Tara Murray
Bacchus Marsh is excited for the new challenge ahead after being accepted into the Ballarat Cricket Association.
The Bulls are moving their senior men’s sides and junior teams into the Ballarat competition from the Gisborne and District Cricket Association.
Bulls president David Kraljik said opportunity to play on turf cricket was the biggest attraction to making the switch.
“We’re moving to a turf competition,” he said. “There is the opportunity to play on turf with the Racecourse Reserve development not this season, but the next one.
“That is the main reason. The BCA is a strong and stable competition, a turf competition.”
Kraljik said the location of the competition also made sense, with the majority of other Moorabool based clubs already part of that competition.
The new Bacchus Marsh Racecourse and Recreation Reserve development will have three grounds, including one with a turf wicket, and a new pavilion, with the Bulls to be based out of there.
The BCA has agreed for their top sides will play at Maddingley Park next season, while the Racecourse Reserve development is happening.
Kraljik said the reaction from everyone at the club had been really good and everyone was keen for the new chapter.
“It was certainly a unanimous decision made by the club and members,” he said. “It makes the move easier for us.
“There’s been nothing but excitement for us.”
Kraljik said the Bulls would apply for their teams to start in the first grade and then flow on through.
They would field one team in the one-day competition as well.
If the Bulls are successful in playing in first grade, they will be in the same grade as cross town rival Darley.
Kraljik said they were looking forward to playing Darley on a more frequent basis.
“It’s amazing and it’s a real positive of the move,” he said. “That cross town rivalry with Darley Cricket Club can really develop.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun in the build up to these games and we’ll try and get a lot of people down.
“There’s already a healthy rivalry.”
The Bulls last season made the semi finals of the GDCA’s McIntyre Cup, which they are hoping to build on.
Paul Baker will again coach the side this coming season.
Kraljik said they had already started training and they were excited about what is ahead.
Meanwhile, two former Cobras Samuel and Archie Lalor have been named in the Cricket Victoria under-19 male Vic Country emerging players squad.
