Tara Murray
After a number of near misses, Melton South Royals will finally make the step up into Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 4.
With a number of changes in the off season, the Royals and Point Cook Centrals (formerly Sanctuary Lakes) were both given the opportunity to move up from division 5.
Royals president Paul Davies said the club was excited for the new opportunity.
“We accepted the VTCA’s opportunity to move into division 4 for this season,” he said. “Talking to a lot of the playing group they were keen to step up.
“We’ve been a consistent finalist for the last few years in division 5. It’s a good opportunity for us to move up and see how we go.
“We think we can be really competitive in division 4.”
The Royals had added a number of players in the off season, as they focused on another tilt at the division 5 premiership.
Davies said they believed the recruits, many who had come from higher grades, would be more than capable at any level of cricket.
Thilan Maduranga joins the Royals from last season’s division 3 premiers, Grand United. He’s a medium pace bowler, who brings lots of experience. Rhys Mutch also joins the club from Grand United.
Charith Ruchiranga, is a batter, who joins the club having played for Melton in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association and in VTCA division 1.
Charana Wedage also joins the club from Melton, who is a right arm bowler who is a consistent wicket taker.
Having played several teams in the division 4 competition in recent years, including three last season, Davies said they were confident they would be able to match it in the higher grade.
The move is a different challenge for new coach Blake Ivory.
“It gives Blake something different to focus on,” he said.
“We’re not going up to make up the finals, we would think we would be in the mix for the top four and winning finals.”
Davies said their junior program was again set to expand, with the club hoping to field at least one extra side.
The Royals also used the winter as an opportunity to reset themselves and ensure they are building for the future.
“We have had significant growth in our region in recent years, and as an active club we want to ensure we continue to grow and meet the demands of our evolving and diverse community, many of whom are cricket lovers,” Davies said.
“Our committee have been very active in the last few months planning and building for our future, however we can’t do it alone so we have been engaging businesses in our local area to join us on our journey.
“We would welcome a call from any business looking to connect with our club and a local sporting community”.
Details: 0418 535 211.
Tara Murray
