Melton’s hopes of competing in Victorian Premier Cricket ended last week with Cricket Victoria announcing that no club will be promoted into the state’s top cricket league.
Earlier in the season, clubs around the state had been invited to apply for a vacant spot in the competition that was being created through a planned merger of the Hawthorn-Monash University and Dandenong clubs.
Talks between the pair broke down and the merger was called, off with both clubs set to compete in the 2015-16 season.
Melton was one of three clubs still vying for the vacancy, along with Werribee and Plenty Valley.
Premier Cricket strategy and development manager Mike Ronchi said Cricket Victoria would continue to work with the three clubs in a bid to create opportunities.
“This decision provides some clarity for the three clubs in relation to the immediate term (next season), while acknowledging that the process is still open beyond 2015-16 and will continue with each of the three clubs,” Ronchi said.
“Given the collapse of the merger, we believe this is the most appropriate response for now.
“All three clubs provided a strong case for their inclusion as a Premier club.”
