Although the bat and ball season is still months away, there’s already been an early jostling of teams among the Cricket Shepparton ranks.
Murchison Cricket Club has made the move to the neighbouring Goulburn Murray Cricket Association, ending its 12-season association with Cricket Shepparton.
Hoppers president Daniel Aquilina said talks with the GMC after the 2024-25 season had been productive and explained the move was a better fit for the 151-year-old cricket club and its single senior side, which looks set to compete in D-grade.
“We think it's a bit better for our club,” Aquilina said.
“Obviously we have been in the CSA for quite a while and we’re just looking for a little bit of a fresh start.
“The shorter format that they play and the retirement at 50 (runs) we're hoping might spark a little bit of interest back from our older players.
“Better for our kids as well to hopefully introduce them to senior cricket as well.
“We spoke about it as a club last year about what we wanted to do; It happened pretty quick, to be honest.”
Murchison joined the Cricket Shepparton ranks ahead of the 2012-13 season before the merger of the Kyabram District and Campaspe cricket associations, with its latest move something of a homecoming.
Aquilina encouraged anyone interested in playing cricket with the Hoppers to get in touch on 0417 892 275.
“It’s a good social environment, a good bunch of people,” he said.
“We have a bit of a laugh and play some cricket on the side.”