Senior newsletter

The New MVCC Committee

Moonee Valley Cricket Club has a new committee for season 2007/8 with some new faces joining the more experienced members in an expanded group.

The committee members are:
President: Sandro Capocchi 0405 956 185 or scapocc@hotmail.com
Vice President: Jim Polonidis 0412 305 205 or jimpolonidis@eaton.com
Secretary: Richard Cooney 0411 034 707 or richardcooney@optusnet.com.au
Assistant Secretary: vacant
Treasurer: Peter Fenaughty 0411 221 473 or wilga1@iprimus.com.au
Assistant Treasurer: Paul Comino 0411 278 121
Social Manager: Daniel Phillips 0407 841 819 or danieljphillips@iprimus.com.au
Merchandise Manager: Paul Hedjes 0412 991 005 or paulhedjes@hotmail.com
Equipment Manager Kevin Gardiner 0417 536 896 or gardiner.kevin@edumail.vic.gov.au
Canteen Manager: vacant
Junior Coordinator: Charlie Walker 0409 237 543 or graeme.walker@dhs.vic.gov.au

President’s Message

Well it’s that time of the year again, the season is less than three months away when clubs awaken from their winter slumber and start to plan the upcoming campaign.. Right??

Well actually I wish it was like that as I feel that this off season we have worked as hard as ever to prepare for the season proper.

Last season, the committee worked extremely hard to take our off-field operations to a new level and the success of that was reflected in a record bottom line result for the club. This season we won’t be resting on our laurels but will endeavour to “raise the bar” again and continue to strengthen the financial viability of the cricket section of our sporting club.

There have been a couple of committee changes this season with Richard Cooney coming on board as Secretary, and Paul Hedjes taking on the new role of Merchandise Manager. Daniel Phillips takes on the role of Functions Manager, a huge job that I’m sure he will handle with aplomb. I’m sure these guys will bring to the table a level of enthusiasm and experience that will only add to the dynamics of our committee. Good luck guys.

Having said that there are still a couple of positions available if anyone “out there” feels they can devote a bit of time and knowledge to continue the growth of our club. The positions of Sponsorship Manager, Canteen Manager and Assistant Secretary are available. Please contact myself on 0405956185 or sandro@clbtraining.com to discuss options.

I am glad to announce that Lou Raffaele has been appointed Coach of our club. Lou brings with him a wealth of experience and success that I’m confident will flow through our playing list and on field performances.

Regarding our playing list, in conjunction with Lou, we have recruited heavily to help increase the level of talent and skill at the club. This will have a flow on effect through all the grades which in turn hopefully leads to more victories which is really what we all play for.

There will be changes to our membership structure which will be detailed later in the letter. If there are any queries about this please feel free to contact me and discuss any ideas or concerns.

We will continue to put on a free BBQ every match report night and Dan Phillips has some great ideas for keeping people at the club including having a permanent juke-box, happy hours etc.Finally, don’t be shy in asking mates and work colleagues to join our club.

With the advent of a senior women’s side it now opens up an opportunity for your better halves to join up as well.

Again, welcome to the new season and I’m sure you are all looking forward to improving on our last season’s performances and continue enjoying the friendships that our great club provides. Cheers.

Our New Coach

MVCC has a new coach for season 2007/8, Lou Raffaele. Lou joins the club as a playing coach.

He started playing club cricket in 1984/85 with St.Paul's C.C (which is now known as Seabrook) and played there for three seasons. From there he went to West Newport C.C. for eight seasons, being part of a premiership team in 1994/95, before leaving and going back to Seabrook C.C. for one year in 1995/96.

Lou commenced coaching in the 1996/97 season, playing as a captain/coach at Bellbridge C.C., which is now Hoppers Crossing C.C. Lou played at Bellbridge for five seasons making the semi finals in all 5 seasons and winning 2 premierships.

From there Lou joined East Coburg C.C. in the Moreland Moonee Valley Association and played there for four seasons. As captain/coach Lou was part of a premiership winning team in his first season, beating Moonee Valley C.C. in the semi final along the way.

In season 2005/06 Lou joined Epping C.C. in the Diamond Valley league and made the grand final only to lose it. Lou took a break from cricket in season 2006/07 to relax the body and enjoy the birth of his son. Lou is looking forward to his return to competitive cricket and says:

“I enjoy coaching in cricket as it gives me the opportunity to teach others who need advice and guidance. I have been playing cricket a long time, and no matter at what level you play, we can all improve. I believe Moonee Valley C.C. has enormous potential, and I also believe that another premiership isn't too far away.

“Coaching again gives me an insight into how players play the game and how players want to learn and improve their own game. I enjoy interacting with individuals, and I want to develop the club and its players to achieve the best they can. My coaching methods are easy and simple ... communication, watching, learning, achieving, enjoying the game.

“I as a coach always aim for high achievement - whether it’s the 1st X1 or the one day side - all are an equal part of the club. I will implement one on one coaching to all individuals, and I will construct a training schedule that involves all facets of the game ... batting, bowling, catching, throwing etc. All clubs have senior leaders, and with their help, I will implement training drills that are fun and enjoyable.

“All in all, I’m looking forward to playing at MVCC and I also look forward to a successful season for all."

Senior Team Captains

Applications for Captain for all senior sides are now open. Do not hesitate to discuss your interest with any of the Committee members. Prospective captains should note that Captains will be expected to play the season in their grade unless both the Match Committee and the Captain agree to any change.

Applications IN WRITING to: mooneev@club.cricketvictoria.com.au 

Applications close 18th September.

MVCC Club Memberships for Season 2007/08

Memberships for the new season are now open. Members have two options for payment this year - pay a flat rate or pay-to-play.

Option A – A flat rate membership fee of $250 will apply and no match fees will be charged. This is a potential saving of $95 over a full season and includes membership of the Moonee Valley Sporting Club. Full fees must be paid by the Thursday night before the first senior game on 6th October.

A concessional rate of $145 applies for full-time students, unemployed and pensioners.

Option B – A pay-to-play membership fee of $20 per day will be made for all games during the season. Members who are more than 1 week in arrears with fees will not be picked to play.

A concessional rate of $10 per day applies for full-time students, unemployed and pensioners.

Members who do not choose to pay their full fees by Thursday 4th October will automatically default to the pay-to-play option. Membership fees are the lifeline of our club and prompt payment will help us to establish the new training nets at Ormond Park and provide new training equipment. This will benefit all members and provide for a better experience at training.

The fees also help us to provide kit for our new men’s and women’s teams this year.

Pre-Season Training Schedule

Pre season training will commence with indoor net sessions on Sundays during August. September dates will follow.

VENUES
Maddocks Sports Centre, Unit 12/640 Geelong Road, Brooklyn.
Ormond Park: Home Ground

SCHEDULE:
Sunday 5th August - Maddocks Sports Centre 11 - 12
Sunday 12th August - Maddocks Sports Centre 11 - 12
Sunday 19th August - Maddocks Sports Centre 11 - 12
Sunday 26th August - Maddocks Sports Centre 11 - 12
Sunday 26th August - Ormond Park 12 onwards. BBQ and Meet the coach.

The cost will be around $5 per player. Any queries please call Sandro 0405 956 185. Please bring your own training gear.

Junior Registration Day

This will be at Ormond Park on Sunday 26th August. Senior players are invited to attend the BBQ, meet the juniors and the new senior coach.

This is an important day for the whole MVCC community so please come along and join the fun.


Sandro Capocchi.
President.