A new competition, a new president and a need for new players - Bagshot Cricket Club is gearing up for a big summer.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
For the first time Bagshot will play in division three of the Emu Valley Cricket Association.
New president Greg Hamilton said the decision to relocate from the Northern United Cricket Association to the EVCA was a tough one.
"The move to the EVCA was prompted by the decline in clubs and player numbers in the Northern United Cricket Association in recent seasons, putting in jeopardy the future of our club,'' Hamilton said.
"We're a proud club (formed in 1880), so hard decisions had to be made to ensure the clubs' continued longevity and secured future. So, we've put the future of our club back into our own hands.
"It was a decision made with heavy hearts, as Bagshot has played on the turf wickets of the NUCA for many decades. However, with NUCA heart-land clubs Kamarooka, Dingee and Raywood all folding in recent years, and other clubs regularly struggling to field full teams, we felt joining the EVCA was the best move for our club.
"We hope the NUCA is able to keep going and regain strength in club and player numbers."
While the EVCA competition is played on hard wickets, Hamilton said Basgshot would continue to play home games on turf this summer.
"This season not only gives our club a new opportunity against different clubs on unfamiliar grounds, but it also allows other EVCA C-grade players the opportunity to play on turf,'' he said.
"Perhaps that would be a whole new experience for many of them."
Hamilton said the club would love to attract new players before the start of the division three season next month.
"Our player numbers are currently okay, however we do need more players,'' he said.
"We would welcome new players to join with us and enjoy significant opportunities to participate and contribute each week.
"Whether new players are bowlers, batsmen or wicket-keepers - there are opportunities available. If any players are starved of opportunities elsewhere, they will find their opportunities at Bagshot."
Players interested in playing with Bagshot this summer can phone Hamilton on 0429 376 105, or e-mail the club at bagshotcc@gmail.com
Read more: Catch up on all the latest cricket news
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
