With the season now just weeks away, Dandenong Cricket Club (DCC) launched its 2017/18 campaign in partnership with the City of Greater Dandenong last Wednesday night.
The City of Greater Dandenong’s support has included significant attention around facilities with councillor Angela Long announcing “it is only fitting that the Women’s First XI will play home games at Shepley”.
Cricket Victoria CEO Tony Dodemaide and chairman Russell Thomas were also on hand for the celebrations, echoing Cr Long’s sentiments.
“There’s exciting news in Dandenong”, said Dodemaide in a broad update of cricket in Victoria, “but also across the state it is an exciting time to be a part of the cricket family”. DCC Vice President Kelly Applebee recognised the vital, ongoing support of both the City of Greater Dandenong and Cricket Victoria throughout the merger, saying that it, “allows us to create opportunities”.
“It has been a smooth transition”, said Applebee. “It has been nothing but a success so far and we are excited for the future.”
This exciting future will unfold under a new look for the Lions, which President Michael Findlay described as a “leaner, meaner panther” incorporating the colours of both DCC and DWCC.
As well as looking forward to the season ahead, the night also celebrated the significant history of the club, culminating in the induction of a fourth ‘Legend’.
As a Life Member of Dandenong Women’s Cricket Club since 1999, Cathryn Fitzpatrick received the DCC equivalent only this year but has immediately been elevated to join Des Nolan, Graeme Way and Brendan McArdle as a Legend of the club.
Fitzpatrick, who grew up in the Dandenong area, has made an unparalleled contribution to cricket in the region and has an enviable record as a player and coach at both state and international levels.
Her achievements and contributions include:
- Six time Dandenong Women’s CC Club Champion;
- Una Paisley Medal 2007;
- 103 matches as player for Victorian Spirit (debut Jan 1990);
- 13 Test matches, 109 ODIs for Australia (debut 1991);
- Two World Cups as player and three as coach; • Australian Women’s International Cricketer of the Year 2004;
- Order of Australia Medal 2004;
- Honorary Life Member Marylebone CC, Lords 2017.
The night was rounded out with an update on coaches, captains and new players.
Key inclusions for the women’s XIs include Kim Garth (Ireland) and Jo van der Veen (South Africa) while the men welcome Jak Jowett (St Kilda) among others.
Dandenong Cricket Club
- Cricket Operations Manager – Men: Brendan McArdle.
- Cricket Operations Manager – Women: Sarah Elliott.
- Coaching Panel – Men: Nick Speak, Paul Boraston, Brett Forsyth, Craig Hillard, Darren Pattinson and Mark Boraston.
- Coaching Panel – Women: Cathryn Fitzpatrick, Megan Pauwels and Vince Cameron.
Captains 1st XI Men: Tom Donnell.
1st XI Women: Sophie Molineux.
2nd XI Men: Michael Sweeney.
2nd XI Women: Keely Pace.
3rd XI Men: Mitch Rowe.
4th XI Men: Mark Boraston.
