By Nick Creely
The Dandenong District Cricket Association has announced the turf fixtures for 2017/18 with cricket season just a month away from commencement.
Much like the 2016/17 Turf 1 season, there will be 11 rounds of the home-and-away season.
In total, there will be eight two-dayers and three one-dayers in a similar home-and-away format to last year.
Reigning premiers Mordialloc will tackle North Dandenong in the opening round, while new Turf 1 club St Mary’s has a tough task against grand finalists HSD at Carroll Reserve.
In the other opening round matches, Dingley hosts Berwick, Cranbourne travels to face Dandenong West, Hallam Kalora Park hosts Springvale South and Buckley Ridges faces Narre Warren at Park Oval.
Last year’s grand finalists don’t play each other until the new year in what will be a fascinating contest.
In Turf 2, Parkmore Pirates and St Brigid’s/St Louis will clash in what will be the marquee game of the opening round, while Narre South get the chance to wrong the rights of last year’s disappointment when they travel to face Lyndale at Barry Powell Reserve.
For the full turf fixtures from Turf 1 to Turf 7, log on to MyCricket.
The synthetic fixtures are set to be released in the coming days or weeks.
In other news, the Dandenong District Cricket Umpires Association is again putting out a call for new umpires for the coming summer season.
Umpires Association President Rory Ludowyk said it’s a great way for players who may have recently retired to stay involved in the game.
And dads who enjoy umpiring their son’s junior games might want to step up and officiate at a higher level.
The association offers training and ongoing guidance for new members, and there is good remuneration paid in all turf grades.
“Our Umpires Association has great social facilities based at Shepley Oval in Dandenong, and it’s a really welcoming group,” Ludowyk said.
Most matches are on Saturday afternoons with some Sunday fixtures as well.
Own transport is a must as the competition covers the cities of Casey and Greater Dandenong and also spreads into Kingston and Cardinia.
Although a senior competition, a Working with Children’s card is also required for the role.
The Dandenong District Cricket Umpires Association is holding its annual Rules for Rookies Night at Shepley Oval on Thursday 6 September starting at 7pm.
For further information contact secretary Graham Allen on 0402 881 042 or email details to secretaryddcua@gmail.com.
