President's Update - September 2023

Hi all,
​
Hope you are well and looking forward to the cricket season starting in October for the first time since 2019/20!
 
It has been a very busy off season for the club – please see key updates below:
 
Seniors program (including All Abilities)
For the first time, Seddon Cricket Club are introducing All Abilities teams into the senior program. The All Abilities program will compete in the Melbourne All Abilities Cricket Association (MAACA), where they will play six matches plus finals this season. The remainder of the senior program will include the 1sts-3rds on Saturday’s, the 4ths (one day side) on Saturday’s and the 5ths (one day side) on Sunday’s.
 
Yearly subscription discount
Along with 2022/23 registered players, the Club is looking for new and/or past players across our seniors and All Abilities teams this season. With that in mind, if any registered player brings a new player to the club this season, they will receive a $50 rebate after full payment of their yearly subscriptions. This rebate will also apply to new players. If you have any questions, please contact myself or Secretary Jeremy van Kruining.
 
Player sponsors ($250)
Over many years the Club has had a number of sponsors who have contributed to its growth and development. This season we again ask our members to help the Club attract new player sponsors. For $250 sponsors will have their corporate logo on a framed player photo displayed in the clubrooms, plus a ticket into the Reverse Raffle draw to be held on Saturday 17th February. Tax invoices will be provided upon payment. Please get in contact with Fundraising Director Brian Rooney (0434 220 590) once you have secured a player sponsor/s.
 
Fixtures
Due to issues with the transition from MyCricket to PlayHQ, the VTCA will now release fixtures this week. We can advise that the first match is on the weekend of 7/8 October and that the 1sts-3rds will play 12 matches made up of nine (9) two day matches and three (3) one day matches.


With the season likely to start on time, it would be great to see as many faces at training over the next two weeks. With the move to PlayHQ, we also need players to register and pay their full subscriptions before the 7th October, ideally ASAP.
 
Club Coach & Captains
As you may know, Hernie Isorena has been appointed Club Coach this season. While Hernie was Director of Coaching and Liam Braithwaite was Captain/Coach last season, after off season discussions with Hernie and Liam, the Club agreed to appoint Hernie Club Coach and Liam 1sts Captain. This arrangement will allow Liam more time to concentrate on the 1st XI, with Hernie coaching both the senior and junior programs. Best of luck for the season ahead Hernie and Liam.
 
At the September committee meeting, the Club endorsed the following captains for season 2023/24:
 
1sts – Liam Braithwaite
2nds – Sam Eason
3rds – Rakesh Bala
4ths – Jamie Smyth
5ths – TBC.
 
We are excited by the appointment of the above captains and look forward to on field successes this season. My hip pocket also looks forward to many “Docker Day” Saturday’s 
 
Social calendar
Social Secretary Jez Gray has finalised the 2023/24 social calendar (see attached). The first event on the calendar is the Band & Trivia night on Saturday 14 October (see attached flyer). After the success of this event last season, it is sure to be another hit this year! We recommend you start planning your winning table and bring along your dancing shoes (as it is part of the trivia night).
 
For the first time in many years, the Club is holding a Sportsman’s event - Sons of the West - on Sunday 19 November at Hardimans Hotel (Club sponsor). As we have lined up guest speakers Tony and Tom Liberatore, this is an event not too be missed. For more information, please see the attached flyer. To book tickets, you will need to do this via the Try Booking link below.
https://www.trybooking.com/CLNQJ
 
With the Club embarking on our 100th year this season, we are finalising our plans to share with you shortly. This will include a Gala Event at Yarraville Club on Saturday 6th April, as well as our centenary being the focus of the Past Players Day on Saturday 17th February.
 
New Cricket Nets Project
During the winter break, the Club has been in discussions with Maribyrnong City Council and our State and Federal MPs on the location and design of the new multi-purpose cricket nets as part of the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund grant. The Club recently endorsed the location of the new cricket nets behind the clubrooms on the condition that Council agree that the nets incorporate flood lights and Council supports the inclusion of an outdoor deck and additional new public nets as part of the Yarraville Gardens Masterplan (which will commence consultation shortly). Council agreed in writing on 13th September. Discussions with Council are ongoing, however we understand that the new nets will be constructed and implemented before the commencement of the 2024/25 season.
 
If you have any questions, please let me know.

Regards,
Leigh Davies
President - Seddon Cricket Club