricket Club, in conjunction with the Dandenong Cricket Club, have announced that talks between the two clubs are progressing positively in their quest to merge for the 2017/18 season.
While there is water still under the bridge in the initial phase of the merger, the two Victorian Premier Cricket clubs are adamant that it will go ahead.
Members of both the clubs are still required to pass ‘Special Resolutions’ for a merge to proceed on an official basis, but the committees are both confident there is enough support.
Dandenong Cricket Club President Michael Findlay believes the merger is beneficial for cricket in the region, and will help strengthen the ties between Women’s and Men’s sport.
“We are two very proud clubs; proud of our history, proud of our home in Dandenong and proud of our shared vision to be leaders not just in cricket, but also the wider community,” he said.
“This process has revitalised members in our administration through the positive impact of the Dandenong Womens members.
“I can see that this merger will lead to a greater engagement with our cricket loving community.”
Dandenong Women’s counterpart, Kelly Applebee, is fully supportive of the proposed move.
“There is a strong belief amongst both groups that we will be stronger together and this is a positive move forward for the future of cricket in Dandenong,” she said.
With both committees officially approving the move, and with the support of Cricket Victoria, the City of Greater Dandenong and the members, the two clubs are formally preparing for the upcoming season as a joint party.
The first task the club is undertaking is appointing a new Head Coach for the Women’s team, a job assigned to newly appointed Cricket Manager, Sarah Elliott.
The 35-year-old champion cricketer for Australia, Victoria and Dandenong is excited about her new role at the club, and said whoever the newly appointed coach is, will inherit a list ready to pounce.
“For me this (Women’s Cricket Manager role) is an exciting opportunity to be involved in driving the future of this new club, an opportunity that applies to the Head Coach role as well,” she said.
“Through DWCC we have a long and proud history of producing some of Victoria and Australia’s finest female cricketers, whilst also being a leader within Victorian Premier Cricket.
“As such this role presents itself as an exciting opportunity to work with some fantastic young talent as well as already established Victorian and WBBL players.”
The successful candidate will get to work closely with highly rated Men’s coach Nick Speak, who took the Panthers to finals in 2016/17.
Anyone interested in the Women’s Head Coach role can see the DCC or DWCC website for more details or contact Sarah at dandenongwomenscc@gmail.com or 0423 415 336.
