Drysdale returns to A1 in 2024-25

THE Drysdale Cricket Club’s first game since its return to the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association’s A1 division will hopefully take place this weekend, following Round 1’s abandonment due to rain.

The Hawks, who have been promoted following an A2 premiership in 2023-24, were denied the chance to bowl against Barrabool, but are fixtured to play Ocean Grove today (Saturday, October 12) at home at Mortimer Oval.

New Drysdale co-coach Luke Veitenheimer said the group was excited to get the season officially under way, despite losing four premiership players in Andrew Spengler (signed with Little River), Lochie Wilson (signed with Highton), Cameron Chisholm, and Rob Cutajar (retired).

“There’s a real buzz around the place, everyone’s looking forward to the challenge.

“As I keep telling the group, we have the ability to be serious contenders at the A1 level.

“Speaking to some of the experienced blokes from last year, the move up to A1 is something they have been waiting for, to go up against those established A1 sides. We can’t wait.”

Drysdale has also welcomed Jack Wilkinson from Heworth, Yorkshire in the United Kingdom.

Veitenheimer has arrived at the Hawks from neighbouring rivals Portarlington in the hopes of helping Drysdale to a solid finish in its first season back in the A1 ranks and coaching the side next to playing coach Nick Hallam.

Following chats in recent months with Hallam, Veitenheimer said he and Hallam’s vision for this season was aligned.

“I have a really good respect for the playing group, there’s a lot of mutual respect between Drysdale and Portarlington, and I have a lot of respect for Drysdale in general,

“The main enticing factor for me coming across was that push into A1, which was really exciting for me.

“I have a heap of respect for Nick as well, he’s a terrific player and leader, and after our conversations, it’s only added to the excitement, he’s sensational.”

Drysdale’s fixture with Ocean Grove this afternoon will start at 1pm.