With the Dandenong District Cricket Association set to begin from 8 October, below is the second half of the turf two and turf three club previews
TURF 2
DOVETON
2021-22 result: premiers of Turf 3. Without being the out-and-out dominant team of the competition, Doveton was in the upper echelon and won through to the grand final after beating Coomoora. Led by a century to opener Mitchell Daley, Doveton made an imposing 6/271 batting first before bowling first-placed Springvale out for 82 to earn promotion to turf two.
2021-22 leading run-scorer: Ryan Hendy (385 runs at 48, three 50s)
2021-22 leading wicket-taker: Nathan Wilson (23 wickets at 16, ER: 3.29)
Preview: Doveton’s competitiveness in Turf 2 will be intriguing this season, given their jump to the next level coincides with the return to two-day cricket, where experience and skill-level will shine through. Mitch Daley will captain the team and is one of five players Doveton had in the top 20 run-scorers of turf three last season – the club will hope at least a couple of those can carry their form into this season. Former Emerald opening bowler and late-order hitter Trent Rolfs has jumped on board for the season to add potency to the bowling line-up. Nathan Wilson – who will captain the side in 2022-23 – and Hendy, offer handy spin, Adam Read is a rapid bowler that can bowl scary spells and Kenny Smart is a workhorse medium pacer that adds variation to the attack, alongside Rolfs. There are some other potential post-Christmas recruits which will strengthen Doveton, but the weeks before Christmas may prove a grind – and put a premium on early season success if they are to challenge for the top four.
