By Nick Creely
There’s a new man in charge down at Berwick as it gears up for another crack at the Turf 1 title this season.
He bowls fast, is a clean hitter of a cricket ball, and has an imposing record both at Dandenong District Cricket Association and Victorian Premier Cricket level.
The Bears have named favourite son James ‘Maxy’ Wilcock as their new Turf 1 skipper, replacing the great Matthew Chasemore with the season just a matter of weeks away. Chasemore will stay on in a playing capacity.
Wilcock first debuted for the Bears’ Turf 1 side at 15 during the 2007/08 season, and took 5/24 in a semi-final against Parkfield that season, going on to eventually winning a flag the following week.
From there, the right-arm quick would eventually venture down to Shepley Oval and play with Dandenong, going on to play 99 matches for the Panthers for 145 wickets at an impressive average of 21.71.
And after 48 wickets in his last two seasons back at local level with his home club, the Bears are backing in their man to lead the group moving forward.
It’s been a busy off-season of recruiting for the Bears, who have welcomed back ex-State quick Andrew Perrin, who retired from Premier Cricket after winning a premiership with Prahran, talented leg-spinner Riley Siwes from Dandenong West, as well as champion Mordialloc keeper-batsman Damith Mapa Ralage.
There’s a few outs too, none bigger than reigning Wookey Medalist Ruwantha Kellepotha, who is giving Premier Cricket a crack with Casey-South Melbourne, batter Josh Holden who has crossed to Buckley Ridges, Brendan Rose who is also returning to Premier Cricket with Richmond, and seamer Cory Bevan is off to Knoxfield.
The DDCA season kicks off on Saturday 13 November, with the fixtures yet to be released at the time of print.
